2 Biopsychology jobs

  CLINICAL-RESEARCH POST-DOCTORAL POSITION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY: This is a broad-span, multifaceted post-doc opportunity to study and learn about the life-long impact of very early-onset depressive disorders  on subsequent mental health, psychosocial functioning, and cardiovascular status in families and in both USA and overseas cohorts. A major focus is on the role of maladaptive emotion regulation and its relationship to psychophysiology in the onset and maintenance of these disorders. Our newest project with young and middle aged adults also examines how autonomic nervous system processes and decision making tendencies contribute to long-term affect regulatory profiles by implementing a neuro-economic approach to decision making.   Training opportunities include attendance in Departmental seminars, learning about cardiac psychophysiology (autonomic nervous system processes) and its assessment, and improving skills relevant to producing scientific articles and grant applications. The successful applicant will be expected to play an active and leading role in data analyses and publications. He/she also will be responsible for coordinating psychiatric diagnostic assessments, conducting some research clinical interviews with adults, and arriving at DSM diagnoses. If appropriate, he/she also can receive clinical supervision that can be used toward license certification. Duties may include additional tasks and span multiple projects. Requirements are: doctorate in clinical psychology or related field, 3+ years of clinical exposure including experience with standardized diagnostic assessment procedures, preferably in psychiatric settings with adults; experience in an academic clinical research setting; some familiarity with psychophysiology; and familiarity with the clinical and experimental literature on depression. Excellent communication, problem-solving, time management, and writing skills are essential. A multi-year commitment is expected. Qualified candidates (USA citizens or green card holders) may submit their CV and three (3) letters of recommendation via email: to kovacs@pitt.edu or by mail to Dr. Maria Kovacs, Childhood Depression Research Program, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA  15213. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative-Action and Equal Opportunity employer.  

School/Dept: School of Medicine/Psychiatry Funding source: NIH Grant Classification: Postdoctoral associate Start date: position open (as soon as possible) Description: A postdoctoral position is available on a 5-year NIH-funded study at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Sleep and Circadian Science. The study will examine the role of delayed sleep phase in increasing risk for adolescent substance use and mood dysregulation.  The study will employ ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods, laboratory-based circadian phase assessments, and neuroimaging to characterize the risk profile associated with adolescent delayed sleep phase. The study will also probe whether risk is diminished via a chronotherapeutic intervention. The successful candidate is expected to take a leadership role in the research project.   The individual will be encouraged to develop personal research aligned with the broad goals of the primary investigator and collaborators. This position provides the opportunity to work and learn in an outstanding research environment and a highly collaborative and collegial community, including the Department of Psychiatry and the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science.  Other benefits include active mentoring by the primary investigator and relevant co-mentor(s), as well as additional research and career development training in the context of an ongoing postdoctoral fellowship program in multidisciplinary research training in sleep medicine.   Responsibilities will include assisting at multiple phases of the study, including conducting diagnostic interviews (including psychiatric, sleep, and substance-oriented structured interviews) and delivering the chronotherapeutic intervention.  The postdoctoral associate will also have play a key role in data analysis (potentially including fMRI data) and dissemination via manuscripts and presentations at national meetings.  Qualifications: Candidates should have a Ph.D. and a strong background in clinical psychology or related discipline with a research emphasis. Proficiency or prior experience in conducting diagnostic interviews, as well as analyzing sleep, circadian, and/or neuroimaging data is highly desirable. In addition, the candidate should be (1) fluent in written and spoken English, with excellent oral and written communication skills, (2) be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and (3) be hard-working, motivated, and eager to learn. The position is open with a flexible start date. If interested, please send CV, letter describing research interests and goals, and the names and contact information for 3 references to Dr. Brant Hasler at haslerbp@upmc.edu.