SRNT Newsletter Aug/Sept 2005, Volume 11, Number 3

AUG/SEPT 2005
Volume 11 - No. 3

Smoking in Argentina

Book Review

President's Column

From the Editor

SRNT Annual Meeting

Research Activities at a Featured Program

N&TR Seeking Editor

In the Spotlight

Sutton Memorial

Member Publications

Position Openings

Society Information

Meeting Calendar

 

SRNT Newsletter

Aug/Sept 2005, Volume 11, Number 3

Position Openings

POST-DOCTORAL

Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Biobehavioral Medicine Program, New York, NY: Postdoctoral Research Opportunity - Immediate Opening. Join an ongoing, federally funded program of behavioral and genetic research on the mechanisms underlying differences in smoking cessation success among long-term smokers. Using experimental, laboratory-based, approaches for the induction of smoking urges with concurrent psychophysiological monitoring, the research seeks to examine relations between genetic factors, personality and behavioral characteristics, smoking-related endophenotypes, and smoking cessation success. Applicants will have: an advanced degree in Biology, Medicine, Psychology, Public Health, or a related discipline, have demonstrated research abilities, and have shown a strong commitment to a research career. Individuals with backgrounds in experimental models of addiction, or in smoking cessation research are encouraged to apply. Openings summer 2005 for postdoctoral training. The overall goal of the 1-2 year training program is to provide trainees with a comprehensive appreciation of the complex interactions among biological/ genetic, behavioral/psychological, and social/cultural variables inbiobehavioral medicine and cancer prevention & control. The goal of the fellowship program is to teach trainees to "talk the talk" of the multiple relevant disciplines through one-on-one interactions with experienced mentors, lectures, seminars and journal clubs. The program also emphasizes learning to "walk the walk" of doing interdisciplinary research, through hands-on participation in federally-funded research programs under the tutelage of experienced mentors, to provide the skills necessary for a career in cancer research. For more information, contact Dr. Joel Erblich (joel.erblich@mssm.edu). Stipends start at $47,500 plus benefits. Application requires: letter of interest and CV sent to: Dr. Dana Bovbjerg, Department of Oncological Sciences, Mt Sinai School of Medicine, Box #1130, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029 (dana.bovbjerg@mssm.edu).

New York University (NYU) School of Medicine, Mental Health and Addictive Disorders Research Program, New York, NY: A Postdoctoral position is available in the Mental Health and Addictive Disorders Research Program at New York University (NYU) School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. This position is supported by a NIDA T32 Postdoctoral Training Grant, in association with NIDA contract and grant supported clinical research programs at NYU. The position is based at the V.A. New York Harbor Healthcare System in Manhattan, with Projects at NYU School of Medicine affiliated programs at Bellevue and Tisch Hospitals. This clinical research position offers training in human laboratory studies, as well as medications development for drug and alcohol dependence. Candidates will gain extensive experience in developing, launching, and running Phase I and Phase II pharmacotherapy trials, clinical laboratory studies on drug craving, reward and reinforcement, neuropsychological testing, and neuroimaging. Didactic components of the program include training and education in clinical research methodology, and substance abuse research seminar series at NYU and Bellevue Hospital. Overseas studies investigating new medications for the treatment of drug and alcohol dependence with international collaborators are also a possibility. The fellowship is for 2-3 years, and training will culminate with the applicant's submission of an R01 or K award proposal. Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or M.D.), training in behavioral pharmacology or a related field, and have substance abuse research experience and strong writing skills. The successful applicant will be proposed for academic appointment at the Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine. Competitive salary and benefits offered. NYU School of Medicine is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, ADA Employer. Minorities and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Send CV and statement of research interests to: Malcolm S. Reid, Ph.D., VA NYHHS, 116A, 423 E. 23rd St., New York, NY 10010, or email to: malcolm.reid@med.va.gov.

Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA: Two Post-doctoral Positions in Behavioral Neuroscience. There are two postdoctoral positions available immediately at The Scripps Research Institute that will involve the study of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression, antidepressant activity, and nicotine dependence. The candidates should have a strong background in psychopharmacology and/or behavioral neuroscience, with an interest in psychiatric disorders and/or nicotine dependence. Experience with rodent survival surgery, intravenous drug self-administration and intracranial self-stimulation is desirable. Applicants with a strong background in molecular biology that have some experience with behavior and have an interest to expand their expertise in behavioral neuroscience may also apply, although some behavioral experience is required. The successful applicants will be highly motivated individuals with good communication skills, interest and experience in psychopharmacology, behavioral neuroscience and/or drug discovery as they relate to psychiatric disorders and nicotine dependence. The applicants should have at least 1-2 first author publications accepted in quality peer-reviewed journals. The ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and to travel is essential. For further information and to apply, contact Dr. Athina Markou, amarkou@scripps.edu. To apply, please send: (1) a short letter of intent outlining your suitability for the position; and (2) a copy of your CV that includes the names and full addresses of three referees.

