Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genomics, Social Determinants of Health and Health Inequities

The unit studies sickle cell disease as a case study of a genetic condition with a history of inequities in research and clinical care. Postdoctoral fellows are expected to develop their own initiatives within the scope of ongoing research in the unit and participate in the training and mentoring of postbaccalaureate fellows.

SBRB is a research program within the Division of Intramural Research at the National Human Genome Research Institute, located in Bethesda, MD, USA. Our research focuses on a spectrum of disorders from those that have a major public health impact to rare genetic conditions with significant impact on affected families. We conduct research at the intersection of genomics and the social and behavioral sciences and train the next generation of scientists and clinicians in this domain. We approach research with a social genomics lens.

The SBRB investigates the role that social determinants play in creating disparities in risk, morbidity, and mortality of disease. The mission of the HDU within SBRB is to investigate approaches to translating new genomic knowledge and precision medicine into clinical settings without exacerbating health inequities.

Vence Bonham, J.D., is the lead investigator for the unit.

For more information:

• Social and Behavioral Research Branch
• NIH Office of Intramural Training and Education
• Postdoctoral Training in the NIH Intramural Training Research Program

Candidates legally authorized to work in the USA with an earned doctoral degree in the social and behavioral sciences or closely related field (e.g., anthropology, bioethics, epidemiology, genetics and genomics, health education, law, medicine, nursing, psychology, public health or sociology) are invited to apply. Preference will be given to candidates with established superior analytic research background skills, expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods, strong written and oral communication skills, and with demonstrated research interests in areas currently under investigation in the unit. Applicants must have completed their doctoral training prior to the start of the fellowship and have no more than five years of relevant research experience since receipt of their most recent doctoral degree.

Applicants should provide: 

1. A curriculum vitae
2. A statement of research interests to be pursued during training
3. Two writing samples 
4. Official transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework

Please send information, with the subject “Postdoctoral Application Materials,” to Vence L. Bonham, J.D., Associate Investigator (bonhamv@nih.gov)

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.