Postdoctoral
Research
Scholar Position in Behavior Genetics and Neuroimaging
Department
of
Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
The
Department of Psychiatry at the University of California,
San Diego is pleased to invite applications for a postdoctoral research
scholar
position in behavior genetics and neuroimaging under the direction of
Drs.
William Kremen (Psychiatry) and Anders Dale (Radiology and
Neuroscience). The position focuses on training
in the
application of sophisticated psychometric techniques (particularly twin
analyses) and neuroimaging methods (structural MRI , DTI, fMRI, and
ASL) that
will be applied to the NIH/NIA-funded Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging
(VETSA)
in collaboration with investigators at Boston University, Massachusetts
General
Hospital, and Virginia Commonwealth University.
VETSA is a unique longitudinal study of over 600 middle-aged
male twin
pairs that focuses on understanding cognitive and brain aging. Over 500 twins have undergone 3D structural
MRI and DTI in VETSA wave 1. These twins
also underwent extensive neurocognitive assessment, personality and
psychosocial measures, a medical history interview, in-lab physical
health
measures such as blood pressure and pulmonary function, and hormonal
assays for
cortisol, testosterone, and DHEAS. DNA
has been obtained from all subjects and, to date, they have been
genotyped for
APOE. Genome-wide genotyping of all VETSA subjects is planned. Wave 2
of the
project, which was recently funded, will acquire five-year follow-up
data, and also
include fMRI and ASL scans. Applications
from many disciplines may be considered, and the position is open to qualified international
applicants. Requirements for the
position are: 1) completion of relevant Ph.D. research activities
within the
past five years; 2) advanced writing and advanced statistical or
neuroimaging skills,
and 3) an interest in imaging genetics research. Experience
with multilevel data analysis,
twin modeling, genetics, and/or neuroimaging is desirable. The postdoctoral candidate will be encouraged
to develop his or her own research projects that fit within the overall
scope
of the project. The position will entail
immersion in twin modeling (e.g., using Mx software) and MR image
analysis
including FreeSurfer and other methods.
This advertisement is for a 2-year appointment
beginning immediately.
Salary will be consistent with the
NIH/NRSA levels in accordance with the University of California, San
Diego for
Postdoctoral trainees. Compensation includes
full staff benefits, including health insurance, and vacation time. Review of applications will begin immediately
and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please send a copy of your CV,
a brief
statement of research interests and goals, and any selected reprints to
the
address below. Letters of reference will
be required before final approval of hiring. Informal
inquiries concerning this position
are encouraged. Please e-mail wkremen@ucsd.edu
for more details.
William S.
Kremen, Ph.D.
Department
of Psychiatry
University
of California, San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive (MC 0738)
La Jolla,
CA 92093-0738
-- Christine Fennema Notestine, Ph.D. Asst Professor of Psychiatry and Radiology University of California, San Diego Phone: 858-822-3198 / 858-246-0605 E-mail: fennema@ucsd.edu Fax: 858-534-1078