Postdoctoral Scholar Fellow - Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education.   All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes:  competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development & certifications, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave.  Learn more about VCU’s benefits here: https://hr.vcu.edu/careers-at-vcu/why-work-at-vcu/

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

 Summary:

The Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics(VIPBG; vipbg.vcu.edu), affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry, in theSchool of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond,Virginia, invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral researcherposition, available immediately. VIPBG is an interdisciplinary institute thatbrings together researchers with backgrounds from statistical and moleculargenetics to epidemiology, psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, all with ashared focus on understanding how genetic and environmental factors impact thedevelopment of behavioral phenotypes and complex traits, particularly psychiatricand substance use disorders. Further information on the Institute, its faculty,and research may be found at vipbg.vcu.edu.

VIPBG Faculty Research Interests/Areas of Study

Training positions are funded by an NIMH T32 training grant inpsychiatric and behavioral genetics, which is and jointly directed by Drs.Michael Neale and Hermine Maes. Currently funded research at VIPBG includesgenetic studies of schizophrenia, major depression, anxiety and panicdisorders, PTSD, substance use disorders and development of statisticalmethods. VCU’s pioneering twin studies of complex traits have given rise toexceptional resources for data analysis. Our collaborative studies include theNIH funded ABCD study (abcdstudy.org), the Psychiatric Genetics Consortiumsubgroups, and UK Biobank, among others. Faculty are at the forefront ofdeveloping methods and software for statistical genetic analyses of complextraits. These include extensions of structural equation models to use datacollected from twins and relatives to resolve competing models about causationand individual variation. New methods for analyzing the contributions ofmeasured genetic and environmental factors to individual differences inbehavioral and psychiatric outcomes are continuously being developed, testedand applied to many genomic data types.

Visit the VIPBG faculty page for information about possiblementors: https://vipbg.vcu.edu/people/faculty/

Training ProgramGoals

The postdoctoralresearch education program is tailored to the experience and needs of theresearch fellow, with an emphasis on tutorials and collaborative research. Thedevelopment of research skills is the primary focus of post-doctoral training,with an emphasis on broad exposure to psychiatric and behavior genetic methodstogether with detailed study in one or more areas that would lead topublications and grant proposals. The core of post-doctoral training issupervised research under the mentorship of experienced scientists. As traineesmay have a variety of degrees (PhD or MD), their research training may besupplemented by formal course work or directed reading. In consultation withtheir primary advisor, trainees will develop an individualized trainingprogram, tailored to their needs. The exceptionally rich academic environmentand the wealth of funded research projects and datasets allow the trainees topick a research project of interest. Trainees are encouraged to writefirst-author scientific papers on their research and develop grant proposals.

Scholars canexpect to acquire training and competencies in:

• Behavioral genetics, deep phenotyping, health disparities, big data science
• Advanced statistical and methodological techniques and development
• Presenting research at national and/or international meetings
• Preparing and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed academic journals
• Contributing as a co-author to manuscripts led by other members of the research team
• Grant writing and development
• Interdisciplinary and collaborative research
  
  

EligibilityCriteria:

All applicants must have completed their M.D. or Ph.D. in arelated field (e.g., Mathematics, Biostatistics, Psychology,Psychiatry, Biology, Genetics, Epidemiology) at the time of entry into theprogram and be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency (Green Card) statusat the time of appointment.

Preference will be given to persons who meetthe following criteria:

• History of peer reviewed publications
• Experience interpreting findings in a developmental context
• Demonstration of excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated skills in the design and execution of research aims related to psychiatric, substance use, or behavioral outcomes
• Proven skills and experience in psychiatric epidemiology, behavioral genetics, psychology, or a related field
• Strong background in quantitative analytical skills, preferably experienced with R and data science best practices
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team
• Commitment to thorough, rigorous research and a thoughtful approach to problem solving

Stipend/Benefits:

Fellows receive an annual stipendset by the National Institutes of Health, ranging from $56,484-68,604, based onyears of related experience. Scholars are also provided with health insurance, tuitionand fees, and research-related support including travel funds to at least oneannual professional meeting, statistical consulting, administrative andclerical support, and access to computers for writing and data analyses.Appointments are made for a period of 12 months and renewable for up to twoyears.

Howto Apply:

Submit the following application materials through the VCU jobswebsite (bit.ly/VIPBGpostdoc):

• Curriculum Vitae
•  Cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing the following: a) why you wish to have postdoctoral training at VIPBG in the NIMH T32 training program, b) background research experience relevant to such training, and c) long-term career goals.
•  Statement of Purpose (2 pages) for application to program addressing the following: a) research interests or research agenda (specific aim, significance of study, research methods), b) potential faculty mentor(s) with whom you want to work and why, and c) what you would like to learn and accomplish during your traineeship.
•  Names and contact information for two professional references
•  Writing sample (the submission should be a scholarly, journal length manuscript in which the applicant was a major contributor (e.g., first author))
•  Transcripts

Inquiries should be addressed to Prof. Michael C. Neale, DirectorNIMH T32 Training Program, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and BehavioralGenetics, Box 980126, Richmond VA 23298-0126 USA. michael.neale@vcuhealth.org.

Position will remain open until filled.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

Salary Range: $61,008-$74,088

Position Details:

Department: Psychiatry/VIPBG
Employment Type: PD - Post Doc
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 1.0
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Tina Rust

Contact Email: 

Contact Phone: