Post-Doctoral, VIPBG

The Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (VIPBG; vipbg.vcu.edu), affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, invites applications for a full‑time postdoctoral researcher position, available immediately. VIPBG is an interdisciplinary institute that brings together researchers with backgrounds in statistical and molecular genetics, epidemiology, psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, all focused on understanding how genetic and environmental factors impact the development of behavioral phenotypes and complex traits, particularly psychiatric and substance use disorders.

Further information on the Institute, its faculty, and research may be found .edu.

Training positions are funded by an NIMH T32 training grant in psychiatric and behavioral genetics, which is jointly directed by Drs. Michael Neale and Hermine Maes. Currently funded research at VIPBG includes genetic studies of schizophrenia, major depression, anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD, substance use disorders and development of statistical methods. VCU’s pioneering twin studies of complex traits have given rise to exceptional resources for data analysis.

Our collaborative studies include the NIH‑funded ABCD study (abcdstudy.org), the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium subgroups, and UK Biobank, among others. Faculty are at the frontier of developing methods and software for statistical genetic analyses of complex traits, including extensions of structural equation models to use data from twins and relatives to resolve competing models about causation and individual variation. New methods for analyzing the contributions of measured genetic and environmental factors to individual differences in behavioral and psychiatric outcomes are continuously being developed, tested and applied to many genomic data types.

Visit the VIPBG faculty page for information about possible mentors: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The postdoctoral research education program is tailored to the experience and needs of the research fellow, with an emphasis on tutorials and collaborative research. The development of research skills is the primary focus of post‑doctoral training, with an emphasis on broad exposure to psychiatric and behavior‑genetic methods together with detailed study in one or more areas that would lead to publications and grant proposals.

The core of post‑doctoral training is supervised research under the mentorship of experienced scientists. As trainees may have a variety of degrees (PhD or MD), their research training may be supplemented by formal coursework or directed reading. In consultation with their primary advisor, trainees will develop an individualized training program tailored to their needs. The exceptionally rich academic environment and the wealth of funded research projects and datasets allow the trainees to pick a research project of interest.

Trainees are encouraged to write first‑author scientific papers on their research and develop grant proposals.

Scholars can expect 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

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

Preference will be given to persons who meet the following criteria:

• History of peer‑reviewed publications
• Experience interpreting findings in a developmental context
• Demonstration of…