December 10, 2021

Drexel Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation (FIRST) Program

The Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health (DSPH) and College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) invite applications from early-career investigators for up to 12 tenure-track assistant professor positions, as part of the inaugural NIH-funded Drexel FIRST program. The NIH-funded Drexel FIRST (Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation) is a novel initiative to enhance inclusive excellence in health disparities research and support career development and retention of early-career investigators with a strong focus on developing independent research. Inclusive excellence refers to a culture that establishes and sustains scientific environments that cultivate and benefit from a full range of talents and involves the recruitment of a critical mass of early-career faculty with commitment to principles of inclusive excellence.

The Drexel FIRST program at Drexel University will establish a robust, transformative and sustainable program to support diverse early career scientists engaged in health disparities research spanning population science to intervention research. Diversity refers to candidates from groups identified as underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences (described in NOT-OD-20-031) including but not limited to racial and ethnic minoritized populations, those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, and women.

We seek diverse scholars who have either demonstrated or have the potential to generate innovative research related to health disparities broadly defined and whose research addresses one of 3 pillars of health disparities research: detecting (defining/measuring health disparities), understanding (identifying determinants of health disparities), and/or reducing health disparities (interventions, policies, evaluation, translation) in broadly-defined thematic areas of aging, chronic disease, and/or environmental determinants. These are tenure track appointments with a primary appointment in a Department of DSPH or CNHP with the possibility of joint/secondary appointments across DSPH, CNHP and other units. Positions will have 75% protected research time for the duration of the FIRST program.

The Drexel FIRST program will provide extensive mentorship, sponsorship and faculty development and support resources. DSPH, CNHP and Drexel University as a whole strive to build and nurture an institutional culture where inclusiveness across race, gender, sexual orientation, age, social class, immigrant status and ability, is a core value and where differences are respected. We view diversity and inclusion as critical to our mission and work and critical to the advancement of science.

QUALIFICATIONS

We encourage applications from candidates in all disciplines whose work, broadly advances health disparities/health equity research. Candidates should have a doctoral degree or equivalent training that prepares them for a career as an independent researcher in the broadly defined field of health disparities/health equity. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to conducting rigorous, high-level research with potential for NIH funding, including the production of scholarly publications; have a track-record for, or show the potential to receive external funding; and have a strong, documented commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The FIRST program is especially interested in candidates from groups who are underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral, and social sciences, such as racial and ethnic minoritized populations, those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, individuals with disabilities, and women.

ABOUT

The Dornsife School of Public Health (DSPH) is the top ranked public health program in Philadelphia and is ranked among the top 25 programs nationwide. Founded on the principle of health as a human right, the School focuses on many public health areas but has a special commitment to improving health in cities, eliminating health inequities, and translating evidence into action. DSPH also has a unique commitment to public health practice and experiential learning. Over the past 7 years DSPH has rapidly grown research programs in health equity, and is home to several research programs and centers including the Drexel Urban Health Collaborative, further enriched this year with the launch of the Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements and Population Health Equity.

The College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) develops leaders in interprofessional nursing and health profession education, research and clinical practice with the vision of promoting “health and wellness for everyone, everywhere.” Its top ranked programs also include award winning and nationally recognized clinical practices serving Philadelphia communities and families. Grounded in the principle of health equity, CNHP is committed to antiracism, and experiential learning and integrating understandings of structural and social determinants of health in pedagogy, research and clinical practice. In July 2022, CNHP will be relocating to a state-of-the-science newly constructed building on Drexel’s West Philadelphia campus which will house its educational and research activities as well as exciting laboratories including its AgeWell Collaboratory, Bionutritional Core, Fall balance Laboratory, Virtual Reality Laboratory, Simulation Laboratory and Food Laboratory.

Drexel University is an academically comprehensive and globally engaged private research university, Drexel is dedicated to advancing generating knowledge and applying it to address society’s big challenges.The University’s goal to become “the most civically engaged university in America” drives its work with the City of Philadelphia and diverse community partners. The city of Philadelphia is known for its arts and culture and is home to Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped urban park in the world. Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and ranked as the fifth most walkable major city in the United States. It is also rich with history and diverse cultures.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We are especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing experience and goals as relevant to the research themes of Drexel FIRST, a curriculum vitae, and in a separate document describe their commitment/personal experience/philosophy in relation to diversity and inclusive excellence (in teaching/mentoring, practice/service, and/or research) to Drexel Careers position number #497313. Confidential informal queries to Dean Gitlin (CNHPdean@drexel.edu) and Dean Diez Roux (avd37@drexel.edu) are welcome.

Applications will be reviewed beginning January 10, 2022 and will be accepted until successful candidates have been identified.

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages applications from women, members of minoritized groups, disabled individuals and veterans.