The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles announces a Postdoctoral Research Associate position.  The successful candidate will conduct investigations around community-driven epidemiology for environmental justice in Los Angeles. We are seeking applicants with demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of under-represented groups. Research opportunities on multiple community-driven environmental justice projects focused on industrial pollution, health disparities, community science, and community engagement abound in Southern California. A substantial portion of our research is grounded in working with economically stressed communities of color and conducted in partnership with community-based environmental justice organizations in Southern California.

Our current and potential lines of research address health concerns of communities—especially those that consist primarily of Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander and African-Americans living under economic hardship and facing disproportionate adverse health outcomes from social and environmental disparities. Bidirectional work with communities, in particular those impacted by sources associated with the ports of L.A. and Long Beach (the largest port complex in the western hemisphere), is developing novel research translation tools bridging disciplines from epidemiology to social sciences, communications and the arts. A port source health impact assessment will be developed over the first year of the fellowship. The position is supported by the Southern California Children’s Environmental Health Research Translation Center, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Thus, innovative approaches for research translation and communication to reduce health disparities, address environmental racism and promote health equity, with a focus on children, are a key goal of the use of results from studies.

Other topics of Center interest include: a) transportation-related (sea, air, and land-based) air pollution and impacts on children’s health; (b) health impacts from “goods movement” facilities, including marine ports, railyards and inland warehouses; and (c) broader health and emerging concerns arising from land-use decisions such as locating industries (e.g. metal smelter or oil drilling) near homes and schools across the multiethnic landscape.

The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences is home to leading research programs in epidemiology and health behavior, with particular strengths in environmental health and community based participatory research. The Department is located on USC’s Health Sciences Campus, home to several world-class research groups studying environmental contributions to complex human diseases including cancer, cardiorespiratory and metabolic diseases, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Additional information about resources is available at https://scehsc.usc.edu and https://pphs.usc.edu/ .

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will collaborate with faculty from a variety of disciplines and community partners, and will receive advanced training in research translation and community engagement. Opportunities to develop presentations for policymakers, popular media, and infographics with community collaborations will be available and encouraged. Opportunities are also available for training in exposure assessment and environmental epidemiology, in grant preparation, presenting research in academic and community forums, publishing in academic and popular press, in working with the press, and gaining teaching experience.

Please include a cover letter describing research experience and interests; a CV; contact information for three references; and a writing sample (e.g. a recent manuscript or dissertation chapter).

Start date: Summer 2023. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

PhD in environmental health, epidemiology, sociology, community-engaged research or related discipline; commitment to community engagement and research, racial disparities and environmental justice; excellent written and oral communication skill.

The annual base salary range for this position is $64,480 - $80,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years Minimum Experience: 0-1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures and analysis methods. Preferred Field of Expertise: Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field. Skills: Other: Analysis Assessment/evaluation Communication -- written and oral skills Conceptualization and design Organization Planning Problem identification and resolution Project management Research Statistical analysis Skills: Machine/Equipment: Calculator Computer network (department or school) Computer network (university) Computer peripheral equipment Fax Personal computer Photocopier Supervises: Level: May oversee student, temporary and/or casual workers.