Postdoctoral Research Position Application

**This position is fully funded for at least two years, and is NOT affected by current federal funding directors or local hiring restrictions**

Postdoctoral Scientist in Functional Brain Imaging for Precision Medicine in Depression

JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a well-trained postdoctoral scientist who is motivated to develop and apply expertise in functional neuroimaging in precision medicine studies in depression. Especially sought are candidates with expertise in functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses, with a particular interest in using functional MRI to guide personalized treatment for depression and co-occurring trauma-related disorders.
The candidate will work on a priority research program in which individuals are assessed with functional MRI, behavioral, and symptom measures before, during, and after treatment. Treatment includes selectively targeted pharmacotherapy and exploratory, rapid acting therapies, including guanfacine, MDMA-assisted cognitive processing therapy and TMS.

Supporting this program-and this position-are NIH awards under NIMH's priority initiative, Individually Measured Phenotypes to Advance Computational Translation in Mental Health (IMPACT-MH), and a P50 Center of Excellence. The overarching goal is to use brain imaging-derived circuit measures to identify biotypes of disorder, understand how these biotypes relate to symptoms and behaviors, and predict personalized treatment outcomes. This work is supported by the lab's shared framework of harmonized assessments and analytic pipelines across projects.
The postdoctoral scientist will play a pivotal role in the following areas:

1. Scientific Coordination
Take the lead in managing the primary research outcomes of a priority project, while also contributing to secondary efforts. Responsibilities include gaining deep familiarity with study assessments, protocols, data structures, and-where applicable-recruitment strategies. The postdoc will collaborate closely with research coordinators, fellow postdocs, and receive mentorship from academic investigators and project PIs.

2. Analyses and Publications
Lead analyses of the primary project's outcomes and drive the preparation of first-author manuscripts. Findings will be presented within lab meetings and at scientific conferences. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to contribute to methods development, particularly in refining circuit quantification and biotype stratification approaches to increase the clinical relevance and translatability of the research. These methodological innovations will be applicable across projects and open additional avenues for collaborative publications.

3. Collaborative Engagement
Actively engage in the lab's vibrant, team-oriented environment. The postdoctoral scientist will benefit from a collaborative culture and have access to structured opportunities for professional development, including mentoring, grant-writing support, and career planning.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- PhD or MD/PhD in a field(s) relevant to functional neuroimaging and neuroimaging data analysis.
- High-level experience with functional magnetic resonance imaging, spanning resting fMRI, task fMRI and multi-band functional imaging.
- A clear motivation to pursue research in neuroimaging applied to understand and treat brain circuit disruptions.
- A demonstrated capacity to drive first-author publications.
- Self-motivated with a preference for working within an inter-disciplinary, collaborative environment.
- Strong interest in and familiarity with precision medicine approaches is preferred.
- Familiarity with psychological concepts and/or experience with human subject data is preferred.
- Profound experience in statistical and computational approaches. Experience with R or similar scripting environments is necessary. Substantial experience with SPM and connectivity toolboxes is highly desirable.
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ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
The supervising PI for this position is Dr. Leanne Williams, https://profiles.stanford.edu/leanne-williams.
Lab and Center: http://med.stanford.edu/pmhw. The position will be based within a collaborative team that values cooperation, fairness, efficiency and conscientiousness.

APPLICATIONS
Please complete the application below. Applications must upload the following:
- Cover Letter addressing the candidate's motivation for the position, how they meet the above requirements and including the names of at least three referees
- CV or resume
The position is open until filled. However, because of funding timelines and project milestones, we are seeking to fill this position as soon as possible.