Research Specialist Position
Decision Neuroscience and
Psychopathology Lab (www.dnpl.pitt.edu)
University of Pittsburgh
Director: Alex Dombrovski
PIs: Tim Allen, Vanessa Brown, Aliona Tsypes
We are seeking to hire several
full-time Research Specialists to start as early as April 1, 2023 (though start
date is flexible). The candidate will work on several NIH-supported studies of learning
and decision-making processes in personality disorders, depression, anxiety and
suicide. Our lab uses behavioral experiments, computational modeling, fMRI, and
EEG. We take a dimensional, transdiagnostic view of psychopathology, yet
experienced clinicians on our team train staff in traditional clinical
interviews and conduct consensus conferences. Research Specialists assist with
the implementation and administration of our protocols. Core responsibilities
include, but are not limited to data collection, data management, participant recruitment
and retention, and lab administration. Opportunities to contribute to reinforcement
learning modeling and analysis of behavioral and neuroimaging data are also
available, contingent upon the applicant’s interest. Prior experience in these latter
areas, while advantageous, is not required (we provide the necessary training).
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and quantitative skills,
programming experience, some experience in psychology or neuroscience research,
and an interest in clinical applications of cognitive neuroscience.
The following skills are preferred:
experience with psychopathology and behavioral assessment; programming (R,
Python, Matlab, Bash or similar); [f]MRI processing
and analysis (FSL, AFNI, SPM). The lab environment is
collaborative, and staff acquire a variety of technical skills and a rich
theoretical foundation. Successful lab members get
support with independent data projects, such as conference presentations and
manuscript preparation. This is an excellent position for those interested in
obtaining research experience prior to graduate (e.g., clinical psychology) or
medical school.
Education
Required: BA/BS in neuroscience,
psychology, engineering, economics, statistics, math, or any relevant science
field.
Given the extensive training
required, a 2- or 3-year commitment is preferred. To apply, please submit a CV,
cover letter that describes research interests, and a list of three
references to Amy Lu (luq2@upmc.edu).
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the
positions have been filled. We are an equal opportunity employer
and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard
to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected
veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and
pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.