SPAN Postdoctoral Associate
Posting Summary
The University of Vermont (UVM) Larner College of Medicine invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in the Department of Psychiatry, under the mentorship of Matthew D. Albaugh, Ph.D. This position is supported by a NIDA-funded R01 grant and represents a unique opportunity to engage in methodologically rigorous, high-impact research at the intersection of developmental neuroscience, psychiatric epidemiology, and advanced computational data science. UVM is a Carnegie R1 research…
university with a sustained institutional commitment to transdisciplinary inquiry and a vibrant intellectual environment anchored by the Neuroscience, Behavior and Health Initiative. Burlington, Vermont — situated on the shores of Lake Champlain between the Green Mountains and Adirondacks — consistently ranks among the most livable and progressive small cities in the United States.
The Postdoctoral Associate will lead cutting-edge analyses leveraging three of the largest multimodal longitudinal neuroimaging datasets in existence — ABCD, IMAGEN, and ENIGMA — to delineate developmental windows of vulnerability to cannabis exposure, characterize longitudinal trajectories of brain and behavioral change, and rigorously assess causal relations among cannabis use, neurodevelopment, and psychiatric outcomes. The successful candidate will bring demonstrated expertise in Bayesian statistical methods and causal inference frameworks (e.g., Bayesian causal networks, cross-lagged panel models, propensity score matching, discordant twin designs), as well as a strong theoretical and applied grounding in complex systems science as it pertains to biological and neuropsychiatric data. Hands-on experience with very large, longitudinal, multisite neuroimaging datasets is essential, as is demonstrated proficiency in neuroimaging data processing and analysis pipelines. The Associate must possess advanced competency in both R and Python, with demonstrated experience applying machine learning methods — including regularized regression, ensemble methods, and supervised classification — within rigorous cross-validation frameworks. Experience with data management, quality control, and data sharing in the context of large-scale, multi-wave studies is required.
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in a quantitative, computational, or neuroscientific discipline, with a record of peer-reviewed publication commensurate with career stage. The ideal applicant will combine deep methodological sophistication with intellectual curiosity, collaborative acumen, and a commitment to open, reproducible science. This position offers an exceptional training environment, close mentorship from productive and well-funded faculty, and direct access to some of the most powerful datasets in developmental psychiatric neuroscience.
Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Postdoctoral degree in a quantitative, computational, neuroscientific, or closely related discipline
- Demonstrated background and hands-on experience in the analysis of longitudinal neuroimaging data (e.g., structural MRI, diffusion imaging) from large, multisite studies
- Strong theoretical and applied grounding in Bayesian statistical methods and causal inference frameworks (e.g., Bayesian causal networks, cross-lagged panel models, propensity score methods, discordant twin designs)
- Demonstrated background in complex systems science and its application to neurobiological or psychiatric research
- Advanced proficiency in R and Python for statistical computing and data science applications
- Demonstrated experience applying machine learning methods (e.g., regularized regression, ensemble approaches, supervised classification) within rigorous cross-validation frameworks
- Experience with data management, quality control, and data sharing protocols in the context of large-scale, multi-wave research studies
- Record of peer-reviewed scholarly productivity commensurate with career stage, and strong written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team, and commitment to open, reproducible science
Desirable Qualifications
Support departmental initiatives, assist with occasional teaching or guest lecturing, serve on committees, or attend training sessions as appropriate.
Anticipated Pay Range
$63,480 - $77,076, tied to NIH limit, based on years
Other Information
Special Conditions
Contingent on continued funding, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, Background Check required for this position
FLSA
Exempt
Union Position
No
Job Location
Burlington, Vermont, United States
Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)
Open Until Filled
Department
Psychiatry/55750
Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE
37.5
Term (months per year)
12
For full job description and to apply, visit https://www.uvmjobs.com/postings/88065
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