TrPR is Recruiting Postdoctoral Scholars!
The UCSF Translational Psychedelic Research (TrPR) Program is recruiting a dynamic, innovative, and productive postdoctoral research scholar to join our group. Our work focuses on determining the efficacy and mechanisms of psychedelic therapy as a potential treatment for a broad range of clinical conditions, including mood disorders, substance use disorders, movement disorders, and chronic pain conditions.
Team
The TrPR team consists of core faculty members, core collaborators, clinical research coordinators, a psychedelic facilitation team, a clinical assessment team, a clinical team, and research and clinical postdoctoral scholars. The faculty and collaborators of TrPR span the Departments of Psychiatry andBehavioral Sciences, Psychology, Neurology, Nursing, Pediatrics, Anesthesia, and Neuroscience across multiple institutions. Our work is embedded in a rich network of UCSF, Bay Area, national, and international collaborations and joint research projects, which provide opportunities to learn across disciplines, network, and collaborate. We work collaboratively, support each other, and follow open scholarship principles.
Job Description
As a postdoctoral researcher in our group, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of experienced researchers and clinicians. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading experts in the field and contribute to cutting-edge research that has the potential to transform the way we approach mental health and well-being. You will play a key role in developing and optimizing psychedelic therapy protocols and investigating the safety, efficacy, and potential therapeutic mechanisms of these treatments. Specific topics for investigation include: 1) the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of psilocybin therapy for mood dysfunction in multiple neuropsychiatric illnesses; 2) effects of psychedelic therapy on markers of neuroplasticity and inflammation, 3) effects of psychedelic therapy on cognitive performance and other behavioral outcomes; 4) novel clinical trial designs, including innovative placebos, and expectancy manipulations to strengthen the rigor of psychedelic studies; and 5) key safety and efficacy questions critical for scaling of psychedelic therapies using mixed-methods approaches. To learn more about our team and ongoing projects, refer to our program website: www.psychedelics.ucsf.edu.
The candidate’s tasks will include:
- Developing research projects, including new clinical trials and mixed-methods studies, as well as incorporating novel approaches into our ongoing trials. This may include bringing the candidate’s specific area of expertise to ongoing projects.
- Working independently and collaboratively. The candidate will take the lead in developing research questions and conducting research based on data collected in TrPR’s studies, leading to novel publications to build their CV. The candidate will also support other team members via collaborations. The candidate may lead statistical and programming efforts and provide expert consultation to other team members.
- Training & traveling. Funding will be provided for attendance at national and international conferences, workshops, and other meetings. The candidate will be encouraged to give presentations at conferences, to connect to other projects, and to learn with and from national and international collaborators.
- Project management. We have dedicated staff responsible for the administration of most projects including communication with participants. Nonetheless, all team members are expected to participate in study operations.
- Teaching. The position does not include any formal teaching effort. However, cross-team mentorship is strongly encouraged.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate should have:
- An advanced degree (e.g., MD, PhD, or PsyD) from an accredited academic program, and established track record in neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry, data analysis, or a related field.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Strong analytic and statistical skills.
- Strong scientific writing skills.
- Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate and communicate in academia.
Desirable qualifications and interests include:
- Experience with clinical research, including study design.
- Strong coding skills in data science and statistics (R, Python, or comparable).
- Experience working with behavioral, cognitive, blood-based biomarker, and neural data.
- Experience using mixed methods, including qualitative approaches.
Terms and conditions
The appointment will start between July-December 2023, although there is some flexibility. The appointment is for one year with the possibility of another two years after a positive evaluation. The position consists of 100%research time although for clinical candidates, clinical time can be arranged. Salaries are competitive.
Diversity and inclusion
Fostering an inclusive community is a central element of the values and vision of UCSF and TrPR. We are committed to becoming an inclusive community which enables all students and staff to feel valued and respected and to develop their full potential. Diversity in experiences and perspectives enriches our teaching and strengthens our research. High quality teaching and research is inclusive.
Information
Inquiries can be made to Dr. Josh Woolley MD/PhD, josh.woolley@ucsf.edu
Applications
Please submit online your CV, cover letter, and contact information for two references no later than Aug 1 2023 to psilocybinstudies@ucsf.edu
