SRNT Newsletter November/December 2006, Volume 12, Number 4

NOV/DEC 2006
Volume 12 - No. 4

8th Annual European Meeting

13th SRNT Meeting

President's Column

From the Editor

Movie Review

Featured Program

Q & A with Ron Davis

Grant Funding Update

Book Review

SRNT News and Updates

In the Spotlight

Member Publications

Position Openings

Meeting Calendar

Society Information

 

SRNT Newsletter

November/December 2006, Volume 12, Number 4

Position Openings

POST-DOCTORAL

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

The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: Post-doctoral fellowships in disparities & addiction research. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Health Disparities Research, is accepting applications for Post-doctoral fellowships in Disparities and Addiction Research (2-3 year appointments). Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in several NIH-funded smoking and alcohol intervention and mechanism studies. Treatment approaches include using motivational enhancement therapies, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavioral approaches. Assessment approaches include ecological momentary assessments and implicit cognition. Special populations of interest include Latinos, African Americans, low socioeconomic status individuals, pregnant/postpartum women, and women in general. The program is designed to prepare Fellows for independent academic research careers. Fellows will participate in the grant writing and publication process, and will share in authorship and investigator status in a manner commensurate with their effort and responsibilities. Fellows will serve on project teams, implement research protocols, and oversee quality control and data management procedures. For interested candidates, there are opportunities to develop quantitative and statistical expertise. Fellows may also develop collaborative "add-on projects" that can be used to further their own research interests. Salary is very competitive with excellent fringe benefits. Qualifications include a doctoral degree or A.B.D. in psychology, public health, or other relevant social science. Experience with diverse populations, addiction, health disparities, or quantitative methods is preferred, but not required. For psychologists seeking licensure, opportunities exist for obtaining postdoctoral hours and supervision. The Department of Health Disparities Research provides unusually rich opportunities for behavioral research. An exceptional infrastructure and multidisciplinary opportunities in clinical and community settings are readily available. The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is located within the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world. Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, with dynamic cultural and recreational resources and an affordable cost of living. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the positions are filled. Application procedures: Email cover letter, curriculum vita, and the names and contact information for at least three professional/academic references to David W. Wetter, Ph.D., UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dept. of Health Disparities Research at dwetter@mdanderson.org. The University of Texas 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.

University of Toronto & The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Post-doctoral position in neurobiology of nicotine dependence. We are seeking applicants for a post-doctoral position in the Translational Addiction Research Laboratory of Dr. Bernard Le Foll at the University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The research area is related to dopamine pharmacology with a large range of approaches ranging from preclinical models to brain imaging. A candidate with a pharmacological background will be given priority. Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or M.D.), have research experience, and strong writing skills. Interested candidates should send a CV, copies of relevant publications, a letter of interest and the names of three references to Bernard Le Foll, Head, Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada M5S 2S1, voice: (416) 535-8501, ext. 4772, fax: (416) 595-6922, email: bernard_lefoll@camh.net.

FACULTY

Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Tenure Track Faculty Position in Psychiatry/Neuroscience. The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Dominick Purpura Department of Neuroscience at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine seek an outstanding scientist whose research focuses on the mechanisms underlying addictive behaviors. The rank is open and will have a joint appointment in both Departments. The successful candidate is expected to establish an externally funded research program and participate in the teaching of M.D. and Ph.D. students. Applicants should send (1) a cover letter; (2) curriculum vitae; (3) statement of research interests/experience; (4) recent, relevant publications; and ( 5) names and e-mail addresses of three references to: Dr. Noboru Hiroi, Search Committee Chair, c/o Ms. Ronette Warbington, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Belfer 403, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461. AECOM is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University at Buffalo, The State University of New York: Open rank positions in clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and cognitive psychology/neuroscience. (1) The Department of Psychology at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, invites applications for an open rank position in CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (pending final budgetary approval). Foci of research in the Department's Clinical Area include the psychopathology and treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders, child externalizing disorders, and addictive disorders. Area faculty maintain on-going research collaborations with the Research Institute on the Addictions, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the Graduate School of Education, and various departments within the College of Arts and Sciences. Applicants are expected to have an active, visible clinical research program (area open), an outstanding record of theoretical and empirical publications, and external grant support (for senior applicants). Individuals capable of developing collaborative relationships with faculty in the Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive, and Social Areas within the Department and with affiliated centers, departments, and institutions are desired. In addition, the successful candidate is expected to participate in the training of clinical scientists in our APA-accredited doctoral program and to contribute to undergraduate instruction. Send a letter of application, vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and three letters of recommendation to the Clinical Search Committee, Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, 14260-4110. (2) The Department is also inviting applications for an open-rank position, beginning at the advanced Assistant Professor level, in BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE (pending final budgetary approval). Candidate's research should focus on emotion (including stress or aggression), motivation (some aspect of ingestion or reproduction), or learning and memory. An emphasis on development or aging is desirable. Applicants are expected to have an active, visible research program, to publish theoretical and empirical research in top-tier journals, and to contribute to both graduate and undergraduate supervision and instruction. A history of obtaining external grant support is strongly desired in senior candidates; junior candidates are expected to have a strong potential for funding. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in psychology with some postdoctoral experience. Send a letter of application, vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and three letters of recommendation to the Behavioral Neuroscience Search Committee, Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, 14260-4110. (3) The Department is also seeking applicants for an open rank position in COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY or COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE. Area of research is open, but candidates with research strengths in language processing, perception, categorization, cognitive development, or aging are desirable. Applicants are expected to have an active, visible research program, to publish theoretical and empirical research in top-tier journals, and to contribute to both graduate and undergraduate supervision and instruction. A history of obtaining external grant support is strongly desired in senior candidates; junior candidates are expected to have a strong potential for funding. Send a letter of application, vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and three letters of recommendation to the Cognitive Search Committee, Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, 14260-4110. Initial review of applications for all three positions will begin on October 1, 2006 and will continue until the positions are filled. A detailed description of the Department can be found at http://wings.buffalo.edu/psychology . The University at Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Recruiter. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

