Postdoctoral Scholar - Department of Health Sciences and Research

Job Description Summary

Postdoctoral Scholars will conduct research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease under the mentorship of Dr. Andreana Benitez and/or Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa, leading publications using data from studies involving advanced neuroimaging, cognitive and behavioral interventions, digital health outcomes, and blood-based biomarkers. Scholars will receive tailored career development and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to prepare for careers leading clinical research in academic medical settings.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type​

Regular

Cost Center

CC000222 CHP - HS&R Admin

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Grade

University-00

Pay Range

0.00 - 0.00 - 0.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Work Shift

Job Description

We invite applications for a Post Doctoral Scholar to join an investigator team with expertise in aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These 2-year positions are ideal for trainees who aspire to lead clinical research in academic medical settings as career development opportunities are specifically tailored to this career path. Scholars will be directly supervised by Dr. Andreana Benitez and/or Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa. Scholars will lead publications using data from any or all of the following projects:

• Advanced diffusion MRI of brain aging and preclinical AD (R01AG054159, PI Benitez)
• Changes in cognitive, structural and functional MRI, and digital health outcomes following multimodal interventions (i.e., non-invasive brain stimulation, cognitive training, mindfulness) for Mild Cognitive Impairment or Subjective Cognitive Decline (R01AG081237, PI Benitez; K23AG090691 and P50HD118628, PI Aghamoosa)
• Blood-based biomarkers of AD among cognitively unimpaired older adults in studies of preclinical AD and frequent cannabis use (K24AG088840, PI Benitez).

The Scholars will be embedded in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary community of experts in aging/AD, psychology, MRI physics, image analysis, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neurosciences, occupational and physical therapy, and biostatistics. We welcome Scholars with complementary strengths in these or other areas, and who are excited to embrace opportunities for leadership and learning.

MUSC is located in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, notable for a mild climate, beautiful beaches, lovely cultural offerings, and a great quality of life. We are enthusiastic about mentoring and sponsoring the career development of trainees. Discretionary funds are available to attend conferences to present research products or workshops to learn new skills, and for professional coaching. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to compete for internal and external funding to conduct independent research using resources from NIH-funded centers such as the COBRE for Restoration of Neural-Based Function, the Neuro-PRECISE Center, and the Clinical Research Center for Restoration of Neural-based Function in the Real World (RENEW). Scholars will receive laptops to facilitate remote work. Competitive compensation will follow the current NIH stipend levels and will be commensurate with experience (NOT-OD-26-044).

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Doctorate in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical imaging, medicine, or related disciplines.
• Academic interests that align with our ongoing projects, including a record of relevant peer-reviewed publications as the primary author or as a co-author with a significant role in data analysis.

EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts.
• Independently conduct statistical analyses (with at least intermediate proficiency) of clinical research data using various software tools, with the support of biostatisticians and image analysts.
• Serve as project manager or supervisor, depending on existing competency and project needs.

JOB DUTIES

35%  Scientific Manuscript Preparation

Lead the preparation of scientific manuscripts using data from the team’s aging and Alzheimer’s disease research projects.

35%  Statistical Analysis of Clinical Research Data

Independently conduct statistical analyses of clinical research data using various software tools, with support from biostatisticians and image analysts.

15%  Manuscript Submission and Revision

Prepare scientific manuscripts for journal submission and address reviewer feedback through manuscript revisions in collaboration with the investigator team.

15%  Project Management and Supervision

Serve as project manager or supervisor, depending on existing competency and project needs.

Applications must include: (1) a cover letter that describes the applicant’s career goals and addresses how they fit the preferred education and experience and the expected responsibilities, and (2) a CV that includes the contact information of 3 references; attach these as PDF attachments to the application. Should you have any unique concerns or training needs (e.g. clinical effort towards licensure or board eligibility), please email us first ([email protected]) so that we may determine if this position can accommodate those needs. We sincerely look forward to reviewing applications from members of under-represented populations in biomedical research given our many opportunities for mentorship and sponsorship. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position/s are filled.

Additional Job Description

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent) Ability to work indoors. (Continuous) Ability to work in all cold temperature extremes, i.e. spot coolers. (Frequent) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to perform 'pinching' operations. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous) Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous) Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous) Possess good finger dexterity. (Continuous) Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous) Ability to lift and carry 15 lbs., unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift objects, up to 15 lbs., from floor level to height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lower objects, up to 15 lbs., from height of 72 inches to floor level, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/pull objects, up to 15 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry objects up to 15 lbs. a distance of five (5) floors and to outlying buildings. (Frequent) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand. (Continuous) Ability to see and recognize objects at a distance. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous) Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous) Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous) Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically (by medical personnel) for respirator use, initially and annually. Ability to work alone in isolated areas, such as darkrooms. (Frequent) Additional New Requirements: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. Computer literacy. Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees