Post-doctoral Fellowship in Systems Science in Obesity and Public Health

The Global Obesity Prevention Center (GOPC) at Johns Hopkins is seeking up to 2 qualified post-doctoral trainees with a career interest in application of systems science to address obesity, non-communicable chronic diseases, and related topics in public health.  The GOPC takes a systems approach to obesity and includes faculty from across Johns Hopkins University including the Whiting School of Engineering, the School of Medicine and the Bloomberg School of Public Health.  

• A one-sheet on our GOPC can be found here.
• A program from our recent GOPC symposium on social networks and obesity is located here.
• A recent article on our GOPC and systems approaches to obesity can be found here.

The application deadline is January 31, 2015 for currently available post-doctoral positions in the Education and Training Program (ETP).  The initial term of appointment will be for 1 year with the possibility of a second year of support depending on a performance review. 

We seek applicants who can work with one or more of the ongoing projects in the GOPC and who bring additional systems science skills and expertise.  Primary consideration will be given to applicants from either a computational modeling (e.g., computer science, engineering, economics, or mathematics) or a public health (e.g., health policy, human nutrition, epidemiology, or chronic disease) background with experience developing and using 1 or more systems science models such as agent-based models, system dynamic models, network models, or Markov process models.  Applicants from engineering, math, computer science, or economics backgrounds must demonstrate application of systems models to public health-related problems.  Applicants with a public health background must demonstrate experience in some domain of systems science modeling. 

The successful applicant will have at least one first-authored, peer reviewed publication involving systems models.  Women and candidates from under-represented minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. Trainees will be provided with opportunities for collaboration and skill development in the systems science/public health intersection.  A paid traineeship will be provided at a level consistent with other NIH training grant programs. Candidates are encouraged to make contact with directors of on-going projects to discuss possible collaborations.    

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must have completed all requirements for a doctoral degree (e.g. MD, DrPH, PhD, DEng) in a relevant field from an accredited program prior to starting the fellowship.  Applicants must have demonstrated a strong track record of accomplishment in and commitment to systems science as indicated by related publications (at least one first authored, peer reviewed publication focused on systems modeling) and research experiences.  

Application Process

To apply, please send a letter of intent, curriculum vita, and contact information for three referees (all as one PDF file) to the Center's Education and Training Program (ETP) care of Maggie Rudinger at globalobesity@jhu.edu.  Questions about the application process, intent of the program, or other programmatic matters should be directed to Ann McDermott (amcderm4@jhu.edu).  

The application must include a letter of intent of no more than 1200 words that must address the following points:

1. What are your most important previous experiences that make you a good candidate for this training program?
2. What are your long-term career goals and how would this program fits those goals?
3. What models you have developed?  Describe your role in developing the model(s) and explain how the model was used.
4. What software/programming platforms have you used? 
5. What kind of modeling work do you want to pursue during post-doctoral research and how does that fit with the mission of the GOPC?  Please be specific about particular skills, knowledge or certification that are relevant to your future career. 
6. Why is a systems science approach relevant for the study of childhood obesity or a similar non-communicable disease?

If your application is selected for full review, we will contact the referees for letters of support.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, please notify us in your cover letter at the time of application and indicate your current visa status.  Extra time is required to address visa issues.  

Frequently Asked Questions

To what department are post-doctoral trainees appointed?
Applicants should apply first to the ETP program as described above.  Once selected, trainees will be matched to an appropriate academic department and undergo a pro-forma application.   Trainees will be responsible for meeting all obligations, deadlines and milestones that pertain to the department into which they are admitted.  

What experience and training do post-doctoral trainees get?
In general, trainees will be exposed to seminars, online courses and tutorials, and opportunities to be involved in research taking place in the GOPC or one of its affiliated projects.  Another key feature of the training program is the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other trainees who represent different fields of expertise.  Students with a background in public health will be able to interact with systems modelers and vice versa.  All trainees will gain substantive knowledge of various aspects of obesity at the individual and population levels.  Trainees will have the opportunity to apply for funding for rapid response pilot projects, which use systems science concepts or frameworks to examine time sensitive environmental mechanisms or policy changes related to the childhood obesity epidemic.  As the GOPC is an international collaboration, trainees will be exposed to colleagues in other countries and may be involved in international research projects.  Each trainee will have at least one GOPC-affiliated mentor who will meet regularly with the trainees, set training goals and coordinate the training objectives of the center with that of the home department.  All trainees will be expected to attend regular research in progress sessions.  Opportunities to take selective courses will also be available and can be arranged with program mentors. 

How much is the paid support (approximately)?
Students are provided with a wage that is consistent with standard NIH stipend levels.  Students also receive a standard benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, and departmental tuition costs.  There are limited funds available for travel, computers, software and other training needs.

When is the expected start date, and what is the duration (approximately) of the traineeship? 
We estimate the earliest possible start date for post-doctoral fellows in this round of recruitment would be January 5, 2015 following full review by the GOPCETP oversight committee and completion of the Bloomberg School of Public Health departmental admission process.  In keeping with school policy, post-doctoral fellows will be appointed for one year terms.  There is a possibility of renewal for a second year depending on progress and availability of funds.