Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging

Scientific Opportunities

Open Rank Faculty/Scientist in Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities with Emphasis on Minority Aging and Women's Health

This position is part of the Health Equity Cluster in the Connecting the Community of Tufts Scholars (CCTS) program, jointly funded by the participating school(s) and the Office of the Provost/Senior Vice President. Faculty hired into this cluster will foster collaborative and interdisciplinary research, scholarship, teaching, and community engagement efforts centering on health outcomes for racially and/or ethnically marginalized groups, both locally and globally. CCTS cohorts will receive mentoring to advance innovative approaches and interventions to the ways they address health disparities and various other factors that impact health, such as structural drivers (e.g., economic, environmental), community context, healthcare, and other social determinants. Additionally, they will partake in robust professional development opportunities, which connect faculty to various resources and support structures at Tufts University.

About the Position

The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University seeks an outstanding researcher at any academic rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) to join our interdisciplinary team. The focus of this position is addressing the health of racially and ethnically marginalized older age groups, with an emphasis on women's health.

We welcome applications from scholars whose work aligns with these themes, particularly those exploring minority aging-related issues. Researchers with interests in the intersectionality of race, gender, and health, precision medicine, and/or artificial intelligence (AI) are encouraged to apply. Candidates from diverse academic backgrounds are invited to shape their research focus within the broader goals of improving health equity and health outcomes across diverse populations.

Potential Areas of Research

The position offers the flexibility to define your research priorities, though we are particularly interested in applicants exploring any of the following:

  • Advancing research on health disparities affecting racially and ethnically marginalized populations, particularly in the context of aging, chronic disease, and health span.
  • Investigating women's health inequities in diverse populations, including how these inequities intersect with race, ethnicity, and other social determinants of health.
  • Applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze large datasets and develop predictive models for tailored interventions to address health disparities and minority aging.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams at Tufts to generate impactful solutions to health disparities through innovative methodologies.

Qualifications

  • For Assistant Professor: A Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., biology, gerontology, epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, sociology, nutrition science, computer science) with strong potential to develop an independent research program and secure extramural funding.
  • For Associate or Full Professor: An established record of funded research, scholarly achievement, and mentorship in areas relevant to this position.
  • Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in research, teaching, and service.

About the HNRCA

The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) at Tufts University is one of six human nutrition research centers in the United States supported by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Located on the Tufts Health Sciences campus in downtown Boston, the HNRCA provides a robust research environment encompassing cellular and molecular studies, human metabolic research, and epidemiological studies.

The HNRCA offers extensive resources, including:

  • A 25,000-square-foot human nutrition metabolic research unit.
  • An AAALAC-accredited animal facility.
  • Clinical chemistry, mass spectrometry, biostatistics, and data management cores.
  • Pre- and post-award research support.

The Center is dedicated to promoting healthy aging through nutrition science, focusing on diet and physical activity. Learn more at hnrca.tufts.edu.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following:

  •  A cover letter.
  • Curriculum vitae.
  • A statement of current and future research interests.
  • Contact information for three references. Materials may be submitted via Interfolio at http://apply.interfolio.com/160747 or via email to centerdirector-hnrca@tufts.edu. Questions can be directed to Eleanor Davison at eleanor.davison@tufts.edu.

Members of underrepresented minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Tufts University is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its faculty, staff, and students.