Postdoctoral Scholar in longitudinal research on HIV, substance use, and/or sexual minority health

Northwestern University Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing

Brian Mustanski, Director

The IMPACT LGBT Health and Development Program within the Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH) seeks a post-doctoral scholar to be involved in a number of longitudinal studies on the health and development of sexual minority adolescents and young adults.  Research activities including authoring and co-authoring manuscripts, analysis of existing longitudinal data, and collaborating on ongoing projects.  This position also offers the unique opportunity to work with ISGMH faculty as they seek to build new interdisciplinary collaborative research projects on sexual and gender minority health at Northwestern through such activities as helping to develop and collect pilot data and reviewing literature in new research areas.  Opportunities exist to gain exposure and mentorship on grant writing.  The post-doctoral scholar will be mentored directly by Dr. Brian Mustanski and will have opportunities to collaborate with other ISGMH faculty members.

Research projects that offer opportunities for analyses and publication include:

  • Project Q2: The longest running longitudinal study of LGBTQ adolescents with 9 waves of longitudinal data on over more than 6 years (N ~ 250).  Variables include mental health, substance use, sexual behavior, personality, and social relationships among many others. Recent representative publication: Mustanski, B., Andrews, R., & Puckett, J. A. (2016). The Effects of Cumulative Victimization on Mental Health Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Adolescents and Young Adults. American Journal of Public Health, 106(3), 527-533. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2015.302976
  • Crew 450: A longitudinal cohort study of 450 young men who have sex with men followed with 5 observations over 2 years.  Variables include HIV and STI testing, mental health, substance use, sexual behavior, personality, and social relationships among many others.  Recent representative publication: Garofalo, R., Hotton, A. L., Kuhns, L. M., Gratzer, B., & Mustanski, B. (2016). Incidence of HIV infection and Sexually Transmitted Infections and Related Risk Factors among Very Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, In Press. doi:10.1097/QAI.0000000000000933
  • RADAR: A large ongoing NIDA funded study that is building a dynamic dyadic-network cohort of young men who have sex with men (YMSM) by hybridizing existing cohorts of YMSM (including Project Q2, Crew 450, and one other study).   The goal of this project is to apply a “next generation” multilevel model to understand the syndemic of health problems among a large cohort of YMSM (age 16-29) and inform “high-impact” HIV prevention with this vulnerable population. Multiple longitudinal observations of biological, individual, dyadic, and network data are  being collected and analyzed.

ISGMH is the nation’s first university-wide research center focused exclusively on LGBTQ health.  It provides leadership and infrastructure that promote innovative, multidisciplinary research to improve the health and wellbeing of SGM individuals and communities.  The IMPACT Program is based within ISGMH and is housed in the Department of Medical Social Sciences in the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.  The mission of the IMPACT Program is to conduct translational research that improves the health of LGBTQ youth.   It was founded by Dr. Brian Mustanski in 2008 and has been the home to many federal- and foundation-funded research projects.   The Program’s multidisciplinary team includes 6 doctoral-level scientists, multiple masters’ level staff, a team of research assistants and data managers, and a full-time program coordinator for administrative support.

Eligibility: Completion of the doctorate prior to the start of the position is required for postdoctoral scholars.   It is preferred that the candidate has a doctorate in the social/behavioral/health sciences or a related field.  Experience conducting research on sexual gender minority health, HIV/AIDS, or substance abuse required.  Experience with longitudinal analyses preferred.  Start date is flexible ranging from immediately through summer 2016.  Applications will be reviewed as received so interested candidates should apply as soon as possible regardless of their preferred start date.

To apply:  Applicants should email application materials to Dr. Brian Mustanski c/o Ryan Coventry (ryan.coventry@northwestern.edu).   Applications should include a CV and a cover letter explaining fit with this position, research experience, career goals, and the name of two references that will be contacted only for finalists.  Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.   Northwestern University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.   Applications from women and minorities are encouraged.