Associate/Full Professor Tenure System

About the Department

The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health at Michigan State University (MSU) is a rapidly growing, community-partnered unit located in Flint, Michigan. Born from a unique 2011 proposal by the Flint community to MSU, the department was built on an unprecedented model of community participatory governance. Community members helped define the department's focus areas, priorities, and faculty search committees, ensuring that research directly addresses needs identified by the people of Flint.

Flint is a historic birthplace of community-based participatory research (CBPR) and home to nationally recognized citizen scientists. This radical experiment in community-partnered administration has been wildly successful, securing over $175 million in extramural funding and launching initiatives like the first city-wide unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant and postpartum people. The department is now expanding its impact in implementation science, health policy advocacy, and equity-focused research.

About the Role

We are seeking well-funded senior and mid-career implementation and intervention scientists to join our energetic, mission-driven team. These tenured, full-time research positions offer a unique opportunity to lead high-impact programs that are both relevant to Flint and widely applicable. The role focuses on equity, social determinants of health, behavioral health, chronic disease, maternal-child health, and environmental justice.

Led by Founding Department Chair Jennifer Johnson, PhD, you will work alongside community members to maximize the real-world impact of your findings. The department is currently expanding its strength in implementation and dissemination science, innovating in community governance, and leveraging a dedicated health policy advocate to move research into policy. While there are no classroom teaching responsibilities, you will have numerous opportunities for research mentorship and leadership in developing a health equity-focused postdoctoral training program.

A $25 million gift from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation allows us to largely or fully guarantee salary coverage for researchers willing to move their substantial research portfolios to MSU. Salaries are very competitive, and the low cost of living in Michigan offers a high quality of life, with access to the longest freshwater coastline in the world and a rich cultural heritage.

Hiring Process

Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the positions are filled. We invite questions to be directed to Jennifer Johnson, PhD, Department Chair, or Todd Lucas, PhD, Search Committee Chair.

Equal Opportunity

The Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health is an equity-focused unit. Michigan State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.