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. This position is funded through NHLBI. 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 CV 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

FACULTY

Brown Medical School: Senior Faculty Position (Associate or Full Professor) in Behavioral and Social Sciences. A senior faculty position (Associate or Full Professor) in Behavioral and Social Sciences is available in the Department of Community Health at Brown University beginning January, 2006. The position is part of a multi-year expansion plan for Public Health at Brown which will entail recruiting up to 17 new tenure track positions. Minimum requirements include a national or international (for full professor) reputation in an area of research, an independently funded program of research and a proven track record of leadership in research and training. Doctoral degree in a Behavioral and/or Social Science (or equivalent) is required. Preferred characteristics include experience leading collaborative, interdisciplinary research. Areas of special interest include multi-level research, addictions, health promotion, application of theory, community-based research, dissemination, and/or international issues. Interested applicants should send a letter of application, a curriculum vitae and names and contact information of five referees, who may be contacted, to: Peter M. Monti, Ph.D., Chair of Behavioral and Social Sciences Search Committee, Brown University, Department of Community Health, Box G-BH, Providence RI 02912 or by email to ChairBSS_Community_Health @brown.edu. Brown University is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer and actively solicits applications from women and minorities.

University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry is seeking a nationally recognized laboratory researcher (M.D. or Ph.D.) to serve as Associate Director of the Nicotine Research Program. The successful candidate will be expected to carry out a program of research in nicotine, smoking, or tobacco use that builds on or complements biobehavioral, genetic, and/or clinical research currently in progress. He/she will share and eventually assume responsibility for the Laboratory and its staff. Candidates should have a strong track record of scientific publication and extramural funding as well as experience in mentoring, research training, and administration. If a psychiatrist, the candidate must be board-certified and either hold or be eligible for Michigan medical licensure; if a psychologist, clinical licensure is preferred. Faculty level appointment will be commensurate with training and experience and can include appointment at the tenured, full professor level. The Nicotine Research Program is funded, staffed, and equipped to conduct biobehavioral research, clinical smoking cessation trials, and research on the genetics of smoking (see www.med.umich.edu/niclab). It occupies new space that provides research facilities and offices to support a wide range of activities. Start-up funding is available to meet specialized research needs. The Laboratory is administratively part of the new University of Michigan Depression Center, the first such Center in the country. A $32 million dollar facility, currently under construction in a location nearby, will provide additional shared resources. The University of Michigan offers comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary commensurate with rank and experience. Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a vibrant academic community with numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates should send a letter of interest, including a summary of research objectives, curriculum vitae, copies of representative publications, and names of three references to the Chair of the Search Committee: Dr. Ovide Pomerleau, Nicotine Research Laboratory, 2025 Traverwood Dr., Suite B, Ann Arbor, MI 48105; e-mail: ofpom@umich.edu.

University of Mississippi (Oxford Campus): Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology. Applications are invited for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Pharmacology in the School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi (Oxford campus). We seek an individual who will establish and maintain a research program in pharmacology, teach in the core curriculum of the professional and graduate program, and participate in service-related activities. Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a closely related field, with post-doctoral experience and a strong record of research accomplishments. High priority areas of research emphasis include molecular pharmacology, neuropharmacology, cardiovascular/autonomic pharmacology, endocrine pharmacology, and environmental toxicology. Exceptional candidates in other research areas will also be considered. Ample opportunities exist for collaborative research programs with members of the National Center for Natural Products Research and the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Visit our website www.olemiss.edu/depts/pharmacology for additional information about the research and training programs of faculty in the Department of Pharmacology at the School of Pharmacy. Applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.olemiss.edu. Applicants shall provide a letter outlining their research interests, teaching experience and qualifications, complete vitae, and names, addresses, phone numbers and emails of three references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The anticipated starting date is January 2006. The University of Mississippi is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer.

University of Rochester Medical Center: Assistant Professor. The Department of Community and Preventive Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center (www.urmc.rochester.edu/cpm) is seeking candidates for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in an active and growing Division of Social and Behavioral Medicine. The position includes work on funded projects in medical education and community outreach including tobacco control. The successful candidate will have strong clinical research and methodological skills in one or more areas of health behavior change and will collaborate on existing domestic and international projects as well as develop an independent research agenda. Applicants with interests in tobacco control, physical activity, nutrition/obesity, and health disparities are encouraged, though background in other areas of behavior change will also be considered. The Division and Department are committed to multidisciplinary research with strong focus on community linkages, mentoring junior faculty, and fostering an environment of scholarly inquiry and research. The Department houses M.P.H., Ph.D, and Post-doctoral training programs. Candidates must posses a doctoral level degree in psychology, sociology, social/behavioral sciences, health communication, or a related field. Start date is flexible. Applicants should send their CV, a summary of research and teaching interests, and 3 letters of reference to: Deborah J. Ossip-Klein, Ph.D., Chief, Division of Social and Behavioral Medicine, c/o Eva Galambos, Department of Community and Preventive Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave. Box 644, Rochester, NY 14642. University of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

University of Vermont: Assistant Professor in Health Psychology. The Department of Psychology at the University of Vermont seeks to fill a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in Health Psychology to begin August 2006. Applicants must have a doctorate in clinical psychology, a strong record of publication, the ability to develop a funded research program in health psychology, and demonstrated excellence in teaching. Applicants who build on the Department's strengths within the domains of community/prevention and/or sociocultural contexts are particularly welcome. Candidates should be able to provide clinical and research supervision and be license eligible. Candidates will teach some courses from among the following: graduate Adult Psychopathology, graduate Adult Assessment, graduate Intervention, graduate Professional Affairs and Ethics, graduate or undergraduate Health Psychology, graduate or undergraduate Community/Prevention, undergraduate Introductory Psychology, undergraduate Abnormal Psychology, undergraduate Statistics/Methods, and an advanced undergraduate course in Clinical Psychology. Review of applications will begin on October 15, 2005. The University of Vermont is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. The Department is committed to increasing faculty diversity and welcomes applications from women and underrepresented ethnic, racial, and cultural groups, sexual minorities, and from people with disabilities. Departmental information is available at www.uvm.edu/psychology. Candidates must apply online at www.uvmjobs.com and must attach to that online application a curriculum vitae. In addition, hard copies of representative publications, statements of research and teaching interests, and three (3) letters of recommendation should be sent to: Professor Laura Solomon, Department of Psychology, Dewey Hall, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405-0134.

OTHER RESEARCH POSITIONS

Columbia University, Department of Sociomedical Sciences of the Mailman School of Public Health invites applications for a full-time position as Associate Research Scientist. We seek candidates who have received their doctoral degree, with training in public health, and who can contribute to the planning, development, and implementation of research, evaluation, or field studies within the field of tobacco control. Candidates must have the ability to assist in grant and proposal writing. Previous experience using large secondary datasets, and managing research projects is desirable. Expertise with one or more of the following statistical software packages, Stata, SPSS, or SAS is required. Candidate will participate in the development of specific research concepts, and instruments, as well as the development and implementation of innovative research protocols. This is a renewable annual appointment, and the 12-month salary will be commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should submit a letter indicating their interest in the position, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references to: Richard Parker, Professor and Chair, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 West 168th Street, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10032. Columbia University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.

Glaxosmithkline - Parsippany, NJ: Principal Clinical Research Scientist position. People around the world rely on GSK's tried and trusted Consumer Healthcare products. Whether they want to give up smoking, relieve a headache or upset stomach, protect teeth, or keep the symptoms of a cold at bay, chances are we have something they can buy from their local pharmacy or supermarket to help. Minimum Requirements: A BS degree with 8-10 years of experience or a doctorate degree preferred with a minimum of 3-5 years of professional industry experience, with 1 to 3 of those years within medical affairs or clinical research in Smoking Control or equivalent academic experience. Demonstrated experience in designing clinical studies. Demonstrated experience in writing, editing and/or publishing scientific reports. Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Ability to influence and negotiate with internal and external customers. Willingness to travel as required. Details: Provide medical support for development of novel products/novel claims for Smoking Cessation brands. Experience interacting successfully with marketing teams preferred. Experience with reviewing advertising and/or promotional materials preferred. An understanding of claims substantiation preferred. Assist with preparation of scientific evaluations of published and non-published literature. Liaise and form alliances with external opinion leaders and investigators as appropriate. Review scientific literature to facilitate preparation of clinical and therapeutic strategies. Work with Medical Director, R&D team, Clinical Operations, BioStatistics, Regulatory Affairs and Product Development and the Commercial organization to prepare clinical development plans as needed by Brands. Work with the Medical Director, Clinical operations and BioStatistics to develop innovative study designs to enable new and competitive claims to be made for identified products. As member of the team, develop study protocols and oversee study implementation and contribute to report writing. Keep up to date with scientific literature and work with project team to create and maintain dossiers on current smoking control and other related areas. Work with Regulatory Affairs in the preparation of regulatory submissions. For confidential consideration and efficient processing, please apply online at: http://careers.peopleclick.com/client40_gsk/BU1/EXTERNAL1931/newcandidate.asp?Source= SRNT&JobID=19999. PLEASE ONLY APPLY BY PASTING THIS LINK INTO YOUR BROWSER Developing talent through equality of opportunity, M/F/D/V.

