UNIV-Post Doctoral Scholar-College of Health Professions, Department of Health Sciences and Research-2

Medical University of South Carolina • Charleston, SC

5d

About The Position

The Medical University of South Carolina invites applications for a Post Doctoral Scholar to conduct clinical research on aging and Alzheimer’s disease under the mentorship of Dr. Andreana Benitez and/or Dr. Stephanie Aghamoosa. These two-year positions are intended for trainees seeking careers leading clinical research in academic medical settings, with career development tailored to that path.

Scholars will lead publications using data from projects involving advanced diffusion MRI of brain aging and preclinical Alzheimer’s disease; cognitive, structural and functional MRI and digital health outcomes following multimodal interventions for Mild Cognitive Impairment or Subjective Cognitive Decline; and blood-based Alzheimer’s biomarkers in studies of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and frequent cannabis use. Scholars will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary community spanning aging and Alzheimer’s disease, psychology, MRI physics, image analysis, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neuroscience, occupational and physical therapy, and biostatistics.

The role includes leading scientific manuscripts, independently analyzing clinical research data with support from biostatisticians and image analysts, preparing manuscripts for submission and revision, and serving as a project manager or supervisor depending on competency and project needs. Scholars may compete for internal and external funding to conduct independent research using resources from NIH-funded centers. Discretionary funds are available for conferences, workshops, and professional coaching. Scholars receive laptops to facilitate remote work. Compensation follows current NIH stipend levels and is commensurate with experience.

Applicants must submit a cover letter describing career goals and fit with the preferred education, experience, and responsibilities, plus a CV listing contact information for three references. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled. Applicants with unique concerns or training needs are asked to contact the lab before applying. The university encourages applications from members of under-represented populations in biomedical research.

Requirements

• Doctorate in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical imaging, medicine, or a related discipline.
• Academic interests aligned with the ongoing projects, including a record of relevant peer-reviewed publications as a primary author or as a co-author with a significant role in data analysis.
• At least intermediate proficiency in statistical analysis of clinical research data.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work rotating shifts as required and overtime as required.
• Ability to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment as required.
• Ability to be physically qualified by medical personnel for respirator use, initially and annually.
• Ability to perform the listed physical functions, including lifting and carrying up to 15 pounds unassisted.

Nice To Haves

• Complementary strengths in aging or Alzheimer’s disease, psychology, MRI physics, image analysis, neuroradiology, neuropathology, neuroscience, occupational or physical therapy, biostatistics, or other related areas.
• Interest in leadership and learning opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of scientific manuscripts using data from the team’s aging and Alzheimer’s disease research projects.
• Independently conduct statistical analyses of clinical research data using various software tools, with support from biostatisticians and image analysts.
• Prepare scientific manuscripts for journal submission and address reviewer feedback through revisions in collaboration with the investigator team.
• Serve as project manager or supervisor, depending on existing competency and project needs.

Benefits

• Discretionary funds for conferences to present research or workshops to learn new skills.
• Discretionary funds for professional coaching.
• Opportunity to compete for internal and external funding to conduct independent research using NIH-funded center resources.
• Laptops to facilitate remote work.
• Competitive compensation following current NIH stipend levels and commensurate with experience.

What This Job Offers

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