Post-Doctoral Fellow, Movement Disorders - School of Medicine / Neurology

Post-Doctoral Fellow, Movement Disorders - School of Medicine / Neurology

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.

Summary

The objective of this post-doctoral fellow position is to provide scientific assistance in a Movement Disorders clinical research laboratory in the Department of Neurology. This position will support the success of grant applications and manuscript publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals through the design and implementation of clinical research protocols, dataset preparation, and data analyses. Such support will help the Principal Investigator secure and maintain external funding which will enhance the stature and funding level of the Department as well as the individual laboratory.

Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are progressive neurodegenerative diseases associated with significant disability. Neuropsychiatric symptoms including cognitive impairment are significant contributors to the disability associated with these diseases. Our research is focused on improving the understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with Lewy body diseases. We aim to accomplish this by employing EEG and MRI in our research protocols and analysis of data collected locally as well as part of larger multi-center efforts.

We are currently seeking a post-doctoral fellow to assist in the development and execution of human-subject based research studies. The candidate must be detail-oriented, organized, reliable, and committed to pursuing scientific excellence through research. This position requires an independent, organized, and self-motivated individual with robust problem-solving skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic are essential. Candidates may also have previous experience in bench research and an ability to partner with our basic science colleagues in translational projects.

The post-doctoral position is available for 1 year, with potential for extension beyond this period contingent upon progress and available funding. This position will follow the guidelines for compensation as recommended by the National Institutes of Health. (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-19-036.html)

Essential Qualifications

-- Candidates must have a PhD in Neurobiology, Biology, Biochemistry or health-related field; or an MD or MD-equivalent degree.
-- Expertise in statistical software programs such as SPSS or SAS.
-- Strong organizational skills.
-- Be fluent in spoken and written English; excellent communication skills
-- Demonstrated ability to work professionally and efficiently with students, faculty, and patients/clinical research participants.
-- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

-- Strong scientific writing skills
-- Prior scientific work will have been presented in scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

The School of Medicine continuously strives for our workplace and learning environment to reflect the demographic and social milieu of the communities we serve. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Position will remain open until filled with a priority application date of April 18, 2022.