Postdoctoral Clinical Research Fellowship in Traumatic Stress and Addictions

This is a two-year endowed post-doctoral clinical research fellowship available to psychologists, and other social scientists interested in developing their professional trajectory towards translational research on interventions and treatments for traumatic stress and addictions. Trainees are expected to conduct research in areas that could range from:

-applying human experimental medicine approaches to develop or modify behavioral interventions;

-identifying biomarkers predicting individual differences leading to treatment matching;

-conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses or secondary, integrative data analyses of clinical trials seeking to identify mechanisms or moderators of change;

-developing or modifying interventions or combination behavioral therapies to treatment traumatic stress and addictions;

-testing technology or mobile health applications of evidence based treatments;

-studying implementation and dissemination of evidence based treatments in the community.

The training program is designed to impart the skills necessary for submitting competitive career development (LRP and K) awards. The emphasis on translational clinical research will require competitive applicants to demonstrate an interest in mentorship from an interdisciplinary team of scientists who will help build knowledge in a number of relevant domains including (but not limited to) clinical trials, cognitive and affective neuroscience, and implementation science.

Trainees will be mentored in core domains of translational research in addictions and trauma treatment including: (1) experimental medicine and clinical trials methods and design, (2) translational neuroscience relating to stress models in animals and humans (3) biostatistics, (4) research design, management, and ethics, (5) scientific writing and oral presentation, and (6) grant preparation. The training program is led by a group of internationally recognized researchers with strong records in addiction-focused clinical trials including psychological and psychopharmacological interventions, cardiac neuroscience, SCAN-based (social, cognitive and affective) neuroscience, neuroimaging, and prevention research. Faculty include: Brandon Alderman, Ph.D., Marsha Bates, Ph.D., Jennifer Buckman, Ph.D., Denise Hien, Ph.D., ABPP, Matthew Lee, Ph.D., Lesia Ruglass, Ph.D., Shireen Rizvi, Ph.D, ABPP. Candidates can elect to work in any of the numerous human neuroscience, epidemiology, or clinical treatment laboratories affiliated with the program.

Trainees who are interested will have opportunities to receive supervised clinical hours at the Dialectical Behavior Therapies Clinic at Rutgers University (DBT-RU). Trainees must apply for a limited permit from the State of New Jersey.

The Center of Alcohol Studies (CAS), located on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University, is a multidisciplinary research and training institute, which performs clinical and biomedical research on alcohol and substance use disorders. CAS serves as a home to clinical and biomedical researchers and clinical practitioners across Rutgers University schools and programs, as well as an illustrious group of affiliated scientists outside of the university. The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is home to CAS, with strong ties to the School of Public Health, University Behavioral Health Services, and the Brain Health Institute.

GSAPP's commitment to diversity, social justice and helping the underserved contributes to a supportive and mission-focused training. We place a high degree of emphasis on fostering and encouraging a diverse community of faculty and students and on supporting research/practice that benefits diverse and under-served communities; applicants who can contribute in this valued direction are particularly encouraged to apply. More information on our school and centers can be found at: http://gsappweb.rutgers.edu.

PhD in clinical psychology or related field from an APA accredited program. A publication track record, experience in addiction and traumatic stress is required. Interest in statistical modeling is a plus.

Applicants should email a cover letter describing how their knowledge and experience are matched to this position, a CV, and three references to Stephanie Peeters, Senior Administrative Assistant, snsmith@smithers.rutgers.edu. Please compile the application materials into a single PDF document labeled with your last name, first initial. Please note: If your mentors prefer to submit their letters separately, please request that they indicate your name in their email. For additional information contact Denise Hien, Ph.D., ABPP at denise.hien@smithers.rutgers.edu.

Application deadline: April 1, 2019

Start Date: July 2, 2019

Salary: $49,000 with benefits