Career Center

Department of Health and Human Services

National Institutes of Health

National Institute on Aging

Intramural Research Program

James S. Jackson Fellowship

An Age Associated Minority Health and Health Disparities Fellowship

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), Intramural Research Program (IRP), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is seeking applications from talented and highly motivated individuals for a Postdoctoral Fellow. The NIA Intramural Research Program’s (IRP) Diversity in Aging Research Pipeline Program (DARPP) seeks to develop interest in and expose trainees from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, to age-related minority health and health disparities research. Ultimately, DARPP seeks to enhance diversity within the workforce of aging- science researchers. Opportunities exist in several NIA IRP laboratories pursuing varied types of research. More information about the NIA intramural program can be found at: https:// www.nia.nih.gov/research/labs/diversity-aging-research-pipeline-program

This fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. James S. Jackson, a pioneering social psychologist, whose life work examined racial and ethnic influences on life course development, aging, and health among African Americans, and whose contributions included service to the NIA. Dr.

Jackson’s work highlighted the critical intersection of social, psychological, and biological factors in health, race and racism, and aging. His scholarship paved the way for the current field of health disparities research which requires interdisciplinary investigations that explore psychosocial, environmental, behavioral, and biological factors to unravel the causes and develop interventions to eliminate differential health burdens and longevity status.

Candidates must have a M.D., Ph.D., or M.D. Ph.D., have interest in conducting multidisciplinary research with a focus in health disparities, social psychology, social epidemiology, behavioral epidemiology, or chronic disease epidemiology. All candidates should have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. All applicants must have less than 5 years of postdoctoral experience. Prior experience and background in aging research are not required; we are interested in developing new investigators into the field. This fellowship will be funded for up to 3 years. Candidates may be U.S. citizens, permanent-residents, or foreign nationals. Salary will be commensurate with research experience according to the NIH intramural pay scale.

All federal contractors and trainees are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The guideline related to trainees are evolving and more detailed information will be provided during the application review process. For more information on this requirement, visit the Safer Federal Workforce page on vaccines. If you need a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit Vaccines.gov. 

Interested applicants should e-mail curriculum vitae, a brief description of their research interests, a diversity statement describing their commitment and track record of activities promoting diversity and inclusion, and 3 letters of reference to: The DARPP Selection Committee, Mrs. Taya Dunn Johnson, Vacancy: DARPP Jackson Fellowship, via email: niairptrainingoffice@mail.nih.gov. Applications are currently being accepted. Reviews and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis throughout 2023 until the position is filled.

DHHS and NIH are Equal Opportunity Employers.

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs and encourages the application and nomination of qualified women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities.