Post-Baccalaureate and Post-Doctoral Research Positions in Translational Emotion Neuroscience and Development Lab San Diego State University

Drs. Lea Dougherty (University of Maryland College Park) and Jillian Wiggins (San Diego State University) and the Translational Emotion Neuroscience and Development Lab (https://tendlab.sdsu.edu/) in the Department of Psychology at San Diego State University (SDSU) in San Diego, CA is seeking to hire (pending funding approval) a full-time post-baccalaureate research assistant and a post-doctoral research associate for an NIMH-funded research project examining neural mechanisms of risk and resilience in early childhood irritability. We use functional and structural MRI methods, observational laboratory-based measures, and clinical diagnostic interviews. 

Post-doctoral research associate: The candidate must have completed or be in the process of completing a PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, or other related discipline. Training in MRI and fMRI data analysis, programming experience and knowledge of advanced statistical methods (e.g., machine learning, multilevel modeling), clinical diagnostic assessments, mastery of English speaking and writing, and experience working with human subjects, particularly children, are preferred. Successful candidates should have keen attention to detail; ability to work professionally with parents and children; and strong organization, problem solving, and analytic skills. Prior background in developmental or clinical neuroscience is also a plus but not required.

We seek a post-doc who is motivated and ambitious, who is prepared for a hands-on research experience including the use of new tasks and techniques, and who is prepared to be an intellectual contributor to the research. Responsibilities will include: (1) conducting experiments in young children (behavioral and MRI data collection); (2) clinical diagnostic interviews with parents; (3) data processing and analysis; (4) training and supervising graduate students, undergraduate students, and project assistants; (5) contributing to administrative duties of the lab; (6) assisting with research protocols and compliance; and (7) contributing to data dissemination (poster presentations, manuscript submissions).

The positions will start as soon as possible. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. This is a one-year position renewable contingent on performance and funding. Interested individuals should email a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information of 3 references to Lea Dougherty at ldougher@umd.edu.  Please include all documents in a single pdf file and include your last name in the file (i.e., “LASTNAME.pdf”).

SDSU is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer with a commitment to racial, cultural, and gender diversity.  Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.