The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) at VA Boston Healthcare invites applications for two positions as Postdoctoral Research Associate in brain imaging of Veterans. The TRACTS conducts a prospective longitudinal cohort study and has recruited over 500 Veterans from the greater Boston area. The research employs a multimodal approach to examine the effects of prevalent conditions including traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, depression, and other military-related disorders on the health, behavior, and neural function of Veterans. This project is conducted at the Jamaica Plain campus of the VA Boston Healthcare system, and includes behavioral testing, clinical interviews, and neuroimaging. We have an opening for two Postdoctoral Researchers focused on the neuroimaging aspects of the study, which includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brain structure and function (diffusion tensor imaging, arterial spin labeling, functional connectivity, etc.). We are seeking highly motivated, proactive candidates who are willing to learn new skills and contribute to multiple projects as part of a larger team. We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate for the neuroimaging portion of the TRACTS study, as well as a second postdoctoral research associate for a project that will use MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) of dopamine receptor mapping in individuals from the TRACTS cohort with a history of binge drinking. This project will take place at the Jamaica Plain campus of the VA Boston Healthcare system and at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging located in Charlestown. Successful candidates of both positions will have major roles in the primary research project including management of the technical/imaging aspects of the study as well as project management/administration, and training and mentorship of research assistants on the project. The researchers will contribute to all aspects of the work including (but not limited to) participant enrollment, characterization, operation of the MRI (and PET) scanners, data management, organization, processing and analysis, manuscript preparation and publications. The researchers will work in close collaboration with clinical neuropsychologists, cognitive neuroscientists, and research assistants, and will likely be involved in multiple projects. There will be significant training and collaboration with the Neuroimaging Research for Veterans (NeRVe) Center, also at VA Boston. Individuals with PhD or equivalent in computer science, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, psychology, or related fields are welcome. Prior experience in brain imaging research and use of neuroimaging software (FSL/Freesurfer/AFNI/SPM) is required. It is additionally expected that individuals will devote time to training to learn new image processing and analysis procedures while in this position. The ideal candidate will have strong computer skill, including expertise in Unix/Linux operating systems, MATLAB, shell scripting, and statistics, and strong prior experience in brain imaging research. The positions also require strong organization, communication, and writing skills. A minimum of a two-year commitment (with opportunity for a longer position) is required, and positions are available beginning immediately. US Citizenship is required. Salary will be consistent with levels in accordance with the Boston VA Medical Center policies for postdoctoral researchers. Compensation includes full staff benefits, including health insurance, and vacation time.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and copy of their CV to Gino Jackson, Administrative Officer, at gino.jackson@va.gov .
____________________________ Vincent Corbo, Ph.D. Postdoctoral fellow Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) Neuroimaging Research for Veterans (NeRVe) Center Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System Boston University School of Medicine