Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Overview

The salary range for this position is $5858.67 to $6435.00 per month ($70,304 to $86,682.84 per year) depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

Under general direction of the Director of Preclinical Research, the postdoctoral fellow will conducted advanced, mentored research on the effects of prenatal drug exposure on brain and behavioral development. This postdoctoral position will contribute to the research program study designs, data collection, data management and reporting of research findings, and will provide supervision and mentoring to staff and students. In addition, this position will be involved in scientific communication, identifying and communicating with stakeholders, communication of scientific findings to the scientific community and public, and writing of peer-reviewed manuscripts. This position will effectively collaborate with members within the Center to create an efficient and high-quality research environment. In this role, the postdoctoral fellow will gain support to transition to a more independent researcher.

Specifically, our lab studies the effects of nutritional interventions for improving outcome following prenatal alcohol and drug exposure; mechanisms of drugs and intervention effects; consequences of prenatal alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, as well as polydrug exposure; and identification of risk factors using preclinical models.

Responsibilities

Responsibility ___50___%

Project Design and Management. Design, lead and monitor progress on research projects: protocol development, data management, adherence to project timelines, and regulatory adherence. Supervise staff and students adhering to training procedures, mentoring of students, assist and direct staff and students to be effective team members.

Responsibility __20____%

Scientific Communication. Contribute to annual progress reports. Effectively communicate research findings to the scientific community and public through oral and written reports and scientific conferences. Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-review journals.

Responsibility ___20___%

Data Analyses. Conduct statistical analyses of data and prepare visual graphs.

Responsibility _10___%

Other Duties as Assigned. Attend team meetings, workshops, trainings and conferences, in addition to, assisting with project celebrations and events.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

• A doctoral degree in an appropriate field
• 0-5 years of relevant experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• PhD. in psychology, neuroscience, or related field
• Knowledge and experience with animal models and husbandry
• Knowledge and experience with drug exposure models, particularly prenatal
• Knowledge and experience with behavioral tests for animal models
• Knowledge and experience with lab management
• Knowledge and experience with scheduled substances
• Knowledge and experience with wet lab techniques, including Western blots and/or ELISA

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to conceptualize and design experiments
• Ability to supervise staff and mentor students conducting research projects
• Ability to create and update protocols
• Ability to oversee data management
• Ability to facilitate the communications research findings to the scientific community
• Ability to use and apply independent judgement to make decisions, interpret, and apply policies and procedures related to the research projects
• Ability to organize and plan work and projects including multiple priorities
• Ability to complete, write and present scientific reports
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity
• Ability to use a variety of software packages including, but not limited to, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.