Clinical Postdoctoral Associate

Virginia Tech • Roanoke, VA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Patient Research Center (PRC) at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute will conduct research to advance human health and identify new ways of diagnosing and treating illnesses. Our first effort is focused on addressing the unmet needs in serious mental illness. To that end, we will focus on psychosis spectrum disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. We will establish a program for deeply characterizing the biology and information processing changes of affected individuals and their response to different treatments. Research Techniques will include behavioral measurements, fMRI, EEG and organoid ex-vivo modeling, and measurements will be collected longitudinally. Our goal is to create stratification that will meaningfully inform the future of precision medicine for psychotic disorders.

The Clinical Research Postdoctoral Associate plays a significant role in the planning, coordination, implementation, and oversight of clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal guidelines. Working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI), the Postdoctoral Associate conducts independent and collaborative research activities focused on advancing scientific knowledge and improving clinical outcomes.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of clinical research studies while gaining expertise in research methodologies, clinical protocols, regulatory processes, data analysis, and scientific communication. This position provides opportunities to develop research independence through scholarly publications, conference presentations, grant development, and collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in biology, neuroscience, or related field. Ph.D. must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Possess a solid background in developmental biology, neurophysiology, or molecular biology.
• Evidence of independent experimental design, data analysis, and clear presentation of results.
• Strong documentation skills and organizational/time management abilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, multi project lab, with strong communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in one or more of the following research areas: neuroscience, biology, or genetics.
• Experience with basic laboratory protocols including proper handling of mice and their behavior , molecular biology, data collection, and data management.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts or scientific presentations; familiarity with grant relevant data packaging.
• Familiarity with relevant biosafety and compliance processes (IBC/IACUC/EHS/DEA)
• Experience working in a clinical research setting.

Responsibilities

• Planning, coordination, implementation, and oversight of clinical research studies in accordance with study protocols, regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal guidelines.
• Conducts independent and collaborative research activities focused on advancing scientific knowledge and improving clinical outcomes.
• Contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of clinical research studies.
• Develop research independence through scholarly publications, conference presentations, grant development, and collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree