Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Social and Biological Determinants of Health

A postdoctoral position is available to study the social and biological determinants of health at the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) at Duke University. The candidate will affiliate with the Triangle Working Group on the Social and Biological Determinants of Health, which is composed of Triangle-area social scientists and biologists with shared interests in biosocial processes that influence development and aging across the life course.

Potential projects include investigation of socially sensitive biomarkers of aging and the effects of social relationships on morbidity/mortality, in a cross-species comparative context. The postdoc will work directly with a Duke-based faculty member of the working group, but will have the opportunity to interact with all members of the group, as well as with the dynamic set of population researchers at SSRI and Duke more broadly.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in the social or biological sciences. Requirements include outstanding skills in data analysis, writing and oral communication, and the ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team-oriented environment. Candidates with experience in population-based database analysis, biodemography, social behavioral research (human or animal model), or comparative analysis across species are particularly encouraged to apply.

The position is for one year with the possibility of extension.  Compensation will follow NIH NRSA postdoctoral stipend levels.

Applicants should submit a letter (email) of interest outlining experience and research goals, as well as a CV and the names and contact information of three references to Jenny Tung (jenny.tung@duke.edu) and Angela O'Rand (aorand@soc.duke.edu). In the cover letter, please identify working group member(s), including at least one faculty member based at Duke, with shared research interests.

Current Triangle-based faculty members are: 1) Duke: Susan Alberts (Biology, Evolutionary Anthropology), Dan Belsky (Population Health Sciences), Angela O'Rand (Sociology), Jenny Tung (Evolutionary Anthropology); 2) UNC-Chapel Hill: Allison Aiello (Epidemiology), Kathie Mullan Harris (Sociology), Claire Yang (Sociology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center); 3) Wake Forest University: Carol Shively (Pathology, Comparative Medicine).

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a diverse academic community.