Heather S.L. Jim, PhD

Dr. Heather S.L. Jim is the Associate Center Director for the Division of Population Science, which is comprised of two academic departments, Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes and Behavior. Population science research at Moffitt Cancer Center is a multidisciplinary endeavor that integrates epidemiology, behavioral research, health outcomes, and community-based participatory research to address the full cancer continuum through both observational and interventional studies to reduce cancer risk, improve screening and detection and enhance survivors' quality of life. Researchers apply biostatistics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence and mathematical modeling to analyze large, diverse datasets and integrate biomarkers, lifestyle, and molecular factors to understand how genetic, social, and behavioral influences interact to shape cancer risk, progression, outcomes and disparities. Dr. Jim is also the executive champion for two CCSG Programs, Cancer Epidemiology and Health Outcomes and Behavior. In this role, Dr. Jim provides strategic leadership and advocacy, ensuring program alignment with institutional research priorities, fostering team science collaborations, helping to secure resources and supporting the translation of research findings into practice and policy.

Dr. Jim is internationally recognized for her research contributions to understanding the psychological and physical effects of cancer diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on neurocognitive changes, symptom management and quality of life. Her work also includes studies investigating patient-reported toxicities of novel therapies, such as targeted and immunotherapies. Dr. Jim has led several clinical trials testing behavioral and pharmacologic interventions, which have advanced knowledge on how to support cancer patients’ mental and physical quality of life during and after treatment. She is a Moffitt Distinguished Scholar; Fellow of the Society of Behavioral Medicine; and recipient of the 2019 Moffitt Researcher of the Year Award, a highly competitive honor awarded to a faculty member selected by their peers based on the significance of their research contributions. Dr. Jim holds a PhD in clinical and health psychology from The Ohio State University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in behavioral oncology research at Moffitt.