FEB/MAR 2008
Volume 14 - No. 1

SRNT Newsletter

February/March 2008, Volume 14, Number 1

Position Openings

POST-DOCTORAL

UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY. Professor Geoffrey T. Fong is seeking one or possibly two researchers to join the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project (the ITC Project) as Postdoctoral Fellow(s). The ITC Project is an international collaboration of tobacco control researchers who are conducting several interrelated international research projects to evaluate the psychosocial and behavioural effects of the tobacco control policies contained in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The ITC Research Team consists of over 50 tobacco control researchers across 15 countries (Australia, Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, China, Mexico, Uruguay, France, Germany, New Zealand, and the Netherlands), with ITC Projects being planned in other countries. The core research initiatives of the ITC Project are prospective cohort surveys of nationally representative samples of adult smokers in each of the participating countries, with the inclusion of surveys of non-smokers and/or smokeless tobacco users in some of the countries. Those interested in this position should review the June 2006 ITC Project supplement in Tobacco Control (http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/vol15/suppl_3/). Applicants must have a background in tobacco control research – preferably with knowledge or past experience with international issues in tobacco control. Experience with survey research methods, sampling, and or analysis of complex survey data is desirable. Background in health psychology and other behavioral research approaches to health is an asset. We are looking for team-oriented researchers with strong communication skills, particularly strong writing skills, who want to make important contributions to this project involving countries inhabited by over half of the world’s smokers. The postdoctoral fellow would have opportunities to interact and collaborate with the ITC Project team across the world, including major tobacco control institutions such as Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Cancer Council Victoria, University of Nottingham, Stirling University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, and the China National CDC. This Fellowship is supported by a major grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and is a full-time contract position with the possibility of an annual renewal appointment. Starting annual salary is $40,000 plus benefits or greater, depending on experience and record. This appointment is scheduled to begin July 1, 2008, or sooner if an applicant is available. Applications will be reviewed as received and this process will continue until the position(s) is (are) filled. The University of Waterloo encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including women, members of visible minorities, native peoples, and persons with disabilities. There are no citizenship restrictions. The University of Waterloo is located in Waterloo, Ontario, (home of the Blackberry), 60 miles from Toronto, which was selected as the 2007 Most Intelligent Community in the world. Applications should be submitted electronically including: a curriculum vitae, a statement of research experiences and interests, three letters of reference and samples of scholarly work to: Dr. Geoffrey T. Fong, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada. email: itc@watarts.uwaterloo.ca. Phone: (519) 888-4567, ext. 33597, Fax: (519) 746-8631.

DUKE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER. The Duke ADHD Program in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has an opening for a unique post-doctoral training opportunity for a licensed or license-eligible clinical psychologist with a doctoral degree from an APA-approved internship. The position, which will begin on or shortly after July 1, 2008, will involve working approximately 50% on NIH-funded research on the comorbidity of smoking/nicotine dependence and ADHD in adults. These projects will involve a combination of laboratory psychopharmacology, fMRI brain imaging, and molecular genetics The remainder of the time for this position will be funded through a combination of clinical work and other research projects. At least 10% of the position will be protected for research activities taking into account the applicant’s long-term career goals. Advanced training will be provided in human laboratory psychopharmacology, as well as state-of-the-art, evidence-based assessment and treatment through didactics, faculty mentorship, and participation in ongoing clinical research programs. Candidates should have a strong background in biological psychology and/or psychopharmacology. Experience with ADHD patients is preferred but not required. Interested applicants should send a CV and statement of interest to Dr. Scott H. Kollins (Director, Duke ADHD Program) at kolli001@mc.duke.edu. Female and minority applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.

MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER. Postdoctoral Position – Nicotine Dependence Center Research Program. A postdoctoral research fellow position is immediately available in the Nicotine Dependence Center Research Program, Mayo Clinic Rochester. The Center has a long track record of research spanning the spectrum of tobacco control from randomized clinical trials of pharmacotherapy to tobacco document research. The activities of the fellow in this position will primarily involve multidisciplinary collaborations to study smoking cessation in surgical patients, including intervention development and dissemination, and surgery as a model for a teachable moment for smoking cessation. The fellow will also have the opportunity to participate in other aspects of Nicotine Dependence Center activities, working with a variety of funded investigators, as well as the full range of educational opportunities available at Mayo Clinic. The ability to collaborate in a complex multi-disciplinary environment while working independently is critical to success in this post-doctoral position. Candidates should have doctoral-level degree (e.g. Ph.D., Dr. P.H.) in a health behavior-related discipline such as psychology, health education or epidemiology and are expected to have excellent analytic and writing skills. Candidates with training in psychology will have the opportunity to have a co-sponsor in the Department of Psychology and Psychiatry. M.D. candidates with training and experience in a health behavior-related discipline (e.g., M.P.H., psychiatry) are also welcome to apply. Salary is commensurate with NIH standards for a post-doc position. The initial appointment is for one year, renewable with successful performance. Participation in teaching is optional. How to Apply
Applications, including curriculum vitae and bibliography, summary of past accomplishments and career goals, and the names and email addresses of three references, should be sent to: David O. Warner, M.D., Mayo Clinic Rochester, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN U.S.A. 55905, Email:warner.david@mayo.edu.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE is recruiting for a Post-Doctoral Associate. The Department of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School has two post-doctoral research fellowship positions available in nicotine dependence/smoking cessation, obesity/weight loss, cardiovascular disease, health disparities, or cancer prevention and control. Eligible candidates should have a doctoral degree in behavioral science, health education, health services research, sociology, anthropology, clinical, social or counseling psychology or a related discipline. Applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills and strong training in applied research. The primary responsibility of the post-doctoral fellow will be to assist in building active programs of research. The fellowship provides exceptional mentored training with an opportunity to develop research skills and collaborate with a dynamic, federally funded, multi-disciplinary team of investigators including psychologists, physicians, epidemiologists, and statisticians. The position will offer a 2-3 year appointment with a flexible start date, competitive salary, excellent resources for career development, and liberal benefits. The fellowship can be tailored to suit the individual’s training requirements with opportunities for teaching experience, clinical work, authorship on relevant manuscripts, collaborative grant writing experience, independent grant submission, and funding to obtain an MPH or MS in Clinical Research. There is also ample support for conference travel and other training experiences. The postdoctoral associate will work closely with Jasjit S. Ahluwalia MD MPH, Larry An MD, Tracie Collins MD MPH, and Janet Thomas PhD.The University of Minnesota (UMN) is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are vibrant communities, combining the best of metropolitan living with the beauty and peace of natural surroundings. With more than 136,000 acres of parkland and 950 lakes in the metro area alone, the Twin Cities also boast exciting urban living with its wide selection of cultural and entertainment offerings, including public museums, historic theaters, music and arts festivals, and professional sports teams. If interested, submit your letter of intent, CV, and three letters of reference addressed to Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS to the University of Minnesota Employment web site: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/. Please reference Requisition # 151951. For more information, please contact Sara Hahne (smhahne@umn.edu or 612-626-6031). The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH (FMCH) is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship position in the Medical School’s Program in Health Disparities Research. Eligible candidates should have a doctoral degree in behavioral science, health education, health services research, sociology, anthropology, clinical, social or counseling psychology or a related discipline. The position will be focused on nicotine dependence/smoking cessation and/or cancer prevention and control among minority and underserved populations. Applicants should have excellent interpersonal skills and strong training in applied research. The primary responsibility of the post-doctoral fellow will be to assist in building active programs of research. The fellowship provides exceptional mentored training with an opportunity to develop research skills and collaborate with a dynamic, federally funded, multi-disciplinary team of investigators including psychologists, physicians, epidemiologists, statisticians, and other public health scientists. The position will offer a 2-3 year appointment with a flexible start date, competitive salary, excellent resources for career development, and liberal benefits. The fellowship can be tailored to suit the individual’s training requirements with opportunities for teaching experience, clinical work, authorship on relevant manuscripts, collaborative grant writing experience, independent grant submission, and funding to obtain an MPH or MS in Clinical Research. There is also ample support for conference travel and other training experiences. The University of Minnesota (UMN) is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. It is both the state land-grant university, with a strong tradition of education and public service, and the state’s primary research university, with faculty of national and international reputation. The UMN Academic Health Center comprises 6 health science schools and is affiliated with several hospitals including the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview. The University of Minnesota, a full-service, tertiary care center and medical training facility, provides a stimulating academic environment. The Department of FMCH has close working relationships with the UMN Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Department Medicine, and the School of Public Health. The program provides an exceptionally rich environment for interdisciplinary bio-behavioral research. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are vibrant communities, combining the best of metropolitan living with the beauty and peace of natural surroundings. With more than 136,000 acres of parkland and 950 lakes in the metro area alone, the Twin Cities also boasts exciting urban living with its wide selection of cultural and entertainment offerings, including public museums, historic theaters, music and arts festivals, and professional sports teams. If interested, submit your letter of intent, CV, and three letters of reference addressed to Kola Okuyemi, MD, MPH to the University of Minnesota Employment web site: http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=69108. For more information, please contact Kristin Eide (keide@umn.edu or 612-625-1654). The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER FELLOWSHIPS IN ADDICTION PSYCHIATRY/ADDICTION MEDICINE. The Addiction Sciences Division offers two fellowship programs in Addictions. The first is a one-year addiction psychiatry fellowship that is ACGME approved. The second is a two-year clinical research addiction medicine fellowship, which is open to primary care doctors, such as OB/GYN, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and other non-psychiatrists. Fellows are exposed to an assortment of rich clinical environments that includes rotations in a nationally-recognized Clinical Program of Excellence in Substance Abuse. Research opportunities exist in two NIH-funded addiction research centers, studying illicit drug abuse, and alcohol and tobacco addiction, respectively. Fellowship Faculty is comprised of addiction specialists from multiple disciplines, each of whom is dedicated to quality patient care and/or research. Robust opportunities exist for post-fellowship positions within the College of Medicine, VA, and local community. The Tri-State/Cincinnati area offers highly diverse entertainment, affordable housing, and one of the finest selections of public schools in the nation. Interested candidates are invited to discuss their interest with: R. Jeffrey Goldsmith, M.D., FASAM, FAPA, CMRO, Director, Fellowships , Professor, Clinical Psychiatry OR Shannon Miller, M.D., FASAM, Co-Director, Fellowships, Associate Professor, Clinical Psychiatry. Point of Contact: Kathleen Peak, kathleen.peak@va.gov, 513-861-3100, extension 6676.

