Postdoctoral Fellow

• →Clinical Trial Execution & Management (40%): Work with principal investigators and clinical research staff to coordinate day-to-day operations for human clinical trials and experimental therapeutic protocols evaluating pharmacological, behavioral, or digital interventions for substance use disorders.
• →Data Collection, Laboratory Testing & Analysis (25%): Work with recruitment coordinators to improve participant recruitment, clinical assessments, behavioral testing, biological sample processing, data management via REDCap, and statistical modeling of trial datasets.
• →Scientific Dissemination & Publications (15%): Draft and submit high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts; present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• →Grant Writing & Professional Development (10%): Develop and submit applications for independent career development funding (e.g., NIH F32, K-series, or foundation awards) and submit applications to the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) with direct mentor guidance.
• →Regulatory Oversight & Protocol Maintenance (10%): Draft, submit, and maintain Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, FDA regulatory submissions (INDs), participant safety monitoring plans, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) compliance documentation.

Minimum Qualifications

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered.

• Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., Psy.D., or equivalent doctoral/first professional degree in clinical psychology, pharmacy, medicine, public health, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research commitment to addiction science, substance use disorders, or behavioral pharmacology.
• Proven track record of scientific productivity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or national conference presentations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a foundational understanding of clinical research methodology, ethics, and basic statistical computing.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a distinct population of faculty, staff, and students, or a commitment to do so as a postdoctoral scholar at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with human clinical trial operations, participant recruitment strategies, or clinical assessments in substance use or psychiatric populations.
• Proficiency with clinical data management tools (e.g., REDCap) and statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS, Python).
• Familiarity with neuroimaging methodologies (fMRI, PET) or behavioral laboratory challenge paradigms.
• Stated intention to apply for external fellowship or career development awards (e.g., NIH F32, K-series) during the appointment.

Applicants must submit all required application materials as a single PDF document through the VCU job portal:

1. Cover Letter detailing research background, clinical trial experience, and long-term career goals.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a comprehensive publication list.
3. Statement of Research Interests (1–2 pages).
4. Contact Information for three professional or academic references.