MAY/JUNE 2005
Volume 11 - No. 2

SRNT Newsletter

May/June 2005, Volume 11, Number 2

Position Openings

POST-DOCTORAL

Dartmouth Medical School, Norris Cotton Cancer Center & Department of Pediatrics: Post-doctoral position in adolescent media exposure. A post-doctoral position is available to participate in a project investigating effects of media exposures on adolescent substance use and other problem behaviors. The post-doctoral fellow will work with collaborators on a 4-wave longitudinal study of a representative national sample of 6,500 adolescents. Requirements include a doctoral degree, familiarity with advanced statistical techniques, and experience in working with large data sets. Background in substance use research or developmental processes is desirable. The role of the post-doctoral fellow will be to conduct analyses using structural equation modeling and latent growth modeling to determine the effect of exposure to media alcohol and media violence on adolescent problem behaviors and to clarify the active behavioral mechanisms. S/he will collaborate with investigators at Dartmouth and three other institutions (in New York, Oregon, and Iowa) to conduct analyses and write papers from the project. Salary commensurate with experience. The post-doctoral fellow will work at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, an NCI-sponsored comprehensive cancer center with a multidisciplinary cancer control program. Hanover, New Hampshire offers year-round recreational activities. Dartmouth Medical School is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and members of minority groups. Send curriculum vitae, including relevant publications to: James Sargent, M.D., Co-director, Cancer Prevention and Control, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756

McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine: Post-doctoral position in the Drug Abuse and Brain Imaging Training Program. This position is jointly sponsored by the McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Boston University School of Medicine NIDA T32 Training Grant. The position is based at the Brain Imaging Center at McLean Hospital, in Belmont, MA. This translational research position offers training in the acquisition and analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), spectroscopy (MRS), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from animals and humans. Research projects include assessments of the brain effects of stimulants including cocaine, methylphenidate, and nicotine, and opioids including morphine. The fellowship is for 2-3 years and training will culminate with the applicant's submission of an R01or K award application. Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or M.D.), training in behavioral pharmacology, toxicology, or a related field, and have research experience and strong writing skills. The successful applicant will be proposed for academic appointment as a Research Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School. Competitive salary and benefits offered. McLean Hospital is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, ADA Employer. Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Send CV and statement of research interests to: Ronna J. Shostak, BPRL, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, or email to shostak@mclean.harvard.edu.

Minneapolis Veterans Administration Medical Center, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research: Post-doctoral Fellowship in Nicotine and Tobacco Research. The Minneapolis VA Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (www.hsrd.minneapolis.med.va.gov), a VA Health Services Research Center of Excellence, and the University of Minnesota Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center (TTURC; www.tturc.umn.edu) are jointly offering a one-year post-doctoral fellowship in nicotine and tobacco research. A second year of the fellowship is possible and encouraged. This fellowship is designed to train researchers in theory and applied clinical research methods, especially in the area of treatment and prevention of tobacco use. Possible areas of scholarship include (but are not limited to): harm reduction methods, evaluation of potentially reduced exposure products (from the effects of products on biomarkers to consumer perception of the products), recycling, telephone care interventions, tobacco-related disparities, special populations, treatment delivery and systems of care, and individual differences in responses to treatments or products. Under the guidance of mentors and the fellowship program director, each fellow will develop a tailored, individualized program intended to advance their skills and special strengths. Fellows receive a $7,000 annual research stipend to develop this research program. They are also strongly encouraged to participate at presentations in local, state, and national conferences. Candidates with a doctoral degree in psychology, public health, social sciences, or biomedicine are encouraged to apply. The deadline for application is June 1, 2005. Candidates must be US Citizens. The fellowship start date is flexible, but, ideally, fellows will begin in the fall of 2005. To apply, send a cover letter describing your research interests and fellowship goals. Also include a curriculum vita, two letters of recommendation, and writing sample. Applications can be sent to: Melissa Partin, PhD, Director, Associated Health Post-doctoral Fellowship Program, Minneapolis VA Medical Center (152/2E), One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417, or send via email to: vhaminpostdoc@med.va.gov .

University of California _ Los Angeles: NIDA Sponsored Post-doctoral Research Fellowships in Brain Imaging of Substance Abuse. The Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA invites post-doctoral fellow applicants to join a multidisciplinary research team using PET and fMRI in human studies of brain function related to drug abuse. Positions allow work in nationally recognized substance abuse and brain imaging research programs. The two-year research training program, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Institutional Training Grant (T32), combines a core research methodology curriculum with hands-on training opportunities in an extraordinarily diverse group of research and clinical settings. Projects can be related to ongoing research by Drs. Edythe London and Russell Poldrack on the functional neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of inhibitory control, with links to the clinical neurobiology of tobacco and methamphetamine dependence. UCLA offers a rich academic environment and state-of-the-art imaging equipment. Candidates should have doctoral training in pharmacology, neuroscience, or experimental psychology. Knowledge of neuroimaging methods, strong computer skills, and prior publications are preferred. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents who are eligible for funding from an NIH training grant. Health insurance is available. Please mail or e-mail CV, proof of degree, three letters of recommendation, and statement of research interests to: Edythe D. London, Ph.D., Neuropsychiatric Institute, UCLA, Laboratory of Molecular Neuroimaging, UCLA-NPI Box 60 C8-532, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024, Mail Code: 175919. Telephone: (310) 825-0606. Fax: (310) 825-0812. e-mail: elondon@mednet.ucla.edu.

University of Mississippi Medical Center: Health Psychology Post-doctoral Fellowship in Primary Care. The Departments of Family Medicine, Medicine, and Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is accepting applications for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in health psychology. The program prepares psychologists to work in academic healthcare settings by providing extensive, supervised clinical, teaching, and research experience. Fifty percent time is focused on clinical and teaching activities with 50% time devoted to tobacco-related research. Preference will be made for those candidates who are scientist-practitioners with a background in behavior therapies and research interest/experience in addictive behaviors. Salary is $33,000 with liberal benefits. Appointment date is flexible between July and September, 2005. Send letter of intent, curriculum vitae, representative publications, and three recommendation letters to Patrick O. Smith, Ph.D., UMMC, Family Medicine, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216 or via email to posmith@familymed.umsmed.edu . If invited for an interview, lodging and meals will be provided. For additional information call (601) 984-5425, email, and/or visit our website(http://familymed.umc.edu/). EEO, M/F/D/V.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Post-doctoral position in human behavioral pharmacology of nicotine. A post-doctoral position in the behavioral pharmacology of nicotine in humans may be available in the laboratory of Dr. Kenneth A. Perkins at the University of Pittsburgh. Ongoing NIDA-supported projects focus on: 1) environmental modulation of nicotine responses and tobacco self-administration, 2) individual differences associated with sensitivity to nicotine, including gender, genetic, and personality factors. Applicants also interested in clinical research may become involved in smoking cessation studies. Interested candidates should send a C.V. and letter of interest to Dr. Perkins at the following address: Kenneth A. Perkins, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, voice: (412) 246-5395, fax: (412) 246-5390, email: perkinska@upmc.edu, website: http://myprofile.cos.com/perkinsk31

University of Vermont: Post-doctoral positions in drug abuse research. The University of Vermont announces the availability of three post-doctoral research fellowships in an internationally recognized center of excellence for the study of drug abuse. Fellows have opportunities for training in a wide range of epidemiological, human laboratory and treatment-outcome research. Current openings are with Stephen Higgins (stephen.higgins@uvm.edu, (802) 656-9614) in delineating behavioral and pharmacological processes central to understanding and effectively treating cocaine dependence as well as cigarette smoking among pregnant women, and John Hughes (john.hughes@uvm.edu, (802) 656-9610) in clinical, laboratory and epidemiology research on (a) gradual reduction with NRT as a method of smoking cessation and (b) understanding why smokers do not access free treatments for smoking cessation. Applicants must have completed doctoral training in psychology or a related discipline and be US citizens or permanent residents. Salary is competitive commensurate with experience (PGY 1 to PGY 7) and supported by an NIDA/NIH Institutional Training Award. For more details on the positions please contact the investigators directly at the e-mail addresses/phone #s shown above. To apply please forward a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, and three letters of reference in c/o Ms. Diana Cain, University of Vermont, Dept. of Psychiatry, 38 Fletcher Place, Burlington, VT 05401-1419. The University of Vermont is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry: Two-year NIMH or NIDA Post-Doctoral Fellowships in mental health, prevention and nosology. The Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group (EPRG) in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO has openings for two-year NIMH or NIDA Post-Doctoral Fellowships in mental health, prevention and nosology. A Ph.D. degree or M.D. in social work, medicine, psychology, public health or closely related social science discipline, strong interest in research, and a complete application are required. Previous quantitative experience with statistical packages is highly desired. Opportunities are available in the areas of substance abuse/dependence, psychiatric comorbidity, psychiatric nosology, and community-based interventions with racially/ethnically diverse and at-risk populations. Several existing epidemiologic and clinical databases are available for secondary analysis. Stipend levels and trainee benefits are per NIH. An opportunity to obtain a Master of Psychiatric Epidemiology (MPE) Degree is also available. Women, minorities, and those with ABD status (with an approaching completion date) are strongly encouraged to apply. This is a competitive position so early inquiry is recommended. Inquires can be made to Peg Greco Schneider (grecop@epi.wustl.edu ). More information on our training programs can be found at the following website: http://epi.wustl.edu/ . Please send a cover letter outlining your goals and research experience, application, letters of recommendation, and CV to Dr. Linda B. Cottler, Director, NIH Post-Doctoral Training Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, 40 N. Kingshighway, Suite #4, St. Louis, Missouri 63108. Washington University is an equal opportunity employer.

FACULTY

Dartmouth Medical School: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics with Research Specialization in Tobacco Prevention. Requirements: Requirements include an MD degree with residency training in pediatrics (must be able to practice pediatrics in an academic setting and be able to obtain a NH medical license); additional training in behavioral science (MPH or MS); relevant research experience (tobacco control) and teaching experience (residency education). Also desirable is evidence of potential for obtaining independent external research funding or prior experience as PI of an NIH R01 or equivalent. Investigators with an interest in tobacco prevention research are encouraged to apply, with special consideration given to applicants who have conducted research on second hand smoke exposure or physician-patient communications. Rank and salary for the Dartmouth Medical School appointment are competitive and will be commensurate with level of experience. Responsibility: Primary responsibility for the position will be to assume an active role in a tobacco research program with a focus on pediatrics and in collaboration with the Cancer Prevention and Control program at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center. The applicant will also be expected to teach pediatric residents in the outpatient setting. Description: The Department of Pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center are jointly recruiting a full-time research-track Assistant Professor in social/behavioral aspects of tobacco control to participate in research and teaching in cancer prevention. This appointment provides an outstanding opportunity for establishing a research career in tobacco control with a focus on pediatrics. The Cancer Control Program at the Norris Cotton Cancer Center provides a rich and collaborative environment for the investigation of the etiology and prevention of cancer. Tobacco control activities there include research into how media depictions of smoking influence adolescent smoking behavior, smoking in families with children, second hand smoke exposure, and communication with parents about smoking. The Department of Pediatrics has a medium-sized pediatric residency program with an active outpatient department. Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis until suitable candidates are identified and the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, statement of scientific interests, curriculum vitae, and publications list to Nancy Peacock, Department of Pediatrics, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon NH 03756. Dartmouth Medical School is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women and members of minority groups. Applications will be accepted by email at: Nancy.N.Peacock@Hitchcock.org .

University of Minnesota: Assistant, Associate or Full Professor Position in Cancer Prevention. The University of Minnesota Cancer Center and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, are jointly recruiting a full-time tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor or tenured Full Professor in social/behavioral aspects of cancer prevention and control to participate in research and teaching in cancer etiology and prevention. This appointment provides an outstanding opportunity for transdisciplinary research and teaching collaboration across a broad range of disciplines and cancer control topics, including policy, nutrition, cancer screening, tobacco, alcohol, and obesity prevention, physical activity and survivorship, as well as traditional chronic disease epidemiology and prevention/intervention studies. The Division of Epidemiology and Community Health (http://www.epi.umn.edu <http://www.epi.umn.edu/) provides a rich and collaborative environment for the investigation of the etiology and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases. It has 40 primary faculty who bring in over $30 million annually in sponsored research grants, and an additional 68 adjunct faculty. There are numerous opportunities for collaboration with the Cancer Center, Minnesota Obesity Prevention Center, Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center (TTURC), General Clinical Research Center, Epidemiology Clinical Research Center, Academic Health Center, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Center for Global Health, Minnesota Department of Health, VA Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and numerous local community-based agencies. Requirements include an earned doctorate in public health or social or behavioral sciences, or an MD with training in behavioral science; and relevant research experience and graduate-level or other teaching experience. Also desirable is evidence of potential for obtaining independent external research funding or prior experience as PI of an NIH R01 or equivalent. Rank and salary are competitive and will be commensurate with level of experience. Applications will be accepted on a continuing basis until suitable candidates are identified and the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, statement of scientific interests, curriculum vitae, and publications list to Kathy Ramel, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 South 2nd Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1015. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

OTHER RESEARCH POSITIONS

American Cancer Society: Tobacco Control Epidemiologist. The American Cancer Society is seeking a Tobacco Control Epidemiologist with interest in international tobacco control, epidemiology and surveillance. The incumbent will serve as the lead epidemiologist in the Surveillance Research branch of the Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance Research. Position Title: Lead Epidemiologist, Tobacco Surveillance Research. Position Department: Epidemiology. Position Division: National Home Office. Location: Atlanta, GA . Job Description: This job will involve the following responsibilities: (1) Manage international tobacco surveillance data collection; (2) Develop database for the purpose of data collection and analysis; (3) Analyzes existing international tobacco surveillance databases; (4) Develop new analytical databases through linkages of existing datasets; (5) Initiate collaborations with national investigators to collect data and/or to conduct pilot studies of tobacco control interventions; (6) Publish in the peer-reviewed literature as well as develop informational materials geared to the general public and the media; (7) Collaborate with ACS intramural researchers in epidemiology and behavioral science, the ACS International Affairs Department, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute and other public and private organizations involved in international tobacco surveillance and control; (8) Participate in both research and translation of research findings to public health interventions through public and professional education, public-private partnerships, and legislative initiatives. Job Requirements: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Epidemiology or a related field. Three years of postdoctoral experience in public health-related research. Candidates with a history of productive research in tobacco epidemiology, surveillance and control, and/or cancer research and international experience are especially encouraged to apply. Excellent communications, analytical and quantitative skills. Contact: Human Resources, email acs.jobs1@cancer.org. Please send résumé to: American Cancer Society, Human Resources, Atlanta, GA 30329.

