The Department of Psychiatry, within the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral researcher position, available immediately. This is a two-year position, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The successful applicant will contribute to a research program on the relationship between alcohol/drug use disorders and suicidal behavior (attempts and death). This program is funded through NIAAA and utilizes Swedish national registers to address questions related to the general and genetic epidemiology of suicidal behavior, specifically within the context of substance use disorders. Opportunities are available for travel to work with Swedish collaborators, conference presentations, and workshop attendance to further develop analytic skills.
Specific responsibilities will include:
– Development of research questions consistent with specific aims of funded R01.
– Execution of analyses independently and in collaboration with other members of the research team.
– Documentation of all analytic procedures through open science applications.
– Manuscript preparation and submission to peer reviewed academic journals.
– Contribution as a co-author to manuscripts led by other members of the research team.
– Presentation of findings at professional conferences.
Minimum qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD and proven skills and experience in psychiatric epidemiology, behavioral genetics, psychology, or a related field. Demonstration of excellent written and oral communication skills is required. Quantitative analytic skills are required, preferably within the context of R and/or SAS. Applicant must have demonstrated skills in the design and execution of research aims related to psychiatric, substance use, or behavioral outcomes. Applicants must work well both independently and in collaborative environments; strong interpersonal skills are essential.
Preferred qualifications: Experience with large-scale databases is preferred, particularly in the context of registry data. Experience with survival models and structural equation models is preferred. History of peer reviewed publications is preferred.
The position will be located at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (VIPBG) (www.vipbg.vcu.edu). VIPBG is world-renowned for its contributions to the genetic epidemiology of behavior and psychopathology. Its faculty and affiliates represent diverse disciplines including molecular genetics, psychology, epidemiology, and statistics. Accordingly, the successful candidate will have access to a range of training opportunities during the course of their postdoctoral research.
VCU is located in Richmond, Virginia, a small city with a vibrant arts scene, nationally recognized museums, award-winning restaurants, and abundant opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Richmond’s location in the middle of the state allows for day or weekend trips to the beach, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and Washington, D.C. Furthermore, Richmond is TIME magazine’s No. 2 city in the United States for attracting millennial talent, and is one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the country.
Job posting: https://www.vcujobs.com/postings/97800
Required documents:
– Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
– Statement of interest
– Reference Letters