UNIV-Post Doctoral Scholar-College of Health Professions, Department of Health Sciences and Research

Postdoctoral Scholars will conduct research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease under the mentorship of Dr. Andreana Benitez and/or Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa, leading publications using data from studies involving advanced neuroimaging, cognitive and behavioral interventions, digital health outcomes, and blood-based biomarkers. Scholars will receive tailored career development and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to prepare for careers leading clinical research in academic medical settings.

The Scholars will be directly supervised by Dr. Andreana Benitez and/or Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa. Scholars will lead publications using data from any or all of the following projects:
Advanced diffusion MRI of brain aging and preclinical AD (R01AG
054159, PI Benitez) Changes in cognitive, structural and functional MRI, and digital health outcomes following multimodal interventions (i.e. non-invasive brain stimulation, cognitive training, mindfulness) for Mild Cognitive Impairment or Subjective Cognitive Decline (R01AG
081237, PI Benitez; K23AG
090691 and P50HD
118628, PI Aghamoosa) Blood-based biomarkers of AD among cognitively unimpaired older adults in studies of preclinical AD and frequent cannabis use (K24AG
088840, PI Benitez). The Scholars will be embedded in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary community of experts in aging/AD, psychology, MRI physics, image analysis, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neurosciences, occupational and physical therapy, and biostatistics. We welcome Scholars with complementary strengths in these or other areas, and who are excited to embrace opportunities for leadership and learning. MUSC is located in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, notable for a mild climate, beautiful beaches, lovely cultural offerings, and a great quality of life.

We are enthusiastic about mentoring and sponsoring the career development of trainees. Discretionary funds are available to attend conferences to present research products or workshops to learn new skills, and for professional coaching. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to compete for internal and external funding to conduct independent research using resources from NIH-funded centers such as the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function, the Neuro-PRECISE Center, and the Clinical Research Center for Restoration of Neural-based Function in the Real World (RENEW).

Scholars will receive laptops to facilitate remote work. Competitive compensation will follow the current NIH stipend levels and will be commensurate with experience (NOT-OD-26-044).

Doctorate in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical imaging, medicine, or related disciplines. Academic interests that align with our ongoing projects, including a record of relevant peer-reviewed publications as the primary author or as a co-author with a significant role in data analysis.

• Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts.
• Independently conduct statistical analyses (with at least intermediate proficiency) of clinical research data using various software tools, with the support of biostatisticians and image analysts.
• Serve as project manager or supervisor, depending on existing competency and project needs.

• 35% Scientific Manuscript Preparation – Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts using data from the team’s aging and Alzheimer’s disease research projects.
• 35% Statistical Analysis of Clinical Research Data – Independently conduct statistical analyses of clinical research data using various software tools, with support from biostatisticians and image analysts.
• 15% Manuscript Submission and Revision – Prepare scientific manuscripts for journal submission and…