The Mozaffarian Lab seeks an outstanding postdoctoral fellow to work on original research projects toward supporting ongoing dietary quality metrics work. Areas of focus will include nutrient profiling systems (NPS) and nutrition and consumer health outcomes in the food system.
Work will include independent analyses with Food Compass, a novel NPS developed by researchers at Tufts University. By evaluating foods across 9 domains and using a unique algorithm to determine a score, we can assign a Food Compass Score between 1 and 100 (with 100 being the most healthful) to nearly any food. More information about the Food Compass NPS can be found here: https://sites.tufts.edu/foodcompass/.
Mentoring and training will be under the direction of Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, cardiologist and Dean of Policy at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University. The postdoctoral researcher will also work with a multi-disciplinary team in the lab and have the opportunity to interface with external national and international policy experts and other stakeholders. A major emphasis will be placed on leading original analyses and manuscripts, career development, and transition toward an independent research career. A competitive salary, benefits, and travel/educational opportunities in the interdisciplinary environment at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy are offered.
The postdoctoral fellow will work in a team-based approach with the PI, other project faculty, and the rest of the research lab to achieve the project aims. We anticipate the postdoctoral researcher leading at least 2 original manuscripts per year as first author and contributing to additional manuscripts as a co-author. Key project aims include:
- Supporting ongoing work and manuscripts, including related data manipulation and harmonization of large U.S. branded food databases;
- Leading analyses describing dietary intake in the United States using Food Compass and existing dietary data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the USDA Branded Foods Database, and others;
- Collaborating with the ministries of health of Ghana and Japan to adapt Food Compass to local food supplies;
- Collaborating with food manufacturers, international health-focused government agencies, nutrition-focused venture capital firms and coalitions, and other organizations to advance the role of NPS in consumer education and the creation a healthier and more equitable food environment.
Candidates from backgrounds who represent the diversity of the research workforce are encouraged to apply. This grant aims to recruit and support researchers shown to be nationally underrepresented in health-related research, including, for example, candidates from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups; from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds; or having disabilities. For more information on eligibility, please see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-20-166.html (accessed January 6, 2022). Candidates should be excited about thriving in the Friedman School’s environment which prides itself on productive, positive interpersonal relationships; an equal dedication to pathbreaking research and public health impact through nutrition; and a commitment to and strategy for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Preferred starting date is late 2022/early 2023. Candidates from all over the world are encouraged to apply who are willing to conduct their research work in the US, at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA.
Qualifications
Required education, experience, and skills
Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD/DrPH/ScD) or MD plus additional training nutritional epidemiology, public health nutrition, food policy, biostatistics, or related fields; as well as a record of original, first-author research publications in one or more of these areas. Candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills, strong quantitative/analytical research skills, proficiency in R (or strong statistical coding skills and the willingness to learn R quickly) for data management and analysis, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team with collaborators.
Preferred education, experience, and skills
Formal coursework and research experience are preferred in areas relevant to nutritional epidemiology and nutrition outcomes. An interest/experience in dissemination and translational research is desirable.
Application should include:
- Cover letter describing previous achievements, research interests, career goals, and why the candidate is suitable for this position (maximum 2 pages),
- CV including a list of relevant publications,
- Official copy of academic transcript(s) from undergraduate and graduate studies,
- Formal reference letters from at least two academic referees.
Applications should be submitted via Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/117556). Questions can be directed to Sylara Marie Cruz (Sylara_Marie.Cruz@tufts.edu). Applications will be considered as they are received.
