Post-doctoral Research Associate

Effects of Substance Use on Brain Development

Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research

The Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota is anticipating an opening for a post-doctoral research associate. We seek someone interested in the study of the effects of substance use on brain development in our ongoing longitudinal studies of twins who have been prospectively evaluated from preadolescence through young adulthood. The successful candidate should have neuroimaging experience and expertise as demonstrated through publications or funded research. The applicant will join an interdisciplinary team of researchers (including neuroscientists, geneticists, psychopathologists, developmental psychologists, and statisticians) interested in the development of substance use and other common mental disorders. The MCTFR dataset is unique in terms of the breadth of its assessment (e.g., a rich set of clinical, personality, and endophenotypic measures), developmental informativeness (participants have been assessed every 3-4 years, spanning ages 11 through 34), comprehensive measurement of environmental risk (e.g., prenatal, familial, peer group, neighborhood), inclusion of biological measures (e.g., anatomical, resting state, functional MRI; DTI; dense array EEG/ERP; neuropsychological function) and extensive coverage of molecular genetic variants in a prospectively studied samples of twins (1800 pairs). In addition, the MCTFR is now the twin research hub for the NIH Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) project, a 10-year longitudinal study of nine-year old children designed to evaluate how substance use affects adolescent neurocognitive development (http://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-launches-landmark-study-substance-use-adolescent-brain-development). The MCTFR affords excellent opportunities for the person filling this position to develop an independent program of research in addition to working with these data.

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in psychology, neuroscience or related field. The initial appointment is for one year, with excellent opportunity for extension.

Applicants should provide: 1) an updated CV; 2) personal statement; 3) up to 3 reprints/preprints; and 4) contact information for 3 professional references. References will only be contacted for candidates judged from their record to be finalists for the position. Application materials can be submitted by e-mail to Bill Iacono (wiacono@umn.edu) for immediate review. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This position is contingent on funding and approval by the University of Minnesota.