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY’S Behavioral Medicine section of Department of Preventive Medicine is searching for a Postdoctoral Fellow. The applicant should have strong interest and competency in the area of behavioral risk factors (tobacco use, poor quality diet, physical inactivity, stress), intervention research, and evidence-based practice. The Behavioral Medicine group conducts both mechanistic studies and intervention trials in the areas of smoking cessation, weight loss, diet and physical activity change, and health communication. The primary objective of this fellowship is to prepare the individual for an academically oriented career in clinical research. The fellow will work on a trial that uses e-technology to promote lifestyle change, will have the use of data sets for publications, and will have access to career development opportunities both through Northwestern University and the Hines Hospital VA. Applicants should have a doctorate in behavioral science, excellent writing skills, and training in research methodology and statistics. Women and minority applicants encouraged to apply. Appointments begin at any time and are for one year, renewable to two. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States. To apply, please send CV, statement of interests, and 3 letters of reference to Bonnie Spring, Ph.D., ABPP, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, 680 N. Lakeshore Drive, Suite 1220, Chicago, IL 60614, or to bspring@northwestern.edu. Northwestern University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Review of applications is beginning and will continue until the position is filled.

YALE UNIVERSITY is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow in brain imaging of drug abuse: The Psychiatry SPECT Imaging Program at Yale invites applications for postdoctoral positions in neuroreceptor imaging of addiction. Ongoing projects include studies imaging GABAA benzodiazepine receptors, peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, and nicotinic cholinergic receptors in living tobacco smokers, alcohol drinkers, and also in animal models of alcohol and nicotine addiction. We are especially interested in applicants who are willing to conduct transdisciplinary research. Applicants must have completed a MD, or PhD or equivalent degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, chemistry, pharmacology or related discipline. Applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references to Dr. Julie K. Staley, Director, Psychiatry SPECT Imaging, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine &VACHS 116A2; 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven CT 06516 or julie.staley@yale.edu. US Citizenship is required. Yale University School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

FACULTY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO, DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY. The Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco invites applications for a position in Nicotine Dependence Clinical Research. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in psychology or in a related field and advanced training or experience in conducting clinical research in nicotine or other drug abuse dependence, especially in complex and multi-problem groups, e.g. smokers with serious mental illness and culturally diverse populations. Potential for independent funding is essential, and this position will be supported entirely by self-generated research funds. Responsibilities include clinical research focusing on nicotine dependence prevention and treatment in complex, multi-problem populations. The incumbent is expected to have a strong interest in teaching in academically oriented, clinical and/or research multidisciplinary teams and to be involved in training and supervising medical students, psychology interns and postdoctoral fellows in a variety of disciplines. This position will be at the Assistant-Associate Professor level in the In Residence series and could begin on July 1, 2008 or thereafter. (In the In Residence series, it is expected that the candidate will contribute with distinction in the areas of teaching, research, service and professional competence and activities.) Applicants should submit their application electronically including CV, brief statement of research interest, three letters of reference and three representative journal articles‹to Search Committee c/o Astrid Prackatzsch at astridp@lppi.ucsf.edu by February 15, 2008. UCSF is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The University undertakes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for underrepresented minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for covered veterans. UCSF seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS M. D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER, DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE is accepting applications for a tenure track Assistant Professor with expertise in tobacco use and prevention with interests in one or more of the following areas: nicotine dependence, cognitive and/or affective neuroscience, behavioral genetics, epidemiological and psychosocial aspects of tobacco use, co-morbid disorders, prevention/treatment of adolescent tobacco use, and treatment of adult tobacco use, with special emphasis on underserved or high risk populations. Level of extramural funding will be a key consideration for this appointment. Qualifications include a doctoral degree in psychology, public health or one of the social sciences. Successful candidates will be expected to design, implement and evaluate innovative studies, and seek peer-reviewed research funding. Candidates with a strong record of scholarly achievement are preferred. This position is fully funded, with an obligation for 30% extramural support following the third year of appointment. Salary is extremely competitive and commensurate with experience. M. D. Anderson offers excellent benefits. A generous start-up package accompanies this position. The Department of Behavioral Science provides an unusually rich opportunity for collegial interaction and an exceptional infrastructure for behavioral and methodologic research in populations ranging from healthy, community populations to cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Areas of behavioral science research include smoking prevention and cessation, physical activity, skin cancer/melanoma prevention, cancer screening and early detection, quality of life of cancer survivors, psycho-oncology, stress management and immune function, and communication. Our innovative interventions utilize state-of-the-art technology including CD-ROMs, the Internet and hand-held computers. Multidisciplinary opportunities in quantitative psychology, biostatistics, clinical, community and laboratory settings are readily available. The University of Texas M. D. Anderson is located within the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. Houston is a dynamic, multicultural city with a very affordable cost of living.To apply, send cover letter, curriculum vitae and professional reference list by email to: egritz@mdanderson.org. or mail documents to: Ellen R.Gritz, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Behavioral Science, P.O. Box 301439 - Unit 1330, Houston, Texas 77230-1439, or by courier Department of Behavioral Science, 1155 Pressler - CPB3.3201, Houston, Texas 77030. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability or veteran status except where such distinction is required by law. All positions at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center are security sensitive and subject to examination of criminal history record information. Smoke-free and drug-free environment.

RESEARCH/ADMINISTRATION

Program Coordinator - # 97695: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of SAIC, is the Operations and Technical Support Contractor for the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick) is a federally funded research and development center. SAIC-Frederick, Inc. is one of four related NCI contracts on-site and serves as the infrastructure support for the entire center. The contract is the largest single research contract awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and it is the department’s only Government-owned, contractor-operated facility contract. SAIC-Frederick, Inc. and our Clinical Research Program are currently searching for a Program Coordinator to provide programmatic coordination and support to the Tobacco Control Research Branch (TCRB), NCI, located in Rockville, MD. Provides and facilitates communication and coordination for a variety of Tobacco/Behavioral initiatives including Smokefree.gov, North American Quit Line, TTurks and the HINTS program, as well as CaBig, R subcontracts, ICIS and Tobacco Control projects with the Lung Group. Manages the flow of information, direction, planning, etc. for the projects as they migrate between the various groups. Disseminates information regarding ongoing activities. Coordinates program meetings at the local and national level. REQUIRED SKILLS: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or 4 years related experience in lieu of degree. Foreign educated candidates who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an SAIC-approved accrediting organization to assure that it has met the equivalency of the qualifications of degree work in the United States. In addition to educational requirements, four years of progressively responsible technical and/or administrative experience in health communications. Ability to multi-task and handle various projects within several groups. Ability to coordinate and organize meetings. Must be willing to travel. This position is subject to obtaining a Public Trust clearance. We offer an excellent salary and benefits program, including medical, dental, and life, 401(k) retirement savings plan, and educational assistance.
For immediate consideration and to see the full job description, please visit our website at www.saic.com and view position # 97695. SAIC values diversity in the workplace. EEO M/F/D/V.

Behavioral Scientist - # 104233: SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a subsidiary of SAIC, is the Operations and Technical Support Contractor for the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick) a federally funded research and development center. SAIC-Frederick, Inc. is one of four related NCI contracts on-site and serves as the infrastructure support for the entire center. The contract is the largest single research contract awarded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and it is the department’s only Government-owned, contractor-operated facility contract. SAIC-Frederick, Inc. is currently searching for a Behavioral Scientist to provide programmatic and scientific support to the Behavioral Research Program (BRP) for a wide variety of behavioral research activities assisting in research related to project management oversight on various projects. This position is located in Rockville, Maryland. Conducts background research, literature review and portfolio analysis. Assists with developing funding opportunity announcements in the areas of communicating about emerging technology, decision making and secondary data analysis to test and develop health behavior theory. Interacts and collaborates with other scientific staff, practitioners and public health administrators to translate scientific components into usable formats as part of a National effort for cancer control and prevention in the US. Coordinates with survey managers of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) to develop published reports on findings. Coordinates and reviews daily operations and projects related to how constructs from health behavior theories influence a range of cancer screening behaviors among a variety of NIH entities, organizations and/or institutions of higher education. REQUIRED SKILLS: Possession of a Doctoral Degree in clinical psychology from an American Psychological Association accredited program; or related behavioral science field; or (10) years related experience in lieu of degree. Foreign educated candidates who have completed part or all of their education outside of the United States must have their foreign education evaluated by an SAIC-approved accrediting organization to assure that it has met the equivalency of the qualifications of degree work in the United States. In addition to education requirements, a minimum of five (5) years relevant experience or any combination or equivalent of education, research and clinical experience in psychological and health systems management principles or theories and techniques to promote the use of effective cancer screening tests. Knowledge of strategies used for informed decision making regarding cancer screening technologies in communities and clinical practices. Professional knowledge of issues related to tobacco use and public health in general. This position is subject to obtaining a Public Trust Clearance. We offer an excellent salary and benefits program, including medical, dental, and life, 401(k) retirement savings plan, and educational assistance. For immediate consideration and to see the full job description, please visit our website at www.saic.com and view position # 104233. SAIC values diversity in the workplace. EEO M/F/D/V.