Departments
of Psychiatry and Radiology, University of California, San Diego
The Departments
of Psychiatry and Radiology at the University of California, San Diego are
pleased to invite applications for a postdoctoral research scholar position in
neuroimaging and behavior genetics under the direction of Drs. Anders Dale
(Neuroscience and Radiology) and William Kremen (Psychiatry). Responsibilities
will include analysis of MRI, genetic, and behavioral data collected for the
NIH/NIA-funded Vietnam-Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA). The successful
candidate will receive training in psychometric techniques (particularly twin
analyses) and the application and development of analysis tools for
neuroimaging data (including structural MRI, DTI, fMRI, and ASL). The
postdoctoral candidate will be encouraged to develop his or her own research
projects that fit within the overall scope of the project.
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
structural MRI and DTI in VETSA wave 1. A variety of additional information was
also collected, including neurocognitive, personality, and psychosocial
assessments, medical history interviews, blood pressure, pulmonary function,
and hormonal levels. DNA has been obtained from all subjects and they have been
genotyped for APOE. Genome-wide genotyping of all VETSA subjects is planned.
Wave 2 of the project will acquire five-year follow-up data, and also include
fMRI and ASL scans.
Applicants for the position must have completed relevant Ph.D. research activities within
the past five years. Applications from many disciplines may be considered, and
the position is open to qualified international applicants.
Experience or
expertise in the following areas is highly desired:
1.
computer
programming (especially MATLAB, C/C++, or similar)
2.
neuroimaging
analysis methods (especially FreeSurfer)
3.
structural
MRI, DTI, fMRI, ASL
4.
scientific
writing
5.
advanced
statistical analyses
6.
twin
modeling (especially using Mx software)
7.
genetics
This posting 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 policies 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 your CV, a brief statement of research
interests and goals, and any selected reprints to [log in to unmask] and
[log in to unmask] with the subject line "VETSA
Postdoctoral position". Letters of
reference will be required before final approval of hiring. Informal inquiries
for more details are welcome.