NOV/DEC 2007
Volume 13 - No. 4

SRNT Newsletter

November/December 2007, Volume 13, Number 4

Position Openings

POST-DOCTORAL

Catalan Institute of Oncology, Barcelona, Spain: Postdoctoral Position in Epidemiology of Smoking. The Smoking Research Unit of the Cancer Prevention and Control Department at the Catalan Institute of Oncology (Barcelona, Spain) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to achieve independence in research within one or two years. The purpose of the Unit is to improve the knowledge towards understanding the determinants of the smoking epidemics to control and prevent it at the population level. We endeavor to understand social and economical determinants of smoking initiation and cessation, and its impact in the morbidity and mortality of smoking-related diseases, as well as to design and evaluate interventions focused on smoking prevention. The initial position responsibilities include management, analysis and preparation of manuscripts for publication from on-going research projects. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to initiate new projects and obtain funding to continue his/her independent research within the Smoking Research Unit. The position is available for 3 years and is supported by funds from the European Commission (Public Health Directorate) and the Research Network for Research on Cancer (Spanish Ministry of Health). Evaluation for permanent appointment (Associate Researcher) after the 3 year period will be based on publications and grant success. Applicants should have a doctorate (PhD) in epidemiology or a related health discipline such as medicine, social or behavioural sciences, statistics or human biology. Candidates should demonstrate experience in the application of epidemiological methods in community oriented tobacco control research as well as a commitment to multi-disciplinary, collaborative work. Preference will be given to candidates with a record of peer-reviewed publications and potential to successfully obtain extramural grants. Full salary range: € 30.000 - € 35.000 Deadline for applications is 30th September 2007 and the successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible after 15th October 2007.
Interested applicants should e-mail a statement of interest, curriculum vitae and the names of two references to Esteve Fernández, MD, PhD; Catalan Institute of Oncology; Av. Gran Via s/n Km. 2,7; 08907 L’Hospitalet (Barcelona), Spain. E-mail: efernandez@ico.scs.es. Additional information about the Institute and Research Unit can be found at www.iconcologia.net, www.xtpt.net/gpcc.htm, and www.xtpt.net/efm.htm.

Indiana University Cancer Center: Pre and Post-doctoral Research Fellowhips in Behavioral Oncology. The Training in Research for Behavioral Oncology and Cancer Control (TRBOCC) Program is funded through an R25 grant from the National Cancer Institute. This multidisciplinary training program provides the didactic and research experiences necessary to enable trainees to establish collaborative post-graduate careers in behavioral oncology/cancer control research. Coursework is offered in cancer basics, behavioral oncology theory, and numerous electives. Concentrated research time under the interdisciplinary mentorship of several senior scientists is provided. In addition to salary support or a stipend, benefits include health insurance, tuition and fees, and pilot research funding. Contact Kurt Kroenke, MD at kkroenke@regenstrief.org. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

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 California, San Francisco, Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education (CTCRE): Fellowships in Tobacco Control Research. UCSF invites applications for fellowships in policy-relevant, tobacco-control research. Applications are due January 31, 2008, for fellowships beginning July 1, 2008. Fellowships are funded for one or two years and may be extended. The CTCRE represents a partnership between UCSF faculty and the Tobacco Control Archives (TCA) housed in the Kalmanovitz Library. The CTCRE offers two research programs. Postdoctoral trainees will receive an annual salary commensurate with their experience, approximately $37,000-$51,000, according to the NIH stipend scale. These positions are supported by an R25T NIH training grant and applicants should be eligible for funding from the National Institutes of Health. Postgraduate trainees will receive and annual salary commensurate with their experience and subject to funding availability. Sources of funding may include support from the scholar’s home institution, faculty-mentor funding, or an R25T NIH training grant. Trainees will be recruited from a variety of fields including basic science, social science, public health, clinical science, political science, history, economics, law and marketing. They will study and conduct research in association with UCSF faculty mentors. Applicants may learn more about the fellowship program and current faculty research at the CTCRE website: http://tobacco.ucsf.edu. To request an application form please contact the Program Asst., UCSF CTCRE, 530 Parnassus Ave., #366, San Francisco, CA 94143-1390, (415) 476-0140, Fax. (415) 514-9345, or Email: nathan.sinclair@ucsf.edu .

Rutgers University: Post-Doctoral Fellowships In Clinical and Applied Alcohol Research – Rutgers University has support for three new NIAAA-supported positions to train fellows for careers in clinical and applied research. Support for up to 2 years includes a stipend beginning at $36,996 depending on years since Ph.D., $1500 for conference travel, and research-related expenses. Fellows will participate actively in ongoing research, complete pilot projects, have opportunities for publications and presentations, and prepare independent research grants. Fellows may conduct research assessments and therapies to learn specific clinical research skills, and will be working in a university environment with graduate and undergraduate students. Fellows may work with any of several faculty: Drs. Marsha Bates, Brenna Bry, Elizabeth Epstein, James Langenbucher, Danielle McCarthy, Thomas Morgan, Helene White, Valerie Johnson, Robert Pandina, Marc Steinberg, and Jill Williams. In the clinical area, research includes alcohol subtyping, impact of comorbid depression and other psychiatric disorders on severity and treatment of substance abuse, clinical trials of CBT models for alcohol dependent women, marital therapy for substance abusers,, mechanisms of change in CBT for alcohol use, nosology of substance use disorders, retention and engagement in substance abuse interventions, and disseminations of empirically supported treatment to “real world” settings (Epstein, Langenbucher, and Morgan).In addition, research is being conducted in neurocognitive models of addictions treatment outcome, alcohol challenge effects on implicit and explicit memory, longitudinal research on the etiology, consequences, and comorbidity of substance use, crime and mental health problems in community (Pandina, Bates, and White). Prevention research includes the evaluation of prevention and intervention programs, the efficacy of peer led and adult mentoring prevention programming within high schools, and prevention and early intervention of adolescent problems (Bry and Johnson). Research opportunities are also available to study substance use including nicotine addiction (Danielle McCarthy, Jill Williams, Marc Steinberg). Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Start date negotiable. Interested applicants should send cover letter, vita and three letters of recommendation to: Elizabeth E. Epstein, PhD, Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University, 607 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8001. Or, email bepstein@rci.rutgers.edu. Rutgers is an equal opportunity employer.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY: Post-Doctoral Research Opportunity in Biobehavioal Medicine Program: 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 Public Health, Biology, Medicine, Psychology, or a related discipline, have demonstrated research abilities, and 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 Fall 2007- Spring 2008 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 in biobehavioral 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 $54,000 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).

FACULTY

Pennsylvania State University, Department of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health and Human Development: Professor of Biobehavioral Health. The Department of Biobehavioral Health (http://bbh.hhdev.psu.edu), College of Health and Human Development, at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking applicants for a position at the rank of Full Professor. An ongoing research program that demonstrates an integration of biological, biomedical, behavioral, and/or social processes in humans is essential. The applicant’s research should be translational and integrative, and focus on mechanisms and processes through which biology and behavior interact to influence health. The focus of the research might include behavioral endocrinology, behavioral immunology, cardiovascular markers of risk status, or other biological systems. Applicants must have an established record of scholarly research and show evidence of a productive history of externally-funded research. The position entails teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level. An earned doctorate, or a medical degree, and evidence of superior scholarly accomplishments are required. Penn State offers rich opportunities for collaboration with a diverse group of well established interdisciplinary scientists. The position will remain open until a suitable applicant is identified. Inquiries or nominations can be made to the Chair of the Search Committee, Elizabeth J. Susman, at esusman@psu.edu. All applications will be held in confidence until finalists are invited to the University Park campus. References will not be contacted without the consent of the candidate. Review of applications will begin November 1, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should send curriculum vitae and supporting information (e.g., reprints, preprints, names of references) to: Elizabeth J. Susman, Search Committee Chair, Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 315 East Health & Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

The State University at Buffalo, New York: The School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) is seeking applications for a senior administrative position of Associate Dean for Research with a faculty appointment in one of the Departments of SPHHP. The Associate Dean for Research will assume a joint administrative/faculty position. Major responsibilities include the following: 1) develop and implement strategic plans for expanding the quality and quantity of sponsored research; 2) provide creative leadership and guidance to promote, facilitate and sustain a culture of research productivity and excellence within the SPHHP; 3) work with the other Associate Deans, department Chairs and faculty to build a supportive environment that facilitates faculty and student research activities; 4) provide supervisory leadership for the professional staff that refines research agendas, develops proposals and identifies promising sources of funding; 5) report on and publicize the School’s research activities; 6) conduct one’s own funded program of research and scholarship, and 7) serve as an academician in one of the School’s departments. Qualifications include: (1) an earned doctorate with a strong background in the health sciences or health professions, (2) academic credentials commensurate with a faculty appointment as Associate Professor or Professor (preferred) in an appropriate academic department within the School, (3) demonstrated excellence as a researcher with a strong track record of extramurally sponsored scholarship, (4) administrative expertise and experience in mentoring faculty preferred and (5) excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work with diverse disciplines or groups. Applicants must apply on-line at https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/. Applications should include the following: 1) a letter describing the candidate’s relevant experience and vision for the position; 2) a curriculum vitae/résumé; 3) the names of three individuals willing to provide letters of reference. Please direct questions to Gary A. Giovino, Ph.D., at ggiovino@buffalo.edu The University at Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Recruiter.

The State University at Buffalo, New York: The Department of Health Behavior in The School of Public Health and Health Professions is seeking two tenure-track professors (at any rank, assistant to full). There is a special interest in recruiting faculty in (1) health disparities or (2) interventions related to physical activity/nutrition, but those in other areas of health behavior/education/psychology will be considered. Attention to specific age groups from childhood to older adults, or to gender or other diversity issues is welcome. Qualifications include: (1) an earned doctorate degree in a relevant field; (2) a strong record of or potential for extramurally funded research projects; and (3) a strong publication record for rank. Opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaboration both within the School of Public Health and Health Professions and the University (e.g., the Research Institute on Addictions) and with other outstanding research centers in the region (e.g., the Roswell Park Cancer Institute or the Veterans Administration Hospital). Candidates must apply on-line at www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51046. Please direct questions to Gary A. Giovino, Ph.D., Chair, Health Behavior Search Committee, at ggiovino@buffalo.edu. The State University of New York at Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer/Recruiter.

RESEARCH/ADMINISTRATION

Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation (CPHRE), Baltimore, Maryland: CPHRE is now accepting applications for an Associate Director of Health Research. The current research conducted at Battelle CPHRE includes substance abuse research, evaluation of tobacco control activities, and laboratory assessment of clinical exposure to tobacco components. This position requires a doctoral degree (PhD) in Epidemiology, Bio-Statistics or any other relevant discipline and at least 10 years related research experience are minimal and essential requirements. The successful candidate will be a nationally recognized expert in the area of specialization as evidenced by numerous peer-reviewed publications, participation in national meetings, membership and leadership responsibilities in professional organizations. Demonstrable success in obtaining funding from government, foundation and private sources through grants, contracts or sole-source funding is essential. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For details on the application process and application materials, please visit our website and search on requisition number 14254 at www.battelle.org/careers.

Health Scientist Administrator/Medical Officer (2 positions) - NIDA: Do you want to have a national and international impact on drug abuse treatment? Do you want to work in an environment in which you interact with the leaders in the treatment field, and in which you help to develop the next generation of treatment research leaders? Come join the Behavioral and Integrative Treatment Branch (BITB), Division of Clinical Neuroscience and Behavioral Research (DCNBR), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a major research component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). DCNBR supports broad research, research training, and career development programs directed toward: (1) development, refinement, and testing of behavioral/psychosocial treatments and complementary/alternative interventions for drug abuse, alone and in combination with medications for drug addictions; (2) development, refinement, and testing of interventions to promote adherence to treatment; (3) development, refinement, and testing of HIV prevention interventions for use in drug abuse treatment populations; (4) development and validation of screening and diagnostic methods and instruments; and (5) translational behavioral treatment intervention research including the development of behavioral treatment interventions drawing on findings from basic research as well as development of behavioral treatment interventions to make them more amenable The salary range is $66,767 to $121,967 per year. Apply online from the USA JOBS website: www.usajobs.opm.gov. The announcement numbers are: NIDA-07-217783-DE (HSA) and NIDA-07-211081-DH (Medical Officer).