University of Kentucky, College of Medicine: Tenure track faculty position in the Department of Behavioral Science. The Department of Behavioral Science, located within the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky, is seeking applicants for a newly established Assistant/Associate Professor, full-time, tenure-track position; salary will be commensurate with the rank. The successful candidate must have completed an advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D.) and established a program of extramurally-funded research focused on substance abuse and clinical research. We are interested in a person who has an interest in bio-behavioral research and a track record of working with multiple disciplines. The Department of Behavioral Science is a multidisciplinary, basic science department within the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky with a strong tradition of collaboration among clinical departments and other substance abuse programs on campus, including Psychiatry, Psychology and the Centers for Prevention Research, Drug Abuse Research Translation and Drug and Alcohol Research. The University is located in Central Kentucky's beautiful Bluegrass region, an area known for its quality of life. Lexington is a growing community of approximately 330,000 with excellent schools, diverse business and industry, excellent recreational opportunities, and a variety of cultural events. Information about the Department of Behavioral Science is available at http://www.mc.uky.edu/behavioralscience . Additional information can be obtained by e-mail from Craig Rush, Ph.D. at crush2@pop.uky.edu. Interested applicants should submit a current curriculum vitae, a letter of application outlining their research and interest in the position, and three letters of recommendation to: Craig Rush, Ph.D., Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536-0086. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. All applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and undergo a pre-employment national background check as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. The University of Kentucky is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

University of Minnesota, Department of Medicine: Three faculty position openings. The Department of Medicine and the Program in Health Disparities Research at the University of Minnesota invite applications for up to three full-time tenured, tenure track, and non-tenure track faculty positions at Assistant, Associate, and full Professor level to focus on Health Disparities Research. Qualifications include a doctoral degree in behavioral medicine, clinical psychology, social psychology, counseling psychology, health education, epidemiology, sociology, anthropology, or a related discipline. Candidates with M.D. degrees should have had fellowship training and/or a Master's degree or higher in clinical research or related area. Responsibilities include developing an independent program of research in nicotine dependence/smoking cessation, obesity/weight loss, cardiovascular disease, cancer prevention and control, and disparities in healthcare. Faculty will join a multidisciplinary team of extramurally funded, nationally recognized researchers within the departments of Medicine, Family Medicine and Community Health, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the School of Public Health. The Medical School's Program on Health Disparities Research is housed in the Center for Clinical Research which led by Jasjit S. Ahluwalia, M.D., M.P.H., M.S. For a complete position description and information on how to apply, visit http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html and reference requisition # 143644. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

