Post-Doctoral Associate

Professor Scott Vrieze and the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research are seeking postdoctoral scholars to investigate the nature, origins, and development of addiction, psychopathology, and related conditions using genetically informative designs. These include genome-wide association studies and large longitudinal twin and adoption designs. Individuals in the position will report directly to Dr. Vrieze, but will be able to avail themselves of resources in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota as well as the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research, led by Profs Vrieze along with Matt McGue, Sylia Wilson, Monica Luciana, and Gretchen Saunders. Both of these institutions have a vibrant history and exciting future in the use of genetic designs to understand the nature and origins of behavior and human experience.

Anticipated starting date is negotiable. The initial appointment will be for 12 months but is renewable annually, contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Responsibilities:

50% - Duties include developing, coordinating, and conducting analyses for genome-wide association studies and whole genome sequencing analyses of psychopathology and addiction. Duties may also include the development of a research program on the development of psychopathology and addiction using other genetically informative designs such as families with twins and adoptees.

20% - Manuscript preparations for peer-reviewed journals, including writing, editing, making figures, proofing and revisions.

20% - Discuss and plan new avenues of investigation related to genetically informative research on substance use, addiction, psychopathology, related traits, and new methodological approaches.

10% - Assist in drafting grant proposals to procure research funding as needed, including conceptualization, analysis, and grant preparation.

This position will report directly to Dr. Scott Vrieze

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in field related to behavioral genetics or statistical genetics (e.g., Psychology, Biostatistics, Genetics), completed by the agreed upon start date.
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota by the start date.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in relevant field and with background in psychology, behavioral genetics, or statistical genetics
• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated by scientific publications
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proven ability to problem solve and excellent interpersonal skills
• Individuals without extensive experience in genetic association analyses will be considered, as the position will offer relevant research training.
  

The Department of Psychology is one of the largest departments within the College of Liberal Arts, and is a highly ranked department nationally. Currently, the department has 46 core faculty, 70+ staff, 140 graduate students, and it supports the largest number of undergraduate majors of any academic program on the UMN Twin Cities campus. Additionally, the department has $40 million or more in active research funding at any given time (the majority from NIH), spread across 70 or more projects. In its 100 plus year history, the Department of Psychology has been marked by distinction and excellence. For additional information, please go to our website: http://www.psych.umn.edu/.

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social science and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1200 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 14,000 undergraduate students, half of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, and over 1,600 graduate students and has an annual all-funds budget of over $250 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Please provide a cover letter, CV and three references with your application

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.