The Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM (ABCD) Study is seeking to recruit a leader in the area of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) to join the ABCD Study’s Coordinating Center (https://abcdstudy.org/study-sites/cc/) as an Associate Director and member of the study’s leadership team. This opportunity will provide salary support for up to 50% effort for both the Associate Director and a high-level administrative assistant. Additional seed funds for additional effort, related research, and needs for the position are negotiable. The ABCD leadership is committed to obtaining the resources needed for the Associate Director’s success. The incumbent need not relocate from their home institution and will receive funding in the form of a subcontract for their effort and staff.

ABCD (https://abcdstudy.org) is a large, NIH-funded, 21-site longitudinal study examining the trajectory of adolescent brain and cognitive development in more than 11,000 children. Like many organizations, ABCD has joined the national reexamination of systemic racism. The consortium has already taken steps toward this end, including development of a JEDI Advisory Council and a JEDI Taskforce comprised of three working groups focusing on 1) equitable & inclusive methods, 2) diversity & inclusion in study personnel, and 3) responsible use of data. ABCD would like to empower a leader to direct and further develop these ongoing efforts and guide ABCD on a path that will fully integrate JEDI values and practices into the fabric of the ABCD study, including study design and analysis, as well as staffing and staff support structures.

ABCD was recently funded to support a comprehensive strategy for improving all aspects of JEDI issues within the consortium: responsible data use; equitable and inclusive data collection methods; consideration of health disparities research; improvement of racial and ethnic diversity in the ABCD consortium; increased representation of scientists of color in the consortium (particularly in leadership positions); improved access and training to ABCD data for marginalized scientists and communities; and more. These funds will ensure that ABCD Study is adhering to all aspects of its stated values (see: https://abcdstudy.org/families/bettertogether/) We seek a leader who would be integral in guiding the ABCD consortium in achieving these goals.

The ideal candidate would have experience in addressing JEDI issues and a strong track record in research. Areas of research expertise might include child and adolescent psychological/brain development, racism, health disparities, and/or community engagement. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, gender identity,
national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please send a cover letter and CV to David Benjamin (ABCD Project Operations Manager) at