PICS, Inc: Three positions. PICS, Inc. is a health behavior research and development company that creates, designs, develops, evaluates, and markets computer-assisted assessment and intervention programs for smoking cessation, dietary management, exercise adherence, insomnia, and other health behavior problems. Current diet and exercise projects include a web-based program to improve food portion estimation abilities and webcentric Palm programs for dietary monitoring and for exercise adherence. PICS has been awarded over 50 grants from the National Institutes of Health to develop and evaluate health behavior products. Much of this work has been presented at national or international professional conferences and/or published in scientific journals. PICS is an an equal opportunity employer. For more information about PICS products or research activities, visit the corporate website at www.LifeSignUSA.com. Position 1: Addictive Behaviors Researcher with experience conducting smoking, alcohol and drug abuse research. PICS creates, designs, develops, evaluates, and markets computer-assisted assessment and intervention programs for smoking cessation, dietary management, exercise adherence, insomnia, and other health behavior problems. Specific responsibilities of the position include: a) assuming PI responsibilities for current projects, b) developing new product concepts and research ideas in the smoking, alcohol and drug abuse area, c) obtaining grant funding to support the R&D effort, d) disseminating research findings via presentation and publication, and e) consulting with the commercial division on the promotion of the resulting products. Qualifications: A doctoral degree in epidemiology, public health, psychology, or related field is required. The applicant must have prior experience conducting smoking, alcohol and drug abuse research. Successful track record in obtaining NIH grants and/or contract funding is a must. A record of publications in the area is also required. Applicants with skills in database management and statistical analyses are preferred. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Interested applicants should send a vita and letter of interest to: Mr. Al Behar; President, PICS, 12007 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite 480, Reston, VA 20191. Email: albehar@comcast.net. Position 2: Behavioral Nutrition/Physical Activity Researcher with expertise in behavioral nutrition and/or in exercise adherence to lead the diet and exercise research efforts of the company. Current diet and exercise projects include a web-based program to improve food portion estimation abilities and webcentric Palm programs for dietary monitoring and for exercise adherence. Specific responsibilities of the position include: a) assuming PI responsibilities for current diet and exercise projects, b) developing new product concepts and research ideas in the diet and exercise area, c) obtaining grant funding to support the diet and exercise R&D effort, d) disseminating research findings via presentation and publication, and e) consulting with the commercial division on the promotion of diet and exercise products. Qualifications: A doctoral degree in epidemiology, public health, psychology, or related field is required. The applicant must have prior experience conducting diet or exercise research. Prior successful grant experience and a record of publications in the area are also required. Applicants with skills in database management and statistical analyses are preferred. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Interested applicants should send a vita and letter of interest to: Mr. Al Behar; President, PICS, 12007 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite 480, Reston, VA 20191. Email: albehar@comcast.net. Position 3: Research Supervisor. The Research Supervisor manages a team of 5 research assistants and coordinates research staff activities under the direction of the principal investigators. This position includes running subjects in-house and higher-level tasks including managing day-to-day research activities, quality control checks of study procedures, and providing status reports. A Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field and 5-7 years of research experience is required. Please send resume and letter of interest including salary requirements to: HR - Attn: Research Supervisor, PICS, Inc., 12007 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite 480, Reston, VA 20191. Email: albehar@comcast.net.

University of California San Francisco: Project Manager. Position opening for a Project Manager of a five-year study investigating strategies for reducing nicotine dependence. The candidate should have a Ph.D./Masters in Psychology or a related biological field. Responsibilities will include development of study-related documents, overseeing subject recruitment, interviewing subjects, collecting and handling biologic specimens, and assistance in data analysis and manuscript preparation. The project manager will interact closely with an active nicotine research program at UCSF. Applicant should have three years experience in conducting clinical research, including interviewing research subjects and experience or willingness to be trained in handling biological samples. Please send letter of interest and CV to: Neal L Benowitz MD, Professor of Medicine, Psychiatry and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Francisco Box 1220, San Francisco, CA 94143-1220; Phone: (415) 206-8324. Fax (415) 206-4956.

University of Pennsylvania, Annenberg School for Communication: Research Director in Cancer Communication Research. The Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania is currently seeking a Research Director for the National Cancer Institute funded Center of Excellence in Cancer Communication. The Center is focused on the role of public information in cancer-related behavior. The Research Director will work with a study addressing the role of genetic information in affecting individuals' sense of efficacy and fatalism. This research focuses on genetic information, cancer, and tobacco use in adult populations. Research approaches include content analyses, focus groups, surveys, and experiments. The Research Director will report to Professor Joseph N. Cappella. The Research Director will be responsible for coordinating and supervising all research including that done by subcontractors; supervising research staff; responsible for contributions to questionnaire development; undertaking sophisticated data analysis; co-authoring papers. This position is available July 1, 2005 and is expected to continue through August, 2008. The Research Director position requires a Ph.D. in Communication, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field; ABD will be considered; substantial experience in related research required; strong quantitative skills in data analysis; good organizational skills; demonstrated ability to work with research professionals; background in health communication, or public health with an emphasis in communication preferred. Experience with experimental procedures and analyses preferred. For more information on the Center of Excellence in Cancer Communication Research (CECCR), please visit http://www.asc.upenn.edu/ceccr . To obtain additional information or apply for a position, please contact Megan Kasimatis, Associate Director CECCR, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Email: mkasimatis@asc.upenn.edu . Fax: (215) 746-3407. Applications should include a letter of introduction, CV, and names of 3 references.