NOV/DEC 2004
Volume 10 - No. 4

SRNT Newsletter

November/December 2004, Volume 10, Number 4

Position Openings

POST-DOCTORAL

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF): Postdoctoral Program in Drug Abuse Treatment and Services Research. Traineeships in drug abuse treatment and services research are available in the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in a large, active, multidisciplinary research environment that is supported by multiple research projects and center grants. Scholars work with a preceptor to design and implement studies. The focus is on treatment and services research in drug dependence, including tobacco dependence. Scholars also select an area of focus for independent research. Current research interests of faculty include trials of efficacy and effectiveness of psychosocial and pharmacologic treatment of drug abuse, including tobacco dependence; innovative methodology including internet based studies; treatment of complex patients in non-traditional settings; diagnostic techniques and research on treatment tailored for HIV-positive drug abusers and drug abusers with psychiatric and medical disorders; research on provision of services to drug abusing populations; and instrument development in drug abuse. Many successful applicants are psychologists with strong scientific backgrounds. The program has also included scholars with backgrounds in epidemiology, methodology, nursing, psychiatry, health policy, pharmacology, public health, and social work; and welcomes basic scientists who wish to learn the skills needed to translate their work to treatment and clinical issues. Stipends are funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Preceptors are expected to supplement stipends from non-NIH sources. A priority of the department is the training of women and minorities for academic research careers. The application filing period closes December 31, 2004. Please see our website at www.ucsf.edu/sftrc or contact Lorel Hiramoto at lorelh@itsa.ucsf.edu or 415-476-7673 for application information. You may fax (in advance) your CV, 2 letters of recommendation, and research statement. Originals should be mailed along with your representative work. Sharon Hall, Ph.D., Barbara Havassy, Ph.D., James Sorensen, Ph.D., and Connie Weisner, Dr.P.H. are Co-Directors.

University of Kentucky: Postdoctoral positions in drug abuse research. The University of Kentucky announces the availability of two postdoctoral research positions, available through a training grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The successful applicant can receive training in either the Center for Drug Abuse Research Translation (CDART) or the National Cooperative Drug Discovery Group (NCDDG) on campus. CDART is directed by Dr. Michael Bardo and is investigating the role of sensation seeking and other personality traits in drug abuse vulnerability. CDART offers training in the following areas: behavioral and neuropharmacology with animal models (Michael Bardo and Linda Dwoskin), human behavioral pharmacology (Thomas Kelly) or personality of risky behavior (Donald Lynam). NCDDG is directed by Dr. Linda Dwoskin and is involved in the development of potential pharmacotherapeutics for nicotine addiction. NCDDG offers training in the following areas: medicinal chemistry (Peter Crooks), neuropharmacology (Linda Dwoskin) or preclinical behavioral pharmacology (Michael Bardo). We are especially interested in applicants who are willing to exchange ideas across interdisciplinary lines. Applicants must have completed a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline, and they must be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident. Interested applicants should visit http://www.mc.uky.edu/behavioralscience/nidatraining1.asp . The University of Kentucky is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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: Postdoctoral 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 U.S. 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 numbers 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.

Harvard Medical School McLean Hospital Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center. Post-doctoral research training fellowships will be available at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center at McLean Hospital and the Harvard Medical School for the academic year beginning in July, 2004. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center is a multidisciplinary program that includes basic, preclinical, clinical and treatment-related research. The research program is especially concerned with drug abuse problems in women and the role of gender in the abuse-related, neuroendocrine and analgesic effects of drugs. Trainees may participate in research on the behavioral pharmacology of substance abuse; the neuroendocrine correlates of cocaine, heroin, nicotine and alcohol abuse; the effects of abused drugs on the brain as assessed by brain imaging techniques (MRI, MRS and fMRS); evaluation of novel analgesics in models of thermal algesia and hyperalgesia; medicinal chemistry studies to develop new treatment medications, and evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of new pharmacotherapies for the treatment of drug abuse. McLean Hospital is an affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital and is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. Salary is commensurate with experience (PGY 1 to PGY 7), and is supported by National Research Service Awards from NIDA, NIH. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Please send your curriculum vitae, a statement of your research interests and the names and addresses of three references to Jack H. Mendelson, Professor of Psychiatry (Neuroscience), Co-Director, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478.

COMBINED POSTING

University of Kansas Medical Center: Vice Chair, Faculty, and Post-doctoral Positions in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health. The Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health (www.kumc.edu/prevmed) is a dynamic, multidisciplinary group of 24 faculty with funding in cancer prevention, preventive cardiology, obesity, nutrition, breast cancer, smoking cessation, substance abuse, and outcomes research. The department is embarking on an ambitious expansion and is recruiting tenure track or tenured faculty and post-doctoral fellows. The areas of recruitment are for a developing program in nutrition, obesity and physical activity and an established program in nicotine and tobacco dependence. One faculty and one postdoctoral position will focus on candidates with experience in neuroimaging, especially in nicotine addiction or obesity. Candidates should have a medical degree (MD) or a doctoral degree in epidemiology, statistics/biostatistics, nutrition, health education, social/behavioral sciences, health communications or psychology. Faculty will have varying (based on experience, interest, and funding) teaching and mentoring responsibilities with MPH and medical students. A new MS degree in clinical research begins this Fall 2004, and plans are underway to develop a doctoral program.

The department has a strong track record in assisting junior faculty engage in mentored research and obtain independent funding. Excellent collaborative research opportunities exist with the Kansas Masonic Cancer Research Institute, the Center for Physical Activity and Weight Management, the Center on Aging, the Hoglund Brain Imaging Center, and the Departments of Health Policy, Nutrition, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychology. The Medical Center is a full-service, tertiary care center, in Kansas City, a rapidly growing city of 1.5 million.

The primary responsibility of the faculty and post-doctoral fellows will be to assist in building active programs of research. An attractive recruitment package will be offered appropriate to the candidate's rank and experience. The university and department have a longstanding commitment to achieving diversity among faculty, staff, and students. Vice-Chair: Associate or Full Professor with a track record in extramurally funded research. The primary responsibility will be to assist in building of active programs of research and department administration. Faculty (three positions): Assistant, Associate or Full Professor with ample protected time to build strong extramurally funded research programs. Postdoctoral Fellowships (two positions): Appointments for 2-3 years with flexible start dates, competitive salaries, excellent resources for career development, and liberal benefits. Fellowships tailored to individual's career goals including opportunities for grant writing, teaching, clinical work, MPH or MS. Clinical Research degree, and authorship on manuscripts. Mentoring is available from psychologists, physicians, epidemiologists, and statisticians.

Review of applications and nominations will begin immediately. Post-doctoral Fellows apply on-line only at http://jobs.kumc.edu Search for position #M0202267. Faculty applicants send a cover letter (please specify for which position) with summary of research interests and past work, CV, and three letters of references to: Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, MD, MPH, MS, Attn: Le-Thu Erazmus, MSE, Sosland Family Chair and Professor , Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Mail-Stop 1008, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160. KUMC is EO/AA Employer

FACULTY

Georgetown University Medical Center, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center: The Cancer Control Program of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a senior researcher at the Associate Professor level or higher. The individual filling this position will be an experienced tobacco control scientist with interests and expertise in one or more areas of tobacco control (e.g., epidemiology and behavior, prevention and cessation, policy and legislation). Minimum requirements include a doctoral degree in a behavioral or social science discipline with an established track record of attracting extramural funding. The successful candidate will join a highly interdisciplinary department of oncology and a cancer control program with active research in cancer screening, genetic counseling and testing, outcomes, lifespan development/aging, and community outreach. The cancer center's Cancer Control & Population Sciences division is also home to a productive cancer genetics and epidemiology program, with strong tobacco research and biomarker efforts. Georgetown University Medical Center is comprised of the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Health Studies, and a biomedical research enterprise. The medical center is conveniently located in Washington, DC. Salary and recruitment package will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Interested individuals should send a statement of interest, CV, and the names of three references to: Tobacco Control Scientist Search Committee, Cancer Control Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 317, Washington DC 20007-4104. Inquiries may be directed to Kenneth Tercyak, PhD by email at tercyakk@georgetown.edu. For more information, please visit http://lombardi.georgetown.edu. Georgetown University Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.

University of Minnesota School of Medicine: Research Assistant Professor. Minimum 2 years, annually renewable term appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to assume major responsibility for supervising ongoing NIH-funded research projects dealing with the biological mechanisms of stress, nicotine addiction, and risk for cardiovascular diseases. The position will involve research related duties including performing laboratory experiments, conducting data analysis and writing peer-reviewed publications. With time, the successful candidate will be encouraged to develop an independent externally funded research program in a related area. The Department of Behavioral Sciences within the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in Duluth maintains an active program in biobehavioral research with special focus on stress psychobiology, nicotine addiction, pain, and risk for cardiovascular diseases. Applications will be evaluated beginning July 1, 2004 and continuing until the position is filled. Qualifications: Individuals who have completed Ph.D. or equivalent training in biological or clinical psychology and who have experience in human psychophysiological and psychobiological research are welcome to apply. Interested individuals should submit a letter of application stating personal career and research interests, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information of three personal references to: Faculty Search Committee, Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, 1035 University Drive. Duluth, MN 55812-3031 Phone (218) 726-7559; Fax (218) 726-7144 email: bhsc@d.umn.edu. Formal letters of recommendation will be required of all finalists for this position. The candidate/successful applicant must be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota by the start date. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Psychology, seeks to fill two tenure-track, Assistant Professor positions beginning August, 2005. 1. Behavioral Neuroscience: Responsibilities include maintaining an active program of research, including pursuit of external funding; research supervision of students; and teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in psychology. Qualifications include Ph.D. or equivalent in appropriate discipline, record of achievement in scholarship and teaching, and expertise in behavioral neuroscience. 2. Clinical Psychology: Responsibilities include maintaining an active program of research, including pursuit of external funding; research and clinical supervision of students; and teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in psychology. Qualifications include Ph.D. or equivalent in clinical psychology, record of achievement in scholarship and teaching, expertise in substance abuse issues, and license eligibility. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2004 and continue until the positions are filled. Send letter of application, vita, reprints, and three letters of recommendation to: Rick Bevins, Chair, Behavioral Neuroscience Search Committee, or David DiLillo, Chair, Clinical Search Committee, Department of Psychology, 238 Burnett Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0308. Additional information about the department can be found on our website at: www.unl.edu/psypage. The University of Nebraska is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action and equal opportunity and is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. We assure reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: Contact Claudia Price-Decker at (402) 472-3721 for assistance.

University of California, San Francisco: The Department of Psychiatry of the School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is seeking an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the Nicotine Dependence Clinical Research Program. This position requires coordinating a clinical research group focusing on nicotine dependence treatment. Incumbent will be expected to develop his or her own research projects and obtain funding for them within 3-5 years of appointment. Incumbent is expected to teach postdoctoral fellows. The position is available on or after January 1, 2005. The ideal candidate will possess experience in conducting clinical research in nicotine, alcohol or other drugs of abuse. Strong administrative, teaching, and supervisory skills are preferred. Potential for independent funding is important. Must possess a Ph.D.in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program. California license or license eligible is strongly preferred. Send a letter of interest, vita, and names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references to Nora Ke, UCSF Department of Psychiatry, 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0984. Deadline for application is November 15, 2004. UCSF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. The University undertakes affirmative action to assure equal opportunity for under utilized minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for Vietnam-era veterans and special disabled veterans. The Nicotine Dependence Research Program is a part of the San Francisco Treatment Research Center (SFTRC) at the University of California, San Francisco. The SFTRC funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and conducts a variety of studies focused on complex patient populations. Our research includes both psychosocial and pharmacologic trials in both randomized clinical trial and Phase I development forms. We conduct our work at UCSF and its affiliated sites at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center, the San Francisco General Hospital and the Habit Abatement Clinic. The Habit Abatement Clinic is a smoking cessation research clinic that was established in 1980. Throughout that time the clinic has been funded through federal grants to develop and evaluate innovative smoking treatments. Our current work is evaluating the efficacy and cost effectiveness of various treatment models and modes of treatment delivery, including extended smoking treatments and providing treatment via the Internet. Our work also focuses on high risk populations, including older adult smokers, depressed smokers, chronic smokers, HIV-positive smokers, and gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender smokers. We also have an active, ongoing program training post-doctoral fellows in conducting drug abuse research. Funded by NIDA, our program is one of the few that trains scientists in treatment and service research as well as a variety of drugs including research on nicotine and alcohol use and abuse.

RESEARCH/ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS

National Cancer Institute: Associate Director for Behavioral Research. The National Cancer Institute, a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), seeks a senior scientist to serve as Associate Director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS). The individual will lead the Behavioral Research Program (BRP), which includes the Office of the Associate Director and the following five branches: Applied Cancer Screening Research, Basic Biobehavioral Research, Health Communication and Informatics Research, Health Promotion Research, and Tobacco Control Research. The successful applicant will play a central and highly visible leadership role in the NCI's efforts in the social and behavioral sciences and their application to cancer prevention and control. The Associate Director provides scientific and administrative leadership for the entire program, supervises the staff of the Office of the Associate Director and the five branch chiefs, and represents the NCI to a wide variety of professional, academic, and advocacy organizations. In addition, the Associate Director develops and facilitates collaborations with other social and behavioral science research funders, including NIH Institutes and Centers, the National Science Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and many non-governmental organizations. The Behavioral Research Program's grants, contracts, interagency agreements and operating budgets totaled over 140 million dollars in Fiscal Year 2003. This includes over 275 grants and 19 interagency agreements. This challenging and highly visible role requires broad scientific expertise, a passion for public service, a commitment to collaboration, and an ability to develop effective strategies for overcoming barriers to scientific progress and its application. Candidates must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in the social or behavioral sciences, public health, medicine, or a related discipline and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications relevant to health behavior etiology, mechanisms, and/or intervention. Experience in managing complex research projects, scientific staff, training programs, interdisciplinary collaborations, or funding programs is highly valued. The BRP of the DCCPS provides a unique and nationally visible multidisciplinary environment that participates in NCI's many internship, postdoctoral training and visiting scientist programs. The DCCPS also is committed to addressing health disparities through transdisciplinary research and its effective dissemination. This is an excepted service position (Title 42) with a salary range of $147,476 - $175,700. Please submit a letter of interest, including the names of at least three references and a cv to Robert T. Croyle, PhD, Director, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Blvd., Room 6138, Rockville, MD 20852. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. For more information about DCCPS/NCI, see www.cancercontrol.cancer.gov . Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, with no discrimination for non-merit reasons such as race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.