Career Center

TheHealth Disparities and Public Policy program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine invites you to apply for a non-tenure eligible position as a Research Assistant Professor.

You will work with the Director, Dr. Linda Teplin, and other faculty on two projects: (1) the original Northwestern Juvenile Project (NJP), a 30-year prospective longitudinal study of health needs and outcomes of 1,829 youth sampled at intake to juvenile detention.  We are currently conducting a newly funded extension of the NJP that examines the original participants (now median age 44) to determine the long-term health consequences of incarceration; and (2) Next Generation, a spinoff of the NJP which examines intergenerational relationships of substance use disorders, delinquency, and firearm involvement, as well as the consequences of parents’ incarceration for their children. You will collaborate on a wide variety of research tasks, e.g., supporting the development of grant applications to federal agencies and private foundations, preparing manuscripts (with opportunities for co-authorship), conducting systematic literature reviews and writing summaries, developing presentations, and ideally, providing guidance and training on assessments of mental health and cognitive functioning to the data collection team.

The position is initially offered for one year although multiple extensions are possible.  Northwestern University provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, disability insurance, retirement benefits, childcare support, and a competitive salary, dependent on the candidate’s background and experience.  Individuals appointed as research faculty are not subject to teaching responsibilities, though they may participate in the training of students in an area of expertise in which they are uniquely qualified. They are not eligible for tenure and cannot participate in the governance of the University. Please send your application to Joyce Ho: j-ho@northwestern.edu.  We will review applications until the position is filled.

Qualifications 

Applicants should demonstrate strong interest in and familiarity with epidemiologic research methods, with experience in longitudinal studies of health-related outcomes. Areas of focus may include Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, neurocognitive functioning, mental health and substance use disorders, and the social determinants shaping these conditions. The successful applicant will have expertise conducting research on adult development, risk and resilience, and in studying people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds such as people who have been incarcerated.

Applicants should demonstrate relevant training and skills including: 

• PhD or equivalent in public health, psychology, epidemiology, sociology, or a related field
• Experience with large federally funded studies
• Familiarity with quasi-experimental data analysis, large-scale longitudinal survey data and epidemiology
• Strong writing skills
• Participation and activity in the scientific community 
• Ability and desire to work in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment

Applications should include: 

• Cover letter, describing your research interests and qualifications for this position 
• Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
• 2 published papers, or equivalent writing samples that demonstrate expertise and fit
• Names and contact information for 4 referees with academic rank that is equivalent to or higher than Assistant Professor

About Northwestern University

The Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is a leading academic medical center and the medical school of Northwestern University, located in downtown Chicago.

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