Research Associate-Fixed Term

Job no: 561717
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Social Science
Department: Psychology Social Science 10038698
Salary: 47484.00
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Full Time (90-100%), Fixed Term Academic Staff, Research/Scientific
Position Summary

The Hormones and Behavior Lab in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University (MSU: http://psychology.msu.edu/) is recruiting a research associate interested in understanding hormonal and genetic risk factors for eating disorders and comorbid conditions using multi-method approaches (behavioral genetics, hormone assessments, clinical interviews, and laboratory tasks). The research associate will lead and support research efforts on a NIMH-funded study (Co-PIs: Drs. Kelly Klump and Kristen Culbert) examining phenotypic and genetic influences of hormones on dysregulated eating in a large sample of child and adolescent twins from the Michigan State University Twin Registry (MSUTR: https://msutwinstudies.com/). In addition to this primary project, the MSUTR has ample data from other NIH-funded projects that have explored genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors on a range of health and psychopathological outcomes. The research associate will be encouraged to initiate independent research projects, contribute to manuscripts from the primary project, conduct secondary analyses on existing data, and prepare applications to federal and other funding agencies for research support.

We are seeking candidates with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, behavior genetics, or a related discipline. Successful applicants will have substantive interests and experience in studies examining genetic, environmental, and/or neurobiological influences on eating disorders or other forms of psychopathology (e.g., depression, anxiety). Strong data analytic skills are desirable, and prior training in behavioral genetics or a strong interest in learning behavioral genetics methodology is preferred. Experience with conducting semi-structured clinical interviews is also desired, but not required. The research associate will join a collaborative and multidisciplinary research team (clinical psychologists, neuroscientists, statisticians) and will have the opportunity to work in a high-quality and productive research environment. Due to the multi-PI nature of this research, the trainee will be supervised by Dr. Kelly Klump (Department of Psychology, Michigan State University; Clinical Psychology) and Dr. Kristen Culbert (Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Clinical Psychology). Weekly, cross-site meetings will occur via video teleconferencing.

Typical duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Disseminating research from the lab through publications and conference presentations
• Assisting with project design/assessments, data analysis and interpretation, and manuscript and grant development
• Collaborating with staff and student research assistants, as needed

Desired start date is July or August, 2019.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Clinical psychology, behavior genetics,

Minimum Requirements

Candidates with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, behavior genetics, or a related discipline. Applicants must have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree or must be able to demonstrate that they have made sufficient progress towards degree completion. Conferred degree required prior to starting the position.

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include substantive research interests in examining developmental differences in genetic, environmental, and neurobiological influences on eating disorders and/or other forms of psychopathology (e.g., internalizing or externalizing symptoms). Strong data analytic skills are desirable, and prior training in behavior genetics or a strong interest in learning behavioral genetic methodology is preferred. Experience with conducting semi-structured clinical interviews is also desirable but not required.

Required Application Materials

• A letter of intent explaining past experiences in the field, research/academic interests, and primary reasons for an interest in the position
• C.V.
• The names and contact information for three references.
• Reprints of 2-3 scientific publications
  
  

Special Instructions

Any questions regarding the position should be directed to the principal investigators:

Michigan State University (MSU):
Dr. Kelly L. Klump
klump@msu.edu

(517) 432-3665

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV):
Dr. Kristen M. Culbert
kristen.culbert@unlv.edu

(702) 895-0569

Review of Applications Begins On

03/01/2019

Website

www.psychology.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Feb 25, 2019 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 25, 2021 Eastern Standard Time