Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Psychiatry

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Summary:

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit: School Of Medicine

Department: Psychiatry

The VCU Department of Psychiatry is seeking to hire a Post-Doctoral Fellow for its Child and Adolescent Division.

A postdoctoral position is available at the VTCC to study neuro-cognitive bases of neuropsychiatric disorders. Candidates should have experience with neuro-cognitive techniques broadly defined – neuropsychological methodology, task-based fMRI and ideally fNIRS. Candidates who have strong backgrounds in machine learning approaches and are interested in studying these traits are also encouraged to apply.

Active projects focus on: (i) characterizing the neuro-computational underpinnings of the reinforcement-based decision‑making difficulties shown by patients with depression, ADHD and conduct problems; and (ii) determining and predicting treatment response via neuro‑cognitive indices.

The VTCC is an exciting, highly collaborative and new research environment. We focus on neuropsychiatric disorders and have a particular interest in understanding and treating aggression. We look forward to future successes with new projects, faculty, trainees and collaborations. The application will be co‑mentored by Drs. Blair and Stepanova, and their collaborators.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates should hold an M.D. or Ph.D. in psychology, neuroscience, bioinformatics, or a similar quantitative discipline. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R and experience with high‑performance computing (HPC) environments are desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders (or other complex traits)
• Experience with machine learning approaches
• Experience with Bayesian data analysis
• A proven ability to work independently while also thriving in a collaborative research environment.
• Strong critical and independent thinking skills.

Salary Range: Commensurate with NIH

Benefits: All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Restricted Position: Yes

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

ORP Eligible: YES

Contact Name: Lisa Straub

Contact Email: lkstraub