Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Epidemiology & Pediatric Cardiovascular Health

University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo)

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Vacancy

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Description

The Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in the laboratory of Dr. Zhongzheng (Jason) Niu. This role is an excellent opportunity for highly motivated researchers interested in environmental epidemiology and child health. The fellowship will focus on uncovering how environmental exposures influence cardiovascular health outcomes in children. A strong emphasis will be placed on understanding the biological aging process, including telomere attrition, mitochondrial function, and epigenetic modifications. The position integrates advanced multi-omics approaches with longitudinal cohort studies to identify early-life biomarkers of risk. The successful candidate will contribute to the BEST-Kids Study, which investigates how environmental and social factors shape cardiovascular health in youth. This work will provide meaningful insights into disease prevention and promote healthier trajectories across the lifespan. The fellow will be trained in cutting-edge epidemiological methods and gain hands-on experience with large, complex datasets. Opportunities for publication, conference presentations, and grant writing will support career advancement. By joining UB, the candidate will become part of a collaborative and diverse research environment committed to innovation and public health impact. 

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities 

The successful candidate will work on projects examining how environmental exposures shape biological aging processes and early-life cardiovascular outcomes. Research will involve longitudinal cohort analyses focusing on telomere attrition, mitochondrial activity, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic signatures. A central component of the position will be contributions to the BEST-Kids Study, an ongoing initiative evaluating the combined impact of environmental and social factors on pediatric cardiovascular health. 

• Analyze multi-omics datasets (e.g., metabolomics, epigenomics) to identify biomarkers linked to environmental exposures and aging biology.
• Apply advanced epidemiological and statistical modeling to investigate life-course associations with cardiovascular risk.
• Contribute to study design, data collection, and the development of research protocols.
• Lead and co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences such as ISEE. 

Qualification

Required Qualifications

This postdoctoral fellowship is ideally suited for individuals passionate about environmental epidemiology, pediatric cardiovascular health, omics-based research, and aging science.

• Ph.D. in epidemiology, environmental health, biostatistics, molecular epidemiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong background in longitudinal data analysis, exposure assessment, or integration of high-dimensional biological data.
• Proficiency in statistical programming (R, SAS, or Python) and experience with large-scale datasets.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting. 

Why Join them?

The University at Buffalo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in its academic community.

• Direct access to unique cohort resources and high-quality environmental health data.
• A collaborative and interdisciplinary environment at the University at Buffalo, a top-tier public research university.
• Professional growth opportunities, including mentorship, networking, and career development support.
• The chance to make impactful contributions to pediatric health research at the intersection of environment and biology. 

Application Process

Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Zhongzheng Jason Niu via LinkedIn or email to express their interest. A formal posting will be released shortly, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Informal discussions can also be scheduled during ISEE 2025 for interested candidates attending the conference.