Postdoctoral Research Associate - Psychiatry
Washington University in St. Louis
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See open jobs at Washington University in St. Louis.See open jobs similar to "Postdoctoral Research Associate - Psychiatry" AnitaB.org.Job Description
The Laboratory for Child Brain Development (LCBD-PI: Dr. Susan Perlman) has an opening for a postdoctoral training position to collaborate on several NIH-funded studies. The applicant’s main appointment will be in the Laboratory for Child Brain Development (http://www.childbrainlab.com) in the Washington University- St. Louis, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, William Greenleaf Elliot Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (https://childpsychiatry.wustl.edu/). The LCBD is dedicated to using multi-modal methodology to understand the trajectories of emotional development from infancy to middle childhood (with a strong preschool focus) in order to predict the onset of mental disorder.
The postdoc will have the opportunity to train in multi-modal neuroimaging methods including MRI, NIRS, EEG. Behavioral (Eye-tracking, clinical interview), physiology (RSA), and immunology measures (hair and salivary cortisol, inflammatory markers) also included in our research program.
Opportunities for publication include three main studies:
The EmoGrow Project: This study followed 4-5 year old children for two years to examine how early temperament predicts the onset of psychopathology and how the parent-child relationship can buffer these negative outcomes. Data collection has finished in the complete sample of 151 children and includes MRI, NIRS, and behavioral methods (parent-child) interaction. This longitudinal data set is available for immediate data analysis and publication.
The CARE Study: This longitudinal project, which began data collection in winter 2021, is designed to study the biological unfolding of early-life stress (parental conflict) as a precursor to psychopathology. We will employ intensive, state-of-the-art, multi-modal, neurodevelopmental measurement in a sample of 225 4-6 year-old children and their parent, including fMRI, interpersonal neural synchronization between parent and child using fNIRS, facial expression and behavioral coding, hair and salivary cortisol, and measurement of inflammatory markers. The CARE study recruits children experiencing attachment-related stress as a model for the biological unfolding of stress, while also examining external stressors and those that occur throughout the course of the study. In this longitudinal study, families will be followed every 6 months across a 1.5 year time period.
Parent-to-Child Anxiety Transmission: A new, longitudinal project, which has recently begun, will examine parental transmission of anxiety to preschool children. This project includes fNIRS (parent-child interpersonal neural synchronization), EEG, and behavioral coding and will focus on parent-child interaction and socialization of anxious behaviors through child observation. A sub-aim of the study focuses on anxiety transmission in fathers.
Additional collaborative studies investigate neural processes underlying emotion regulation in autism spectrum disorder, child overcontrolled temperament and development within the parent-child relationship, neural processes underlying executive function in children experiencing early adversity, and the role of physical pain in predicting pediatric psychopathology. The postdoc will also have ample opportunity to design their own studies and collect a novel data set. The postdoctoral fellow will be an integral member of the scientific team at the Laboratory for Child Brain Development and will have rich opportunities to publish and present at conferences using all available laboratory data. The fellow will also be encouraged and supported to develop supplementary studies via the NIH NRSA and/or K Award mechanisms in addition to smaller foundation grants. The fellow will develop, implement, and disseminate cutting-edge fMRI and fNIRS analysis tools through Dr. Perlman’s Laboratory for Child Brain Development and in collaboration with local and national collaborators.
The Washington University-St. Louis, Department of Psychiatry provides an ideal training environment for postdoctoral fellows, including the Career and Research Development Seminars designed to promote the professional, career development, and grantsmanship skills necessary to launch an independent career through the NIH K Award mechanism. Wash U is home to a thriving neuroimaging community and is a leader in developmental psychopathology research. St. Louis and the local surrounding areas offer an affordable, diverse, and family-friendly community with rich university resources.
The Washington University-St. Louis, Department of Psychiatry provides an ideal training environment for postdoctoral fellows, including the Career and Research Development Seminars designed to promote the professional, career development, and grantsmanship skills necessary to launch an independent career through the NIH K Award mechanism. Wash U is home to a thriving neuroimaging community and is a leader in developmental psychopathology research. St. Louis and the local surrounding areas offer an affordable, diverse, and family-friendly community with rich university resources.
Diversity is a core value at Washington University School of Medicine and in the Department of Psychiatry. We are committed to building and sustaining inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all students, staff, trainees, and faculty. We believe that building a diverse team enriches us individually and as a department by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. In order to achieve these objectives, candidates are expected to align with the school's mission of promoting inclusive excellence. They should be prepared to further this objective within Washington University and collaborate with diverse communities of students, faculty, staff, trainees, and patients. Visit our Websites to learn more about DEI initiatives in the Department of Psychiatry (https://psychiatry.wustl.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion-2/) and at WUSM (https://diversity.med.wustl.edu/).
Information on being a postdoc at Washington University in St. Louis can be found at https://postdoc.wustl.edu/prospective-postdocs-2/.
Required Qualifications
- PhD or MD/PhD in a neuroscience, psychology, computer science, or engineering related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fluency in MATLAB, Python, R, or related language and expertise in fMRI, fNIRS, or EEG and will be able to implement cutting-edge neuroimaging analysis techniques such as network analyses, Multi-Variate Pattern Analysis, or hyperscanning.
- Excellent publication record with demonstrated interest in developmental cognitive neuroscience and will combine a collaborative orientation with the ability to function well independently.
Salary Range
Base pay is commensurate with experience.
Applicant Special Instructions
The postdoctoral fellowship position is open immediately, however, a later start date can be made to accommodate expecting PHD graduates. The LCBD is willing to hold the position for availability of the ideal candidate. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. To apply please send a cover letter, C.V., and names and contact information of three references to: Susan Perlman, Ph.D., at perlmansusan@wustl.edu. Questions can be addressed to Dr. Perlman directly.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.This job is no longer accepting applications
See open jobs at Washington University in St. Louis.See open jobs similar to "Postdoctoral Research Associate - Psychiatry" AnitaB.org.