Cummings Foundation Professor of Global Health Equity

Job description

Cummings Foundation Professor of Global Health Equity

Title - Cummings Foundation Professor of Global Health Equity

School - Harvard Medical School

Department/Area - Global Health and Social Medicine

Position Description - The Department of Global Health and Social Medicine (GHSM) at Harvard Medical School is an interdisciplinary department. Using methodologies from the social sciences, humanities, and quantitative sciences, our faculty teach and conduct research on health and illness, health care delivery, global health equity, and the professional culture of medicine. We are concerned with historical, social, and cultural antecedents and drivers of health care, poverty, and other adversities, their interconnectedness with disease, and the ethical dimensions that arise in the practice of medicine and care-delivery today. Our teaching and research programs contribute to the education of undergraduates, medical students, graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, clinicians, and policymakers. In collaboration and through exchange of knowledge with clinicians, researchers, and implementers at many institutions, we work to promote more effective delivery of health care and equitable access to resources for prevention and treatment of disease for all, especially those who are in most need. Our collaborations with physicians, quantitative researchers, and social scientists worldwide lead to research and interventions that promote better health.

GHSM is seeking candidates for the first Cummings Professor in Global Health Equity. Candidates will be considered for a tenured professorship as part of the review process. The candidate will have a robust research record to catalyze the development and understanding of equitable health systems that improve health care delivery to underserved populations in sub-Saharan Africa. The ideal candidate should demonstrate (1) scholarly excellence in global health research; (2) expertise in disciplines relevant to global health equity (see below); (3) commitments to advancing health equity and training medical students, undergraduates, and postdocs as the next generation of global health leaders; (4) strong, ongoing records of research funding and publication in peer-reviewed publications; (5) collaborative roles in international research; (6) administrative leadership experience; and (7) in-depth experience in sub-Saharan Africa.

This position would spend a significant portion (at least 0.25FTE) of effort leading the Paul Farmer Collaborative, a ten-year educational partnership between Harvard Medical School and the University of Global Health Equity that began in 2024. In addition, the Cummings Professor would continue their leadership role in global health research and would commit to teaching medical students and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators from implementing partner organizations. The position is based in Boston and would require spending time in Rwanda to support the Paul Farmer Collaborative. Finally, the Cummings Professor would participate in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine executive committee and contribute to departmental activities.

Applications must be received by November 1, 2026.

Basic Qualifications - A doctoral degree (MD or equivalent, PhD or equivalent), or MD/PhD (or equivalent) degreeExpertise in a field relevant to global health and social medicine, that would enhance or complement current disciplinary strength in the department, i.e., anthropology, epidemiology, history, sociology, and/or study of global health delivery for infectious, noncommunicable, oncological, psychiatric/psychological, or surgical diseases.Strong interdisciplinary interests across the medical social sciencesRecord of scholarship relevant to global health and/or social medicine care delivery that has a focus on ensuring health care delivery to vulnerable communitiesSignificant experience working in sub-Saharan Africa

Additional Qualifications - Demonstration of thought leadership as evidenced in seminal publications that influence fields, new theories, and/or methods, or in leadership of a large research consortium, such as a Lancet CommissionEvidence of national or international reputation as an investigator through leadership positions in professional societies, invited presentations, and/or guest professorshipsContinuous record of research funding with growing diversificationA record of excellence in teaching and mentoring of students and junior facultyA reputation for successful collaborations with organizations based in low-resourced areasDemonstrated commitment to conducting research in and relevant to low-resourced settingsExperience in major administrative leadership roles

Special Instructions - Note: We anticipate that the finalist for this position may be considered external to Harvard and therefore subject to the conduct inquiries. In the tenure review process that will follow selection of the finalist, the candidate, whether internal or external, will be reviewed for their record of integrity and professionalism in addition to their scholarly, teaching, and administrative qualifications.Note: Reference letters are not needed by the application deadline; only the contact information for the reference letters.Applicants for this position must submit the "Authorization to Release Information" document below as part of their application.To submit the authorization document, do the following:Click the document link belowDownload thePDFdocumentComplete and sign the document.Scan the completed, signed document and upload it with your other application materialsDownload "Authorization to Release Information"

Contact Information - Rebecca GrowDepartment of Global Health and Social MedicineHarvard Medical School641 Huntington AvenueBoston MA 02115USA

Contact Email -

Salary Range - Salary is highly competitive and commensurate with experience. The minimum starting salary is $230,000, with the potential for a higher offer based on candidates' qualifications and experience.

Minimum Number of References Required - 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed - 5

Keywords - Global health equity, global health, social medicine, implementation science, Rwanda, sub-Saharan Africa

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement - Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes. Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions - Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents - Required Documents

Cover Letter

Curriculum Vitae

Statement of Research

Statement of Teaching Philosophy

Authorization to Release Information

Publication

Optional Documents

Publication 2

Publication 3

Worksite address

boston, MA, 02298, US

Who can apply

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