Environmental Epidemiology Faculty

Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah’s Departments of Population Health Sciences (PHS) and Family & Preventive Medicine (DFPM) are seeking a tenure-track faculty member at the rank of Associate or Full Professor to grow our emphasis in environmental epidemiology across the cancer control continuum. The ideal candidate will: 1) conduct research that advances the field of environmental epidemiology; 2) provide cancer-focused campus-wide leadership to develop collaborative, interdisciplinary research activities in the area of environmental health; and 3) catalyze partnerships between HCI and research Centers at the University of Utah focused on environmental sustainability and climate change. The ideal candidate will have a track record of environmental and cancer-relevant research, and may have particular expertise in a wide range of disciplines such as geography, statistics, epidemiology, public health, and/or health equity. The academic home will depend upon the candidate’s background, but would be either DFPM (Division of Public Health or Occupational and Environmental Health) or PHS (Division of Cancer Population Sciences). This position includes an Endowed Chair and generous start-up package.

About the University of Utah
The University of Utah is the state’s oldest and largest institution of higher education, and offers an exceptional research and teaching environment. As a result of investment in research infrastructure and personnel, in 2022 over 1,100 faculty researchers generated $686 million in external grant and contract funding. The University is investing heavily to create and maintain extraordinary infrastructure providing access to state-of-the-art data science, genomics, bio- and biomedical informatics, visualization, and geospatial capabilities.

About Huntsman Cancer Institute
HCI is an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), supporting and fostering a vibrant cancer research enterprise in a highly collaborative environment. HCI has an outstanding history of academic achievement and impact and a commitment to excellence in patient care, research, teaching, and service. In addition, the University of Utah and HCI are home to superb shared resources, such as the Utah Population Database (more info below) as well as the Utah Cancer Registry, which is a long-standing and preeminent Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) site. HCI has extensive depth in population sciences research, coupled with a strong tradition of community-based research, and collaborations with clinicians to conduct transformational research for individuals and populations. As part of our scientific mission of excellence, we seek to positively impact the populations we serve; specifically those in Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

Utah Population Database
The Utah Population Database (UPDB), with over 600 million records representing >11 million individuals, has gained distinction nationally as an unparalleled database for clinical and population studies, gene discovery for cancer and other diseases, epidemiologic investigation, and outcomes research. The UPDB encompasses a rich and comprehensive population-based, medical/epidemiological/ genealogical/geospatial database that supports more than 250 currently-approved research projects, and is overseen by a large team of computer science, data management, and analytic professionals. With >70 million geocoded addresses, researchers can link address histories to multiple environmental and social determinants of health datasets.

About the Department of Population Health Sciences
The Department of Population Health Sciences is a hub for education, investigation and methodological expertise. Through a diverse faculty in three Divisions, including Cancer Population Sciences, Biostatistics, and Health System Innovation & Research, we provide expertise and infrastructure to advance capacity for impact-driven research (with ~$24 million in annual research expenditures), support clinical professionals in providing better patient and population-oriented care, and lead an integrative PhD Program in Population Health and a four-year Population Health pathway for medical students. Through our research, education, and community engagement activities, we promote patient-centered health care and the delivery of evidence-based health innovations that improve population health and reduce health disparities within our community. We strive to contribute to a world where all individuals—regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexuality—have the opportunity to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. The department is highly interdisciplinary, collaborative, and innovative, and we seek faculty who will thrive in this environment.

About the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine
The Department of Family and Preventive Medicine was founded in 1970 making it one of the oldest and most established family medicine departments in the country. The Department of Family and Preventive Medicine optimizes quality of life through scholarship that advances health and well-being in home, workplaces, and communities. The Department comprises four complimentary Divisions: Public Health, Occupational and Environmental Health, Family Medicine and Physician Assistant Studies. The Department offers eight graduate degrees, including MPH, MOH, MSPH, MSOH and doctoral degrees in Public Health and in Occupational and Environmental Health. Faculty are active in educating medical students, and training residents in Family Medicine and Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The Department has a very active research program with ~$16 million in annual grant expenditures. DFPM currently ranked #3 in NIH funding among departments of family medicine in the 2021 Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research report.

Desired Qualifications and Experience
• Senior researcher
o Able to advance the science of environmental influences on health, particularly (but not exclusively) on cancer.
o Evidence of a successful research program including a history of funded R01 grants or equivalent.
• Expertise in both prospective and retrospective environmental epidemiologic studies
o Must have experience working with large health and demographic datasets and have a clear understanding of data systems and data linkage.
o Strongly prefer candidates with experience and expertise in spatial analysis methods.
o Prefer candidates with experience using big data techniques, exposome measurement, life course approaches, and/or the application of omics-based methods.
• Dedicated educator and mentor for pre- and post-doctoral trainees as well as junior faculty
• Demonstrated leadership ability and ability to communicate effectively
o Must have a track record of building successful interdisciplinary teams and obtaining the committed support of a wide range of stakeholders for initiatives.

Application Process
Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter with a description of professional experience (including scientific accomplishments, leadership responsibilities and 3 references), and a 3-page research plan.

Applications will be reviewed in an ongoing basis and start date is flexible.

Apply online at https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/147207.

Questions about the position can be directed to the search committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Jennifer Doherty in PHS ([email protected]) and Dr. James VanDerSlice in DFPM ([email protected]).

Email: [email protected]