Virginia Commonwealth University: Chair, Division of Addiction Psychiatry. The Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine, in conjunction with the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, invites applicants for a tenured or tenure-eligible faculty position to serve as Chair of the Division of Addiction Psychiatry. This search is focused on candidates with research interests related to substance abuse problems. Rank (Associate or Full Professor) is open, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant. If the person selected for this position is a senior leader in the field, there may be opportunities to identify significant other resources, including additional faculty and/or post-doctoral positions that could be included in a recruitment package. This is a 12-month, full time faculty position. This faculty person will be expected to contribute to the teaching, research, and service missions of the Department of Psychiatry and possibly other educational and research programs within the university. The ideal candidate should have substantial research experience in basic, treatment, and/or services research focused on problems of substance abuse. Candidates are not required to be qualified as treatment providers, although such candidates would be preferred as applicants. Many opportunities exist for clinicians to participate in service delivery in both university- and community-based programs. Opportunities also exist for this faculty person to interact with the multi-disciplinary group of over 45 faculty in the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, who conduct research in such areas as neuroscience, pharmacology, medications development, prevention, treatment, women's health and psychiatric genetics. More information on the Department of Psychiatry (http://www.vcu.edu/psych/ ) and the Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (http://www.vcu.edu/idas/ ) are available via the internet. VCU is also home to the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics (http://www.vipbg.vcu.edu/ ) which would serve as a rich resource for candidates with interests in these areas. Position Qualifications: The successful applicant will be expected to have a M.D., Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral-level training with appropriate research and leadership experience. Applicants must demonstrate their capability to function as an independent investigator capable of directing a research program and building research capacity of the Division. The successful applicant must also have excellent skills to conceive, write, implement and report data from research projects and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment performing collaborative research with other investigators. As Chair of the Division Psychiatry, the successful applicant must be able to facilitate the educational and clinical missions of the Division as well. These include a funded ACGME accredited Fellowship Program. Teaching includes medical and other health professional students, residents and graduate students. It is anticipated that an applicant selected to the rank of Associate Professor or higher will bring a portion of salary support from extramural funding. Environment: VCU is a large urban university with robust health science campus and 750-bed university hospital. Richmond, the State Capital, has moderate climate, a rich history, cultural activities, excellent choices for urban, suburban, or country living, outstanding public/private schools. Costs of the living in the Richmond area are often lower than those in the vicinity of other medical schools. Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a CV and a letter outlining their qualifications for the position. Names and contact information for at least three potential references should be included. Applications should be sent to: Joel J. Silverman, M.D., Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 980710, Richmond, VA 23298-0710 (jsilverm@vcu.edu). Electronic submissions are encouraged. The position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will commence in September, 2006. Virginia Commonwealth University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

RESEARCH/ADMINISTRATION

The Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco, Minneapolis, MN: Research Program Manager. The Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco seeks a Research Program Manager with expertise in community-based research and evaluation. This position collaborates in managing all aspects of a competitive grant-making program, oversees internally directed research projects, and coordinates evaluation of MPAAT programs. Experience in working with diverse communities, participatory research and evaluation methods, and program evaluation is required. Experience in tobacco control research is desirable. Master's degree in public health, social science or related field required. MPAAT offers a unique environment for public health professionals who are committed to the translation and application of science into effective tobacco control policy and practice. Located in Minneapolis, MN, MPAAT serves Minnesota through its grant-making program, individual QUITPLAN® Services to help people quit smoking, and statewide outreach activities. MPAAT offers a challenging team-oriented work environment and an opportunity to contribute to reducing the harm tobacco causes Minnesotans. To learn more about MPAAT (now ClearWay MinnesotaSM) visit http://www.clearwaymn.org/ . Respond with cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to: Pamela Johnson, Cincinnatus Inc., Riverplace Suite 210, 43 Main St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55441, or email pjohnson@cincinnatus.com . Deadline: Position Open Until Filled

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Princeton, NJ: Research Associate - Writer/Analyst — Research and Evaluation. (This position is a term appointment that expires January 2009). The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a national philanthropy that focuses on improving health and health care of all Americans, is currently seeking a Research Associate - Writer/Analyst who will report to and work with the RWJF Distinguished Fellow in Research and Evaluation (R&E). The designation of RWJF Distinguished Fellow is one of the highest honors and responsibilities bestowed by RWJF. During their three-year appointment, RWJF relies on its Distinguished Fellows to serve as leaders, influencing our program direction, strategies, and dissemination of findings. We also look to the Fellows to represent RWJF and their respective fields within the scholarly community. The Research Associate - Writer/Analyst responsibilities include: (1) Synthesize and produce clearly written products that integrate findings from RWJF funded projects and highlight lessons learned for internal and external audiences; (2) Identify and implement innovative strategies for promoting lasting impact of RWJF investments in tobacco control, childhood obesity prevention and other selected areas; (3) Assist with management of current programs and with planning for future initiatives in tobacco and childhood obesity; (4) Help infuse "lessons learned" from RWJF's investments in tobacco control into new work in childhood obesity prevention; (5) Participate in staff presentations and in presentations at policy, research, and professional conferences; (6) Analyze existing datasets and survey data to create summary documents for academic publications; (7) Conduct literature reviews, develop and implement plans for disseminating the results of research, assist in preparing and co-author articles, reports, and presentations for internal and external use. Qualifications include: (1) A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a Master's degree in public health, health journalism, or a related health, behavioral, or social science field; (2) Experience in one or more of the following areas: tobacco control, obesity prevention, health behavior change, health care policy/systems, public health policy, research-to-practice translation, research synthesis/meta-analysis, health communications; (3) Strong analytical ability and experience in producing clearly written materials for multiple audiences; (4) Understanding of and experience with research synthesis/review; (5) Strong organizational, project management and presentation skills (e.g., PowerPoint); (6) Excellent interpersonal skills and ability interact effectively in multi-disciplinary teams and settings; (7) Ability to work on a self-directed basis and as part of a team. Located in Princeton, NJ, we offer a competitive salary plus an excellent benefits package. To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and salary expectations to: The Human Resources Center, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, PO Box 2316, Princeton, NJ 08543-2316. Fax: (609) 514-5455. E-mail: ResumeRE@rwjf.org. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.rwjf.org. RWJF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.