Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship in substance use and associated health harms, including HIV, HCV and overdose, in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health (IDGPH) at the University of California San Diego (http://idgph.ucsd.edu).

Substance use epidemics are fast-evolving, and our public health response often lags far behind. In 2020 alone, over 80,000 people died of an overdose in the United States and substance use associated HIV outbreaks are ongoing. The introduction of potent synthetic substances to drug markets across the country, the limited availability of mental health and drug treatment services and pervasive social issues including systemic racism, unemployment and unstable housing contribute to an increased risk of substance use epidemics. Many of these factors have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic increasing the need for preemptive public health responses.

The project will focus on enhancing public health preparedness to emerging substance use epidemics in the United States. Broadly, the goal is to develop dynamic models to predict the risk and spread of emerging substance use epidemics and associated health harms in the United States. The models will build on knowledge of individual and community susceptibility to emerging substance use epidemics and use routine survey data from a range of sources, as well as real time data on changing substance use and market patterns obtained from qualitative and internet data sources.

Scholars will benefit from biweekly seminars and trainee sessions on substance use, HIV and related infections, journal clubs, and NIH grant writing circles. The team at the IDGPH division is highly interdisciplinary and offers opportunities for collaboration with epidemiologists, clinicians, statisticians, policymakers, legal experts and public health researchers.

The initial appointment will be for one year, with option for renewal for up to two additional years based on performance. Salary will be commensurate with qualification and experience and include travel to conferences and funding for relevant courses.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit a cover letter, their CV, and at least two names of potential referees.