The Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center (HMNCC) is seeking faculty candidates at the rank of Associate or Full Professor with demonstrated expertise in environmental cancer epidemiology, including leadership roles on federally funded studies that examine individual and/or combined effects of social, economic, lifestyle, nutritional, neighborhood, climate, and environmental exposures on cancer development, cancer progression, and cancer-specific outcomes.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be a part of a rapidly expanding Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program at the HMNCC, driven by robust institutional investment in addressing the local HMNCC catchment area cancer burdens. A history of successful external funding (e.g., NIH/NCI, DOD, ACS, RWJF, NSF) is expected, consistent with career stage. The faculty member will conduct novel research that aligns with the CPC program’s vision and the HMNCC strategic plan, with efforts to dramatically reduce the disproportionate burden of cancer on high-risk subgroups.

The CPC research program is responsible for conducting cancer research that alleviates the disease burden across the demographically diverse HMNCC 8-county catchment area, with an emphasis on multiple priority cancers including, but not limited to: breast, prostate, lung, liver, cervical, colon/rectal, brain and hematological malignancies. Risk factors of particular importance to our region include cancer screening rates, obesity, environmental carcinogens, persistent poverty, tobacco use, and climate vulnerability. The Greater Houston metropolitan region continues to grow in population size, with significant increases in racial and ethnic diversity projected into the next decade, making it an ideal setting for conducting cohort studies that contribute to generating a knowledge base around cancer etiology that will benefit Texas and the U.S., and particularly the medically underserved.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The selected faculty member will be expected to help support the development of the HMNCC CPC program and should have the following attributes:

♦        Strong expertise in epidemiologic research design & methodology.

♦        An ability to identify research gaps and anticipate new research directions and opportunities.

♦        Dedication for research that addresses the disproportionate cancer burden across the cancer continuum.

♦        Translational research expertise in at least one of the following areas: environmental epidemiology, biological and social drivers of cancer burden, genetic and -omics epidemiologic research, bioinformatics, population cancer analytics, and/or geospatial mapping.

♦        Demonstrated ability to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team.

♦        Exceptional mentorship skills of early career faculty, trainees, and/or staff.

♦        Ability to obtain peer-reviewed federal funding.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful applicants must have:

♦        A professional degree (PhD, MD, DrPH, or ScD) in a discipline related to epidemiology, population sciences, environmental health sciences, or other strongly related disciplines.

♦        Consistent with career stage (Associate/Full Professor), successful applicants must also have:

(i)                  Strong evidence of extramural, federal research funding

(ii)                Publications in high impact scientific journals

(iii)               Strong record of collaborative and team science approaches in cancer research

(iv)               Leadership roles in educational training programs and mentorship of early-career scientists

Strong consideration will be given to those with experience in building diverse patient cohorts, use of publicly available cancer datasets, geospatial modeling, and those dedicating themselves to alleviating the cancer burden for high-risk sub-groups.

COMMUNITY:

Houston is a vibrant city comprised of diverse communities that reflect global influences and who enjoy a great variety of cultural amenities, world-class restaurants and an affordable cost of living. Houston Methodist is based in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the U.S. — just a short walk from the city’s museum and arts district, zoo and midtown attractions, and a few miles from Houston’s downtown and sports arenas.

PROCEDURE AND CANDIDACY:

Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) describing funding and research interests, along with a cover letter highlighting accomplishments and research interests. To ensure full consideration, inquiries, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

JCULLEN@HOUSTONMETHODIST.ORG