Tenure-track open rank faculty position in Social and Behavioral Science for Health

The Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine invites applications for a full-time faculty position as a tenure-track Investigator at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor. Rank and tenure status will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.We seek exceptional scholars who are using the social and behavioral sciences to improve health, healthcare, and health equity. We welcome candidates conducting innovative, rigorous, and impactful research that advances scientific understanding while addressing pressing challenges facing patients, communities, health systems, and society. Successful candidates will join one of the nation's leading departments dedicated to harnessing the social and behavioral sciences to advance health. We are particularly interested in scholars whose work has the potential to shape practice, policy, systems, or population health outcomes and who are excited to collaborate across disciplines to accelerate real-world impact.

About Medical Social Sciences

The Department of Medical Social Sciences (MSS) (www.mss.northwestern.edu) is a vibrant transdisciplinary community of approximately 80 faculty scientists united by a shared mission: to harness the social and behavioral sciences to advance equity, innovation, and impact in health. Our faculty lead nationally and internationally recognized programs of research spanning the full translational continuum. MSS is organized around four complementary scientific divisions that reflect a public health approach to improving health: Outcomes and Measurement Science, Determinants of Health, Intervention Science, and Implementation Science. Faculty collaborate extensively across Northwestern University, Northwestern Medicine, the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Institute for Public Health and Medicine, community organizations, health systems, policy makers, and industry partners.

Areas of interest

We welcome applications from scholars whose work aligns with one or more of our divisions. Illustrative research topics include: (1) Measurement and integration of patient-reported outcomes into clinical care and population health; (2) Social, behavioral, structural, and health system determinants of healthcare access, quality, engagement, and outcomes; (3) Development, optimization, adaptation, and evaluation of interventions across the lifespan; and (4) Implementation and scale-up of evidence-based interventions in partnership with community or clinical partners. We are especially interested in candidates with expertise in areas such as (but not limited to): artificial intelligence and digital health, cancer survivorship and supportive care, health equity, intervention optimization and adaptive interventions, quantitative, mixed, and innovative methods in implementation trials, lifespan development, and aging and dementia.

Training and Mentorship Environment

MSS is deeply committed to developing the next generation of scientists. Faculty will have the opportunity to mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty colleagues via a variety of relevant programs, including: the Social Science and Health track within the Health Sciences Integrated PhD Program (HSIP), multiple NIH-funded predoctoral and postdoctoral T32 programs; and methodological training initiatives spanning a wide range of disease areas and populations.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree and demonstrate a record of outstanding research accomplishments and success in competing for independent research funding. Successful candidates will be expected to establish and maintain a high-profile research program with substantial extramural funding. This role would not include clinical responsibilities. Appointment and progress toward reappointment and promotion will be evaluated through the review process consistent with Feinberg guidelines for Scientists on the Investigator track.

Application information

The start date is negotiable. Review of applications will begin on November 1^st, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. When applying, please upload a CV and cover letter describing your interest and alignment with the position. Also upload a completed list of references form with the names of individuals who could write letters of reference on your behalf. For questions or more information about the position, please email MSSFacultyaffairs@northwestern.edu.

The expected base pay range for this position is $120,000-$275,000, commensurate with the hiring rank and factors described below.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability; internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at Northwestern Benefits to learn more.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

• Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).

• Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.

• All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the "Submit" button.
• Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here: Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.