Epidemiology Branch
Epidemiology Branch investigators study a wide range of health effects linked to environmental exposures. Endpoints range from birth defects to chronic diseases, often with a focus on specific environmental contaminants. Epidemiology Branch studies typically include the collection of biological and environmental samples for assay of biomarkers of exposure or genes that affect susceptibility. The Epidemiology Branch portfolio includes multipurpose cohort studies, as well as focused studies of reproductive and women’s health, children’s environmental health, and cancer and chronic disease. Its mission is "to apply and extend the tools of epidemiology to study effects of the environment on human health."
The Epidemiology Branch, led by Branch Chief Dale P. Sandler, Ph.D., is part of the NIEHS Division of Intramural Research (DIR), which encompasses both basic and applied laboratory research. This setting provides rich opportunities for collaboration with lab scientists and access to the tools and insights of basic biology.
The Epidemiology Branch staff ("/Rhythmyx/assembler/render?sys_contentid=40768&sys_revision=1&sys_variantid=1225&sys_context=0&sys_authtype=0&sys_siteid=&sys_folderid=" sys_dependentvariantid="1225" sys_dependentid="40768" inlinetype="rxhyperlink" rxinlineslot="103" sys_dependentid="40768" sys_siteid="" sys_folderid="") of over 30 personnel includes seven permanent tenured researchers, as well as tenure-track investigators, staff scientists, visiting fellows, predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows, and support staff. The Epidemiology Branch office is comprised of support staff, project officers for the two large Branch contracts (Sister Study and Support Services for Epidemiology), the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Epidemiology Liaison and the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) Liaison.
The Epidemiology Branch has eight research groups:
- Aging & Neuroepidemiology Group
- Biomarker-based Epidemiology Group
- Chronic Disease Epidemiology Group
- Genetics, Environment & Respiratory Disease Group
- Molecular & Genetic Epidemiology Group
- Pediatric Epidemiology Group
- Reproductive Epidemiology Group
- Women’s Health
The Epidemiology Branch regularly hosts guest researchers from academic and research institutions around the world. This stimulating environment presents excellent opportunities for young scientists who are developing their research careers. Branch investigators are leaders in the scientific community and include past presidents of the American College of Epidemiology, American Epidemiologic Society, Society for Epidemiologic Research and Society for Pediatric Epidemiologic Research, as well as editors of the American Journal of Epidemiology, Epidemiology, and Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology.
Scientific Support Staff
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Paula Scarborough Juras, Ph.D. (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/epi/chronic/staff/juras/index.cfm)
Project Officer -
Tel (919) 541-3478
Fax (919) 541-2511
juras@niehs.nih.govPaula Scarborough Juras, Ph.D. (120KB)
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N. Beth Ragan (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/epi/chronic/staff/ragan/index.cfm)
Project Officer -
Tel (919) 541-2767
Fax (919) 541-2511
ragan@niehs.nih.govCurriculum Vitae (68KB)
Administrative Staff
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Patricia Johnson
Program Support Specialist -
Tel (919) 541-7703
johnson7@niehs.nih.gov
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Edward Mosley
Administrative Technician -
Tel (919) 541-3445
mosley@niehs.nih.gov
Career Opportunities
Open positions and fellowships with the Epidemiology Branch are also available online, as are application instructions.