Personal Improvement Computer Services, Inc. (PICS, Inc.), Reston, VA: Behavioral Scientist position in Addictive Behaviors. PICS, Inc. is seeking a talented and energetic individual with experience in addictive behaviors to join our team of behavioral scientists. PICS, Inc. is a research and development company that specializes in the development and marketing of computer-assisted assessment and intervention programs for a variety of health behaviors, including tobacco use, dietary management, exercise adherence, and insomnia. We have developed and successfully marketed products to consumers, clinicians, and researchers. Our products are supported with a 20-year history of funding from the National Institutes of Health. Specific responsibilities of this position include: (a) assuming a leadership role on existing funded projects; (b) developing new product concepts and research ideas in the addictive behaviors arena; (c) obtaining grant funding to support the R & D effort; (d) disseminating research findings via publications and presentations at national meetings; and (e) consulting with the commercial division on the promotion of the resulting products. Qualifications: A doctoral degree in Psychology, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related health science field is required. Experience in addictive behaviors treatment research (tobacco, alcohol, and/or drug abuse) is required. A successful track record of obtaining external funding is desirable. PICS, Inc. offers a research environment unconstrained by academic bureaucracy and a highly competitive salary/benefits package. Interested applicants should send a vita, letter of interest, and the names of 3 professional references to: Bradford W. Applegate, Ph.D., PICS, 12007 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 480, Reston, VA 20191. Email: bapplegate@lifesign.com.

University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Associate Director of Evaluation (Scientist 4). The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU), Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is conducting a search for an Associate Director of Evaluation. In this senior position, reporting to the Director, the candidate will oversee and manage a results-based evaluation of the Ontario Tobacco Strategy (OTS). This will involve overseeing the development, monitoring, and refinement of a Performance Evaluation System in collaboration with government and non-government agencies, and steering and advisory committees. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the incumbent will also initiate and steer the development of the evaluation research program. The successful candidate should be eligible for and expect to secure a cross-appointment as full professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Toronto. The incumbent will be responsible for all evaluation activities for OTRU including, but not limited to, the following duties: Providing intellectual leadership for a number of ongoing and new research and evaluation projects; overseeing the evaluation and reporting process for organizations funded through the Ontario Tobacco Strategy; expanding upon current methodology for measuring the effectiveness of programs funded by the Ontario Tobacco Strategy; directing the development, compilation, and dissemination of regular reports evaluating the effectiveness of OTS programming; leading the development of proposals for submission to research granting councils; publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals; leading staff and relevant stakeholders in evaluation, collaborative research, and knowledge transfer activities; contributing to the general work environment and intellectual life of the Unit; supervising and mentoring research and administrative staff; working with the Associate Director for Research to assess gaps and determine additional evaluative research to establish the targets of tobacco control programming. Qualifications: The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in an area related to the goals of the research section (e.g. Health, Social, or Biological Sciences) with a minimum five years of work experience in a research environment in the management and direction of a complex, comprehensive multi-level health promotion or disease prevention outcome-related evaluation, with at least three years in a supervisory position. Applicants should have demonstrated a substantial track record of research grant funding and publications in peer reviewed journals. The candidate will provide excellent analytical skills, including design, analyses, and reporting on complex, multivariate models, along with exceptional management and mentoring skills. In addition, knowledge of science/evidence-based content and context of tobacco control initiatives in public health settings would be an asset, as would the ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders at international, national, provincial and local levels in government, research, and service provision. Please note: This full-time 3 year contract position that is NOT part of any bargaining unit. Competitive salary and benefits package. Please forward your résumé by August 15, 2005 to: Human Resources, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Fax: (416) 583-4316, E-mail: jobs@camh.net, File Number: 05162.Resumes will be reviewed as received.