Postdoctoral Associate
Job Description
The Maternal Influence on Neurodevelopment (MIND) Lab at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC in Roanoke, VA, directed by Dr. Brittany Howell, aims to understand the biological pathways (e.g. specific breast milk components, the infant gut microbiome, etc.) through which mothers affect their infant’s brain and behavioral development. We accomplish this by collecting several concurrent measures, including milk samples, infant fecal samples, measures of infant structural and functional brain development using MRI collected during natural sleep, and behavioral measures including parent-report and direct assessment in the lab.
The MIND Lab is looking for a Postdoctoral Associate to work on research projects examining brain and behavioral development and specific components of breast milk. This role will serve as part of the research team working collaboratively and independently to collect and interpret human subject data for research projects.
The duties of the role will include but may not be limited to the following:
1. Research Conceptualization – Coordinating with and assisting the PI in the design of experiments and grant proposal methodology as well as methods for analyzing the results of studies.
2. Research Publications – Preparation of text, tables, and graphical information as appropriate for dissemination in peer-reviewed publications, or presentation at professional conferences or in book chapters.
3. Data Collection - Collecting MRI in infants during natural sleep, as well as collecting behavioral assessments, and biological samples (e.g. breast milk, infant stool, etc.).
4. Data Analysis – Analyzing the findings from research methods and transforming the results into formats appropriate for dissemination in peer reviewed publications or conference presentations or in formats that engender further analysis.
5. Project Management – Training and supervising research personnel to organize and conduct study sessions.
Required Qualifications
• The successful candidate will possess a PhD in neuroscience, psychology, or appropriate related discipline and have a record of research excellence as indicated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Candidates are also expected to have a solid background in child development.
• Excellent organizational, written and oral communications skills.
• The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with behavior and/or neuroimaging analysis, and longitudinal statistics, is highly desirable.
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with physicians and other health care providers.
• Must have a commitment to continuing education and research.
• The ideal candidate will be highly-motivated, creative, hardworking, independent, well-organized, and capable of multitasking individuals with excellent communication and writing skills.
Review Date
August 19, 2019
Additional Information
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check
About Virginia Tech
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