Career Opportunities / Research

In the last century, the rate of growth of the senior population has greatly outpaced that of the United States as a whole--and, today, we are standing on the cusp of still greater demographic change. The research of Hebrew SeniorLife faculty at our acclaimed Institute for Aging Research (IFAR) has played a defining role in the international medical community's understanding of age-related health problems, and our social research has helped the caregiving community better understand how to deliver the best quality service possible to seniors in all care settings. IFAR is the nation's largest gerontological research facility located in an applied setting. We provide researchers with a sizeable grant portfolio and state-of-the-facilities in which to conduct rigorous clinical investigations into disabling geriatric syndromes and then readily apply their findings to the care of older patients.

With a grant portfolio exceeding $46 million, our major areas of research focus include:

• The Aging Brain Center
• Falls and Syncope Research
• Musculoskeletal Research
• Palliative Care Research
• Mental Health and Aging Research
• Assessment, Needs and Quality Research
• Cross-Disciplinary Programs

If you're ready to find your place on the leading edge of gerontological research, we invite you to explore the possibilities available at Hebrew SeniorLife--and discover firsthand how there's more to a career here than you ever realized.

Scientists at IFAR conduct rigorous medical and social studies. Our research is leading the way in developing strategies that maximize seniors' strength, vigor and physical well being, as well as their cognitive and functional independence in late life.

A Dedication to Research and Education

An unsurpassed commitment to research and education forms the foundation of IFAR both as an institution and as an employer. Our continuing mentorship of young scientists, physicians, nurses and other post-doctorates devoted to gerontological research is empowered through strong partnerships with many of the Boston area's leading academic institutions, including Harvard Medical School. These initiatives underpin the success of our continuum of care and ensure that residents in all of our settings can access the most advanced care possible.

Trainees concentrate on their specific disciplines and areas of study while simultaneously taking part in our Research and Training Core Program, which examines topics ranging from the ethics of research to budgeting a study. They also examine recruitment issues, grant writing, program management, and how to get a paper published. Through this approach, trainees benefit from the full breadth of our faculty's expertise even as they work closely with individual mentors.

Innovations in Geriatric Research
 

• Mental Health and Aging
  Focusing on the risk factors, course and consequences of the most common causes of psychological distress experienced by older adults.
• Quality of Care & Health Care
  Examining senior care across a wide spectrum of environments, including acute care hospitals; post-acute, short-term care; long-term care; and community-based settings.
• Musculoskeletal
  Studying the factors that influence bone health, osteoporosis treatment, foot disorders, arthritis, nutrition and other musculoskeletal diseases.
• Palliative Care
  Helping families and caregivers learn how best to care for and relieve the suffering of patients with end-stage Alzheimer's disease.
• Syncope & Falls (SAFE)
  An active partnership with Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston University, and Harvard Medical School addressing the problem of falls.
• The Aging Brain Center
  Focusing on the detection, prevention and amelioration of cognitive impairment.