Postdoctoral Fellow-Psychiatry

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. All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s generous benefits package that includes: competitive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, Virginia Retirement System (VRS), professional development & certifications, tuition waiver, parental leave, caregiving leave and community service leave. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here: https://hr.vcu.edu/careers-at-vcu/why-work-at-vcu/

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action university providing access to education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability.

Summary:

Key Responsibilities: Dr. Ruth Brown and the HOPE Lab at the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (VIPBG) and VCU School of Medicine are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a multi-site grant focusing on mental health and developmental regression in youth and adults with Down syndrome. The HOPE Lab is dedicated to eliminating the mental health disparities experienced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The postdoctoral fellow will play a pivotal role in the HOPE Lab’s mission to improve mental health awareness, measurement, and service delivery for individuals with IDD. This is an exciting opportunity for a clinical psychologist or related professional who is passionate about conducting impactful research, mentoring junior team members, and advancing their academic career through robust professional development opportunities.

While in-person work is strongly preferred, remote or hybrid arrangements may be considered in extenuating circumstances.

Key Responsibilities:

Study Management & Oversight:
-Supervise and guide the Research Coordinator to ensure efficient and compliant execution of the multi-site study on Down syndrome Regression Disorder.
-Coordinate study-related tasks, timelines, and deliverables, fostering strong collaboration within the research team.
Research & Data Analysis:
-Lead data collection efforts (medical records reviews, focus groups, and psychiatric clinical diagnostic interviews for parents of youth and adults with Down syndrome).
-Conduct statistical analyses of existing and incoming datasets.
-Manage IRB protocols, ensuring full compliance and serving as the primary liaison between the research team and the IRB.
Scholarly Dissemination & Engagement:
-Prepare and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, and present findings at national or international conferences.
-Provide workshops, information sessions, and community presentations to parent support groups and other stakeholders.
Mentoring & Professional Development:
-Mentor undergraduate research assistants and other junior team members.
-Participate in advanced training programs such as the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (VA LEND) or Data Science certificate courses.
-Engage in professional development opportunities, including grant-writing and additional coursework relevant to clinical research and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Minimum Requirements:

-PhD (or equivalent terminal degree) in Clinical Psychology.
-Demonstrated experience in human-subjects research (e.g., managing IRB protocols, supervising research projects, analyzing data) in a clinical or academic environment.
-Strong publication track record or clear evidence of scientific writing skills.
-Proven leadership and team management experience, with the ability to coordinate complex research activities and deadlines.
-Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS) and familiarity with data collection platforms (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics).
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills to engage diverse audiences and disseminate findings.
-Commitment to diversity and inclusion in both research and team management; a demonstrated history of fostering inclusivity or a strong plan to do so.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

-Experience working with neurodevelopmental or intellectual disabilities (especially Down syndrome) in either a clinical or research capacity, or willingness to learn.
-Completed or ongoing interdisciplinary/interprofessional training (e.g., LEND, leadership development programs).
-Experience conducting diagnostic interviews or clinical assessments.
-Fluency in Spanish for participant outreach and engagement.
-Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and experience presenting at academic conferences.

Why Join Us?

-Impactful Work: Contribute to advancing the understanding and treatment of mental health in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
-Professional Growth: Access to extensive professional development resources, including grant writing, leadership programs, and specialized coursework.
-Collaborative Environment: Work within a vibrant academic community at VCU, partnering with faculty and students from diverse disciplines.
-Benefits & Flexibility: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and the potential for remote or hybrid work arrangements under special circumstances.

If you are a motivated clinical psychologist or closely related professional eager to advance the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities while developing your own research and leadership skills, we encourage you to apply.

To Apply:
Please submit your CV, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and career goals, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Join us at VCU and the HOPE Lab to make a meaningful impact on the mental health of individuals with Down syndrome while furthering your own professional journey. We look forward to your application!

Position will remain open until filled.

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.

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.