The National Institute of Health-funded, Johns Hopkins Global Center on Childhood Obesity (JHGCCO) is seeking qualified post-doctoral trainees with a career interest in using systems science theories and methods to address childhood obesity, non-communicable chronic diseases, and related topics in public health.
The Center, supported by the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR), conducts both domestic and international research aiming to better understand the causes and prevention of childhood obesity and other lifestyle related non-communicable chronic diseases from a systems perspective. While based at the Johns Hopkins University, with investigators from five schools including Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, and Arts and Sciences, we also have multidisciplinary researchers at approximately 20 leading institutions around the globe. For more information please visit, http://www.jhgcco.org/
Applications are invited from exceptional individuals with experience building agent-based and system dynamics models who will benefit from involvement with training and research activities and who will contribute to the Center and the field at large. Women and candidates from under-represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. Trainees will be provided with training in systems methods and public health, opportunities for research, and involvement in diverse Center activities. A paid training internship will be provided.
Eligibility requirements
Candidates must have a doctoral degree (e.g., M.D., Ph.D., D.Eng.) in a relevant field and have demonstrated a strong track record of accomplishment and commitment as indicated by related publications and research experiences. Systems modeling experience required.
Application process
To apply, please send a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references (all as one PDF file) to the Center’s Education and Training Core (ETC) Program Manager Rosemary Mountain at rmountain@jhu.edu. The letter of intent must be no more than 1,000 words and should address the following points:
- What are your most important previous experiences that make you a good candidate for this training program?
- What are your long-term career goals and how would this program fit those goals?
- What do you want to focus on in your research, and how does that fit with this training program? Please be specific about particular skills, knowledge, or certifications that are relevant to your future career. Please also mention if you prefer to work with a particular Center faculty member.
- Why are you interested in research about childhood obesity and systems approaches to public health?
We will contact the references for letters of support if your application is selected for further review.
The application deadline is Aug. 14, 2013, for currently available positions in the Education and Training Core. Applications are welcomed at any time for other positions as they become available or to be forwarded to other projects and researchers within the Center.
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found at: http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-global-center-on-childhood-obesity/opportunities/faq.html