Postdoctoral Scholar Position in Functional Neuroimaging and
Clinically Applied Affective Neuroscience
University of California Davis


Duration: 1 years (with possible extension)
Start date: Fall 2015 (start date is negotiable)
Salary: Depends on experience, in accordance with NIH Guidelines
For further information, applicants should contact:
Philippe Goldin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
Director, Clinically Applied Affective Neuroscience (CAAN) Laboratory, UC Davis
Email: pgoldin@ucdavis.edu
Postodoctoral scholars at UC Davis information: [gradstudies.ucdavis.edu]

Full-time unless lower percentage requested by postdoc.

Overview:

The focus of research in the Clinically Applied Affective Neuroscience (CAAN) Laboratory is on applying scientific tools to understand the brain and behavioral predictors and mechanisms of cognitive-affective processes and clinical interventions. Our research investigates social, cognitive, affective, neural and behavioral dimensions of psychopathology and well-being in adults. We investigate how these components are modified by a variety of psychosocial interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, vipassana, compassion, and jhana meditation. To understand the complexity of human functioning, we use multidimensional assessments, including functional neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG), genetics, stress hormones, behavioral tasks, information processing tasks, clinical and individual difference measures. The laboratory studies healthy participants as well as a variety of patients with mood, anxiety, and chronic pain disorders. The CAAN Laboratory is located in the new Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing on the UC Davis medical campus in Sacramento, CA. The laboratory provides a stimulating and supportive environment to develop multiple skills in clinical science, experimental psychology, neuroimaging in order to conduct cutting-edge innovative research that makes an impact in the world.

Postdoctoral Position Description:

The fellowship is designed to provide training in the skills necessary to conduct original research in cognitive neuroscience, as well as to foster the development of an independence research career. The training environment is highly collaborative and supportive, and applicants should be prepared to work collaboratively both within the laboratory and with the academic/clinical communities at University of California Davis. The position also encourages collaboration and training at the national level, by providing opportunities to attend workshops, conferences, seminars, etc., based on the particular interests of the fellow.

Required Qualifications:

Position qualifications include a Ph.D. in neuroscience, psychology, or a related field. The successful applicant will have expertise in fMRI data acquisition and analysis, strong skills in statistical and experimental methods, and experience conducting research in cognitive neuroscience. Experience with neuroimaging analysis programs (AFNI, FSL, SPM, or other relevant programs), stimulus presentation programs (E-prime, Presentation, Superlab, Cogent/Psychtoolbox [MATLAB]), and statistical analysis (MATLAB, R, SPSS) are also required. Excellent scientific writing skills and strong publication records are highly desired. Applicants should be able to work independently and with minimal supervision, but should also demonstrate interpersonal skills and an interesting in working collaboratively. Salary and benefits are competitive. Candidates should submit a CV, statement of goals, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Philippe Goldin (philippegoldin@gmail.com).