Postdoctoral Fellow - Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow - Cancer and Environmental Epidemiology responsible for initiating and carrying out research projects in collaboration with a research team consisting of population health scientists, clinicians, and basic scientists.

This position is within the Epidemiology Team led by Dr. Jongeun Rhee and is in support of the Center for Prostate Disease Research (CPDR), Murtha Cancer Center Research Program's (MCCRP). Dr. Rhee is seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow interested in conducting integrative epidemiologic studies on the etiology and survivorship of prostate and other genitourinary (GU) cancers within military communities and beyond. This work includes studies with detailed data on clinical characteristics, quality of life, and occupational / environmental exposures as well as longitudinal biological samples utilizing a prospective cohort with 30 years of follow-up at CPDR (learn more), and other Department of Defense (DoD) data sources, including the DoD Serum Repository. The team is particularly interested in elucidating the environmental and occupational determinants of GU cancers and investigating secondary outcomes (e.g., disease progression and subsequent malignancies) among GU patients.

The fellow will have a unique opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including experts in epidemiology, biostatistics, bio-informatics, epigenomics, and biology as well as clinicians who recruit and interact with patients within CPDR, MCCRP, and the National Cancer Institute GU Malignancy Branch. The team highly values creativity and independent thinking and promotes training for individuals from all backgrounds. Exciting opportunities exist to work on ongoing projects and to develop new ones using nested case-control and prospective cohort study designs.

CPDR is an interdisciplinary translational cancer research program of the Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), and MCCRP. CPDR is a Department of Defense designated research and clinical care center established by the U.S. Congress in 1991 to care for military service members and their families diagnosed with prostate cancer and prostate-related disease. The mission of CPDR is to conduct state-of-the-art clinical, epidemiologic, and translational research with an emphasis on precision medicine to enhance the readiness of active-duty personnel in conjunction with the continuum of medical care for military retirees and beneficiaries.

Please click here to learn more about CPDR.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

• Design, develop, and implement epidemiological studies in support of the research project.
• Perform statistical analyses.
• Manage and coordinate research projects, including proposals, data, and study results.
• Write manuscripts for publication.
• Present research findings at internal and external scientific meetings and conferences.
• Provide critical input for study design, necessary statistical analysis, and epidemiological interpretations of the research.
• Assist the PI in the planning and execution of research projects, including writing protocol and progress reports, applying for grants, and preparing publications.
• Work with PI and the Epidemiology team to maintain and update regulatory documentation.
• May supervise trainees at various levels, such as residents, medical students, graduate students, and undergraduate student, who are working on epidemiologic research.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance and participation in required training for role.

Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in Epidemiology or expected graduation in May 2025 from programs in epidemiology or a related field.
• Minimum of 0-5 years of experience is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills to design epidemiologic studies and use complex epidemiologic research methods for assessing the risk of cancer and survivorship among cancer patients.
• Ability to clearly describe applied methods and interpret study findings to the research team.
• Advanced knowledge in biostatistics and computer programming, with experience in advanced multivariable statistical methods.
• Knowledge and ability to use statistical software, including R and SAS.
• Prior experience working with cohort design, nested case-control study design, logistic regression analysis, and survival analysis is desired.
• Prior analytic experience with 'omics' data is desired.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience within academic research in cancer or environmental epidemiology is strongly desirable. A strong background in epidemiologic methods and biostatistics, quantitative skills, and excellent writing skills is highly preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a T1/Public Trust and PIV card.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

Compensation

• The annual salary range for this position is $50,100-$68,000. Actual salary will be determined based on experience, education, etc.

Benefits

• HJF offers a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on your health and well-being, from medical, dental, and vision coverage to health savings and retirement plans, and more.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.