Post-Doctoral Position in Affective Neuroscience at Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience
McLean Hospital, America’s top-ranked freestanding psychiatric hospital, is inviting applications for a post-doctoral position (with a focus on EEG) within the Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience, directed by Diego A. Pizzagalli, PhD, in Belmont, MA.
The laboratory is part of the Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research (CDASR), a vibrant and highly collaborative center with over 50 scientists, staff, and students who embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to improve our understanding of the psychological, environmental, and neurobiological factors associated with depression, anxiety and related disorders across the lifespan (http://cdasr.mclean.harvard.edu/).
Ongoing studies in Dr. Pizzagalli’s laboratory use high-density EEG, fMRI, PET, MRS, computational modeling, and assays of hormonal/inflammatory markers to study the neurocognitive basis of depression and risk for depression. An upcoming study will use novel EEG and psychophysiological technology to investigate the neural basis of decision-making and identify predictors of suicidality. In addition, there will be opportunities to pursue independent research and collaborations across Harvard Medical School. Candidates will have access to novel EEG technology, in addition to two traditional high-density EEG systems within CDASR plus three research-dedicated human MRI scanners (3T, 4T).
Qualifications: A strong background in EEG/ERP techniques is required. Clinical training, computational modeling expertise (e.g., machine learning), and/or experience with a second imaging modality are all plusses. Women and minorities underrepresented in neuroscience/medicine are encouraged to apply.
Salary and recruitment package are in accordance with Hospital policies, and a Harvard Medical School appointment at the academic rank of Research Fellow will be contingent on meeting the requirements for an HMS appointment and candidate qualifications.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and curriculum vitae, along with the names and addresses of three references, by email to: Diego A. Pizzagalli, PhD, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, (email: dap@mclean.harvard.edu), and to the Registrar and Professional Staff Office at rpsomclean@partners.org
All McLean team members are expected to consistently demonstrate our values of integrity, compassion, respect, diversity, teamwork, excellence, and innovation in their work activities and interactions.
Clinical Research Assistant Positions at Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience
Multiple research assistant positions are available within McLean’s Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience, directed by Diego A. Pizzagalli, Ph.D. The laboratory is part of McLean’s Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research, which is devoted to the study of depression, anxiety, and related conditions (http://cdasr.mclean.harvard.edu). Lab members utilize various methodologies (e.g., brain imaging, electrophysiology, clinical interviews) to study emotional and cognitive processing in both healthy and psychiatric populations, primarily major depression, across the life span (e.g., adolescents, adults).
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Initiates and maintains contact with study participants. Responsible for screening applicants, ensuring they meet appropriate criteria, and making an independent judgment as to the suitability of their participation. Coordinates study visits with adolescents and/or adults. Conducts behavioral, electroencephalographic (e.g., EEG, ERP) and neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI, MRS) experiments. May be required to perform clinical tests such as phlebotomy, EKGs, etc.
- Working in concert with the Principal Investigator and other staff develops and implements patient recruitment strategies.
- Develops, organizes, and/or maintains the study database. Responsible for data validation and quality control, as well as preliminary statistical analyses.
- In conjunction with the Principal Investigator, develops and implements new research protocols including design, and data collection systems.
- Performs literature searches, as appropriate.
- Assists Principal Investigator with preparation for the presentation and written published articles.
- Assist with monitoring the laboratory budget, including ordering equipment.
- Maintains inventory and orders supplies when necessary.
- Assists Principal Investigator in IRB submission and compliance with regulatory agencies.
- Assists in maintaining Principal Investigator’s schedule.
- Will be involved in most aspects of the research, with the opportunity to be a co-author on abstracts and papers.
- All other duties as assigned.
- For applicants with at least one year of directly related research experience and demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies: Trains and oversees new staff or more entry-level staff. May serve as a team leader or in a supervisory capacity in a smaller area.
BS OR BA in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related fields. New Graduate with relevant course or project work.
Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:
- Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study participants.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of clinical research protocols.
- Knowledge of computer programs, databases, etc.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
- Careful attention to detail.
- Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for subjects’ rights and individual needs.
For guidance on applying for research positions in CDASR (and related research positions), check out the following link: https://antareslab.mclean.harvard.edu/ra-application-guidance/
Review of applications is ongoing. Interested applicants can apply online at the following link (Job Number 3230751): https://partners.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=3230751&tz=GMT-05%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York
McLean Hospital, which is an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an equal opportunity employer, McLean seeks qualified candidates for all posted employment opportunities without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability or veteran status. McLean particularly welcomes applications from minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
Clinical Interviewer Position
at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School
A clinical interviewer position is available within the Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, directed by Diego A. Pizzagalli, Ph.D.
Functioning as clinical collaborator to an active interdisciplinary research team and under the very general direction of the PI, the Clinical Interviewer performs high-level clinical and psychodiagnostic evaluations using structured interviews and behavioral report. The Clinical Interviewer is responsible for characterizing study participants for behavioral and neuroimaging studies with a focus on major depression, and contributing clinical expertise to inter-rater reliability and training.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Performs diagnostic assessments using structured clinical interviews (e.g., Structured Clinical Interview for DSM, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) and other behavioral rating tools for studies on depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders
- Regularly trains and oversees the work of others in clinical procedures consults on inter-rater reliability and training.
- Interact with patients/subjects with regard to study, including patient education, procedural instruction, follow-up. May serve as a liaison between patient and physician.
- Responsible for overseeing the process of clinical diagnostic data collection. Ensures integrity of patient data.
- Responsible for the coordination and implementation of clinical procedures at one or multiple sites.
- On a daily basis, executes the procedural decisions associated with clinical aspects of the study.
- Implements and maintains quality assurance procedures and systems.
- Participates in all decisions made for the study and the formulation of policies and procedures. Identifies modifications needed and works to implement solutions.
- Directly responds to inquiries regarding the study protocol and policy. Serves as a liaison to internal and external population.
- Will orient and train new staff members when necessary.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- BS required; Masters Degree in psychology, counseling, social work or related field preferred.
- Minimum 5 years experience in a research related field.
- Minimum 2 years experience of performing clinical diagnostic interviews including the SCID, HAM-D, and other psychiatric assessments required.
Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Demonstrated analytical skills.
- Effective problem solving skills.
- Ability to supervise and train staff effectively.
- Strong computer skills.
Review of applications is ongoing. Interested applicants can apply online at the following link (Job Number 3214067): https://partners.taleo.net/careersection/mclean/jobdetail.ftl?job=3214067
McLean Hospital, which is an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As an equal opportunity employer, McLean seeks qualified candidates for all posted employment opportunities without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability or veteran status. McLean particularly welcomes applications from minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
Student Visitors/Research Volunteers
Student Volunteer positions for undergraduates and recent college graduates are available for the 2022-2023 academic year. These positions are within McLean’s Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience, directed by Diego A. Pizzagalli, Ph.D. Volunteers assist lab members utilizing various methodologies (e.g., brain imaging, electrophysiology, clinical interviews) to study emotional and cognitive processing in both healthy and psychiatric populations, primarily major depression.
COVID-19 impact: Student visitors who are working remotely do not need to be in the Belmont/Boston area.
Review of applications is ongoing.
To apply for a student volunteer position, please fill out this application (LATN_Student_Visitor_application) and send it, along with a copy of your resume/CV, to David Crowley (djcrowley@mclean.harvard.edu).