Job Description

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (100% FTE for a minimum of 2 years) to advance community-engaged research in nutrition, physical activity, implementation science, and chronic disease prevention. The postdoctoral scholar will be affiliated with the Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity (CHPHE) at the Brown University School of Public Health.

This mentored postdoctoral position is designed to support the development of an independent research trajectory in intervention science, implementation science, and community-engaged research aimed at improving health outcomes and health equity. The postdoc will join a major NIH-funded R01 study, "Evaluating a Statewide Community Intervention Model to Address Cardiovascular Risk, Diet, and Physical Activity," led by Drs. Alison Tovar and Lauren Bohlen. This research evaluates Rhode Island's pioneering Community Intermediary Organization / Health Equity Zone (HEZ) model across 14 local communities to establish data-driven, scalable solutions for community-based chronic disease prevention, healthy eating, and physical activity promotion. The postdoc will join an active, collaborative research environment spanning school districts, community organizations, state agencies, and regional and national partners.

Training Environment and Career Development

The postdoctoral associate will receive structured mentorship from Drs. Tovar & Bohlen and collaborating faculty and will be supported in:

• Developing an independent line of research within community engaged research focused on nutrition and/or physical activity
• Publishing first-authored manuscripts in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Gaining advanced training, including structured didactics, in multi-level intervention design, evaluation methodologies, implementation science, and community-engaged research approaches
• Preparing competitive career development awards (e.g., NIH K-series, foundation awards)
• Contributing to and leading components of NIH and foundation grant submissions
• Presenting research at national and international scientific meetings

The postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across Brown University, CHPHE, and partner institutions, and to participate in consortium-building efforts focused on community-based nutrition and physical activity research.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, implementation, data collection, and evaluation of multi-level community- and school-based nutrition and physical activity interventions
• Conduct quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods data analyses on dietary quality, physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, and implementation outcomes
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications derived from grant datasets
• Assist with development of federal (NIH, USDA) and foundation grant applications
• Support community partnerships, Health Equity Zone networks, and stakeholder engagement across HEZ sites
• Contribute to dissemination of findings to academic, policy, and community audiences

Appointment Details

The initial appointment is for 2 years, with potential renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Work Location

This job posting is for an in-person postdoctoral research associate, who will have the option to work in a hybrid format.

Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.

Visas

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

PhD, ScD, or DrPH in public health, nutrition, exercise science, behavioral science, epidemiology, or a related field.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Methodological training in intervention trial research, evaluation science, or implementation science
• Experience coding implementation strategies and/or behavior change techniques is highly desirable
• Experience analyzing diet, physical activity, cardiovascular health, and/or health disparity data
• Content expertise in nutrition, physical activity, obesity prevention, or chronic disease prevention
• A strong publication record relative to career stage
• Excellent scientific writing skills
• Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary and community-engaged settings

Experience working with schools, community-based organizations, or place-based, community-led intervention models is preferred.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter describing research experience, career goals, interest in the position, and plans for pursuing independent funding. Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.
• Curriculum vitae
• One representative publication
• Names and contact information for three references

Applications should be submitted online via Interfolio.

The position will remain open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.