"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Child and Adolescent Nutrition and Physical Activity - PH 349"

Dr. Jennifer Sacheck, Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (100% FTE for a minimum of 2 years) to advance school- and community-based research in child and adolescent nutrition, physical activity, fitness, and chronic disease prevention.

This mentored postdoctoral position is designed to support the development of an independent research trajectory in intervention science, implementation science, and community-engaged research aimed at improving health outcomes among children and youth. The fellow will join an active, collaborative research environment spanning school districts, community organizations, state agencies, and national and international partners.

Ongoing research includes multi-level interventions to promote physical activity and nutrition, evaluation of community-based chronic disease prevention initiatives, and collaborative consortium efforts examining children’s fitness and health outcomes globally.

Training Environment and Career Development

The postdoctoral associate will receive structured mentorship from Dr. Sacheck and collaborating faculty and will be supported in:

• Developing an independent line of research within child and adolescent health promotion
• Publishing first-authored manuscripts in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Gaining advanced training in intervention design, evaluation methodologies, and community-engaged research approaches
• Preparing competitive career development awards (e.g., NIH K-series, foundation awards)
• Contributing to and leading components of NIH and foundation grant submissions
• Presenting research at national and international scientific meetings

The fellow will have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across Brown University and partner institutions, and to participate in consortium-building efforts focused on global child and adolescent physical activity and nutrition research.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of school- and community-based nutrition and physical activity interventions
• Conduct quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods data analyses
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications
• Assist with development of federal and foundation grant applications
• Support community and school partnerships and stakeholder engagement
• Contribute to dissemination of findings to academic, policy, and community audiences

Appointment Details

The initial appointment is for 2 years, with potential renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

PhD, ScD, or DrPH in public health, nutrition, exercise science, behavioral science, epidemiology, or a related field.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Methodological training in intervention trial research, evaluation science, or implementation science
• Experience analyzing diet, physical activity, and/or health-related data
• Content expertise in child/adolescent nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention, or chronic disease prevention
• A strong publication record relative to career stage
• Excellent scientific writing skills
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and community-engaged settings

Experience working with schools or community-based organizations is preferred.

Visas

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing research experience, career goals, interest in the position, and plans for pursuing independent funding. Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.
• Curriculum vitae
• One representative publication
• Names and contact information for three references

Applications should be submitted online via Interfolio.

The position will remain open until filled.