Summary

The Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Associate for a two-year non-laboratory research position. The selected candidate will support the Director of the Center, Dr. Amy McGuire, on funded research related to public health ethics, with a focus on ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of climate health and wastewater monitoring. Wastewater monitoring can provide early warning of the spread of known diseases of public health importance (e.g., COVID-19), but it can also provide highly sensitive and potentially stigmatizing information, raising ELSI considerations. The Postdoctoral Associate will work on embedded ELSI research projects that will directly impact the development and implementation of strategies for communicating results from statewide wastewater research and surveillance and climate health programs in Texas.

This position is expected to begin in 2025. Applicants finishing terminal degrees in Winter 2024 and Spring 2025 are encouraged to apply. This position is located in Houston, TX.

In addition to supporting the Center’s robust research program, the Postdoctoral Associate will receive mentoring to assist with publishing manuscripts and presenting research at academic conferences. Qualified candidates may receive additional mentorship to submit their own external training grant application. They will also have the opportunity to participate in professional and academic development sessions hosted by the Center and gain exposure to one of the preeminent bioethics centers in the country.

The Center cultivates a culture of intentionality, respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. We offer intellectual, social, and professional development opportunities to promote a meaningful work experience. We are reflective and mindful of issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in both interactions with one another.

For more information about Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, visit our website at www.bcm.edu/ethics.

Job Duties

• Conducts quantitative, qualitative, and normative research on topics related to public health, focused on climate health and wastewater monitoring.
• Leads and assists with publishing research findings as manuscripts in relevant academic journals.
• Presents papers/project findings at local, national and international meetings.
• Organizes, leads, and attends project meetings.
• Participates in grant preparation and writing.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• MD, JD or PhD in public health, bioethics, humanities, social science, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills, including proficiency in presentation and educational content development.
• Strong interest in public health, bioethics, health policy.
• Track record of publications in bioethics/health policy journals preferred.
• Ability to display a professional, positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills and communication skills required and must be able to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
• Team oriented, collaborative mindset with an interest in creating value in any situation with insightful questions and suggestions.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, efficient, and strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility in accepting work assignments with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, understand processes, and resolve issues.