Behavioral Economics Fellowship--CDC

Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Reference Code
CDC-DNPAO-2015-0090
How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.

If you have questions, send an email to CDCrpp@orau.org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Description

A fellowship opportunity is currently available with the Obesity Prevention and Control Branch in the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity (DNPAO) within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

DNPAO’s Obesity Prevention and Control Branch supports population-based approaches for healthy eating and active living in order to reduce population burden of chronic disease and suboptimal child development. To meet this goal, the Branch conducts surveillance, applied research and evaluation, translation and guideline development on topics such as healthy food choices and promoting heathy food environments in key venues such as child care centers, hospitals, worksites, public institutions, and retail venues.

This fellowship will provide experience in DNPAO’s approach to promoting healthy food environments and shaping dietary behaviors, while collaborating with a diverse group of public health professionals, including epidemiologists, nutritionists, health education specialists and evaluation specialists. The selected participant will help to: research, synthesize and translate empirical evidence on social, environmental and policy factors and strategies related to healthy food environments and shaping consumer choices, especially among low-income Americans; develop guidance/resource documents and written reports with an emphasis on effective environmental and policy intervention strategies; and review, abstract, summarize and translate scientific literature on behavioral economics and choice architecture as applied to retail and food service settings (including grocery, worksites, schools, and other venues).

Under the guidance of a mentor, opportunities may include:

  • Conducting systematic reviews of the scientific literature on the application of behavioral economics and choice architecture principles in food retail and cafeteria settings (strategies could include placement, labeling, promotion, incentives)
  • Assisting in designing research projects assessing the impact of behavioral economic strategies in retail settings and institutional food services
  • Analyzing data from surveys and other datasets, and writing reports based on the findings of analyses for publications and presentation
  • Developing business case studies demonstrating the financial impact of implementing behavioral economic strategies in retail and food services settings
  • Communicating with state and national partners and serving on national partnership groups

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with education level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC or the program administrator, and there are no fringe benefits paid.

Qualifications
  • A Master’s or Doctoral degree in behavioral economics, psychology, behavioral science, economics, nutrition policy or a related science discipline received within the last five years.
  • Expertise in economic, social, behavioral, environmental, policy and/or systems aspects of food choices is desirable.
  • The following are beneficial, but not required:
    • Familiarity with policy and/or environmental change strategies that address nutrition, physical activity or obesity
    • Experience working in nutrition, physical activity and/or obesity, or experience working in institutional food service, grocery or other relevant industries
    • Knowledge of analytical techniques, and previous scientific writing experience
Eligibility Requirements
  • Degree: Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree received within the last 60 month(s).
  • Discipline(s):
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (4 )
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