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 from statistical and molecular genetics to epidemiology, psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience, all with a shared focus 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 at vipbg.vcu.edu.

VIPBG Faculty Research Interests/Areas of Study

Training positions are funded by an NIMH T32 training grant in psychiatric and behavioral genetics, which is and 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 forefront of developing methods and software for statistical genetic analyses of complex traits. These include extensions of structural equation models to use data collected 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: https://vipbg.vcu.edu/people/faculty/

Training Program Goals

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 course work 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

Eligibility Criteria:

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 excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated skills in the design and execution of research aims related to psychiatric, substance use, or behavioral outcomes
• Proven skills and experience in psychiatric epidemiology, behavioral genetics, psychology, or a related field
• Strong background in quantitative analytical skills, preferably experienced with R and data science best practices
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team
• Commitment to thorough, rigorous research and a thoughtful approach to problem solving

Stipend/Benefits:

Fellows receive an annual stipend set by the National Institutes of Health based on years of related experience. Scholars are also provided with health insurance, tuition and fees, and research-related support including travel funds to at least one annual professional meeting, statistical consulting, administrative and clerical support, and access to computers for writing and data analyses. Appointments are made for a period of 12 months and renewable for up to two years.

How to Apply:

Submit the following application materials through the VCU jobs website:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter (1-2 pages) addressing the following: a) why you wish to have postdoctoral training at VIPBG in the NIMH T32 training program, b) background research experience relevant to such training, and c) long-term career goals.
• Statement of Purpose (2 pages) for application to program addressing the following: a) research interests or research agenda (specific aim, significance of study, research methods), b) potential faculty mentor(s) with whom you want to work and why, and c) what you would like to learn and accomplish during your traineeship.
• Names and contact information for two professional references
• Writing sample (the submission should be a scholarly, journal length manuscript in which the applicant was a major contributor (e.g., first author))
• Transcripts

Inquiries should be addressed to Prof. Michael C. Neale, Director NIMH T32 Training Program, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Box 980126, Richmond VA 23298-0126 USA. michael.neale@vcuhealth.org.

Position will remain open until filled.

VCU is committed to hiring veterans! VCU will include a veteran's period(s) of military service in the calculation of their annual leave accrual rate. This may provide veterans with an increased leave accrual!

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.