The Airborne Institute, also known as the Meta-Institute for Airborne Disease in a Changing Climate, is seeking applications for two postdoctoral researcher positions. We are currently looking for researchers to join our interdisciplinary team in investigating the impact of climate change on human and planetary health, with a specific focus on anthropogenic airborne pathogens and pollution on respiratory disease. This unique opportunity not only allows for expanding our understanding but also involves developing strategies to improve global indoor and outdoor air quality. With close collaboration with the NSF Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment and the Understanding and Protecting the Planet and Enriching Human Life and Society grand challenge initiatives at UC San Diego, these positions offer an extraordinary chance to merge disciplines and make significant contributions to environmental science and public health.

The selected candidates will become part of a diverse team of scientists from various fields including atmospheric chemistry, microbiology, oceanography, physics, engineering, and climate modeling. In light of our evolving climate, the successful candidates will focus on establishing routine air sampling and analytical methods, identifying sources and routes of exposure for bioaerosols and airborne pollutants, investigating factors influencing bioaerosol viability, and exploring the implications of inhaling airborne pathogens and pollutants on human health in the environment.

Requirements:

• A doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, microbiology, public health).
• Demonstrated expertise in conducting interdisciplinary research and collaborating with scientists from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to apply them to complex environmental and health challenges.
• Proficiency in data analysis, statistical methods, and modeling techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a track record of publishing research findings in reputable scientific journals.
• Capacity to work both independently and as part of a team, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Prior experience in air sampling, bioaerosol analysis, or exposure assessment is preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on the effects of climate change on airborne pathogens and pollution, emphasizing human and planetary health.
• Collaborate with experts from various disciplines to integrate knowledge and develop innovative strategies for improving air quality.
• Establish routine air sampling protocols and implement analytical methods for bioaerosol characterization.
• Investigate bioaerosol sources, routes of exposure, and factors influencing their viability.
• Analyze data using statistical techniques and modeling approaches to derive meaningful insights.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to grant writing and assist in securing external funding for ongoing and future projects.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students involved in related research activities.

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

To apply, please submit the following documents via email to both airborne@ucsd.edu and kprather@ucsd.edu:

1. Cover letter outlining your research interests and fit for the position.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV) including a list of publications.
3. Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. 

UC San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

For inquiries about the positions, please contact airborne@ucsd.edu.

Join our team and contribute to cutting-edge research that addresses critical challenges at the intersection of climate change, air quality, and human health. Together, we can make a difference.

The Fielding-Miller lab at the University of California, San Diego conducts community-centered research that prioritizes transparency, empathy, and health equity. Our goal is to amplify marginalized voices using rigorous scientific methods. We create evidence that reflects the priorities and lived experiences of marginalized communities, and develop interventions that address structural drivers of COVID-19, HIV, and gender-based violence.

We are now hiring a postdoctoral fellow to support data analysis and dissemination for community-engaged research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemics on communities that have been made structurally vulnerable by historic and ongoing inequities.

• Advanced training in mixed-methods research and ethical community-engaged methodologies Union position with competitive benefits
• Mentored support to develop an NIH Loan Repayment Program application, K01 application, and other grants relevant to your career path
• Union position with competitive benefits
• Multiple active research projects with data immediately available for analysis and manuscript development

Qualifications:

• PhD in public health, medical sociology, medical anthropology, or related field 
• Strong writing skills
• Comfort with qualitative and quantitative methodologies
• Collaborative, proactive, independent, and willing to work in a lab committed to anti-racism and respectful relationships with all community partners

If interested, please reach out directly to Dr. Fielding-Miller at rfieldingmiller@health.ucsd.edu with your CV, statement of research interest, and a writing sample.