Tenure-track Investigator, Dosimetry Unit, Radiation Epidemiology Branch

The Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB), Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is recruiting a tenure-track investigator in the Dosimetry Unit to develop an independent research program in ionizing radiation dose reconstruction methods development and application in REB’s current and future epidemiologic research studies of populations with medical, environmental, and occupational radiation exposures.

Who We Are

DCEG is one of the world’s largest cancer epidemiology research groups. Its distinguished epidemiologists, geneticists, and biostatisticians aim to discover the causes of cancer and inform the means for prevention by conducting transdisciplinary epidemiology and genetics research. For more information visit the DCEG website.

Within DCEG, REB’s research program has a three-fold research mission: to characterize and quantify the carcinogenic effects of radiation; to improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms of radiation carcinogenesis; and to address issues of public concern about radiation exposure. Examples of major efforts include long-standing partnerships to understand the cancer risks associated with the Chornobyl nuclear power plant accident, the atomic bombings in Japan, occupational exposures for radiologic technologists, and radiotherapy and other treatments among cancer survivors. REB studies are a major source of data for key national and international radiation protection and planning agencies, and REB researchers provide advice to academic and policy institutions as well as professional organizations on public health and radiation-related clinical practice. 

High quality exposure assessment (i.e., radiation dose reconstruction) has long been fundamental to REB’s research program because REB prioritizes studies with individualized dose estimates to enable quantification and evaluation of the shape of the radiation dose–response relationship with specific health outcomes. Within REB, the Dosimetry Unit provides organizational structure for coordinating dosimetry expertise, methodologic advances, dosimetry tool development, and dose reconstruction for epidemiologic studies. 

We are seeking a Tenure-Track Investigator in the Dosimetry Unit to develop an independent research program in ionizing radiation dose reconstruction methods development and application in REB’s current and future epidemiologic research studies. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with REB dosimetrists, epidemiologists, and statisticians on the design and interpretation of studies incorporating radiation dose reconstruction and will be expected to mentor junior scientists. The successful candidate will have access to advanced computational resources, mentoring, and other research support, including opportunities to build on existing REB studies as described on the branch website. Additional training also may be provided based on the applicant’s background and future research goals. The participation in existing and development of new collaborations across REB, DCEG, NCI/NIH, and the extramural community will be encouraged and supported.

Eligibility

The successful candidate must hold a doctorate or equivalent qualification in nuclear engineering, medical physics, and/or health physics; relevant experience after the doctorate in radiation dose reconstruction from multiple exposure scenarios; and excellent computational skills. Demonstrated ability to lead an independent research program and collaborate effectively with other investigators, including those from other disciplines, is required. Also essential are the ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing, as demonstrated in presentations and publications, and a commitment to mentoring junior scientists.

Candidates will be evaluated on evidence of specific accomplishments; creativity and novelty of scientific vision and alignment of that vision with REB goals, particularly in current and future priority areas (e.g., therapeutic and diagnostic radiation procedures, occupational exposures in medical settings, and certain environmental exposures); sound analytic knowledge and skills; collaborative teamwork, especially across disciplines; productivity; evidence of effective and efficient project leadership; effective oral and written scientific communication; and history and future commitment to training junior scientists. Experience working in epidemiologic studies would be advantageous. Candidates must be sufficiently experienced to function independently, both in the development of their own research program and in the mentoring and supervision of more junior scientists.

Benefits

Candidates may be US citizens, resident aliens, or non-residents of the US with or eligible to obtain a valid employment-authorized visa. Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate. A recruitment or relocation bonus may be available, and relocation expenses may be paid. A full package of federal Civil Service benefits is available, including retirement, health and life insurance, long term care insurance, leave, and a Thrift Savings Plan (401K equivalent). 

How to Apply

Interested individuals must submit applications at the NIH Specialized Scientific Jobs Portal. Applications received by March 19, 2025, will be considered for a first round of interviews, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested individuals should submit the following materials:

• Cover letter, including career synopsis.
• Research statement that addresses the specific required research accomplishments and research interests. Please limit this statement to three pages.
• Current curriculum vitae (CV) with complete bibliography with ORCID or similar metric for citation analysis. Please include a description of your mentoring and outreach activities in your CV. 
• Three letters of reference.

You may contact Dr. Hannah Yang for more information about this vacancy.

DHHS, NIH, and NCI are Equal Opportunity Employers

Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. NIH encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. 

Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure 

The NIH inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at NIH Ethics. We encourage you to review this information. The position is subject to a background investigation and requires the incumbent to complete a public financial disclosure report prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Foreign Education 

Applicants who have completed part or all their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is equivalent to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation. Learn more about foreign education verification. Verification must be received prior to the effective date of the appointment.

Reasonable Accommodation

NIH provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation during any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.