Associate Research Scientist

Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, is seeking an Associate Research Scientist to work with Dr. Nicola Hawley on a study of the genetics of obesity/cardiometabolic disease in Samoans. The appointment term for an Associate Research Scientist at Yale is a one-year renewable term. This position is available as of March 2017 and is renewable for two additional years.

The NIH-funded Obesity, Lifestyle, and Genetic Adaptations (OLaGA; Samoan for ‘lifestyle’) study will recruit 500 adult participants in Samoa to determine the effect of a specific genetic mutation on obesity risk, body composition, glucose tolerance, weight-related behavior (diet, physical activity, food responsiveness) and cardiometabolic health.

The successful candidate will be expected to work as a member of a multi-site research team to collect new study data in Apia, Samoa. The anticipated maximum duration of active data collection is June 2017-December 2018.The selected individual would contribute to the finalization of data collection protocols for the study and oversee their implementation; they will be responsible for the daily oversight of locally-hired research assistants; and preparing regular status reports for study investigators and Samoan stakeholders. During their posting to Samoa, there will be additional opportunities to work with existing data sets or to develop independent pilot research projects at the study site.

Following the completion of data collection in Samoa, work would be conducted on-site at the Yale School of Public Health, where the successful applicant would provide statistical expertise in the analysis of study data, participate in the preparation of manuscripts for publication, and contribute to new grant applications. The selected candidate will be encouraged and have flexibility to develop focus and expertise in an area of their interest related to the study data.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD, by the start of their appointment, in epidemiology, human biology, biological anthropology or a related field, and an interest in obesity, health behavior, or nutrition and global health. The candidate must be willing to spend 12-18 months at the field site in Samoa, should have excellent data management and analysis skills, good written and oral communication skills, strong organizational skills, and experience with primary data collection. Previous experience of field data collection in developing country settings, especially in the Pacific region is highly preferred.

We offer a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package. Travel to the study site will be provided as well as support for travel to relevant conferences.

Review of applications will commence on November 30, 2016 and will continue until a successful candidate is identified. Applicants are asked to prepare a PDF file that contains a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interest highlighting background, skills, experience and goals relevant to the position, and contact information for three references (who would be contacted during the final stage of consideration).

Please send your application and direct any inquiries about the position to Dr. Nicola Hawley, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases): nicola.hawley@yale.edu.

For further information about our school, please visit http://publichealth.yale.edu.

Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Yale values diversity in its faculty, students, and staff and especially encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minority scholars.