Post-Doctoral Research Associate

at  University of Texas at Dallas

Job Summary
Dr. Katherine SF Damme is hiring a full-time Post-Doctoral Research Associate for her new lab in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) at the University of Texas at Dallas. The lab’s research focuses on leveraging neurodevelopment in childhood and adolescence to understand the risks of mental illness and how to promote healthy transitions to adulthood. Currently, we are running several projects with typically developing and clinical risk populations (e.g., psychosis, depression) focusing on hormones, neurodevelopment, biomarkers, and scale development. We use a wide variety of behavioral, modeling, and neuroimaging techniques. Join our team and be involved with writing up data from all of these great and innovative multimodal studies.
The Post-Doc will provide technical, analytic, and administrative assistance supporting various research projects and will be responsible for the evaluation and interpretation of research data, for planning and executing the details of analyses according to research proposals.
This position will provide experiences in publishing, grant writing, graduate/undergraduate mentorship, and more which will prepare a fellow for an Assistant Professor position.
The anticipated start date for this position is January 2025. This is an ideal position for someone interested in building more skills before applying for an assistant professor position in the next few years. You will get in-depth experience in multidisciplinary research and intensive neuroimaging training, build data skills, publish papers, attend conferences, and make connections with a number of different psychopathology and neuroscience research groups.
The salary for Post-Doctoral Research Associates in BBS is determined by years of experience per the current NIH (NRSA) stipend levels. Salary will be dependent on experience and qualifications. This job is funded a minimum commitment of 1 year with the possibility of renewal. Continued employment is contingent on availability of funds.
Minimum Education and Experience
Ph.D in a related field.

Preferred Education and Experience

• PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuroscience, or related field
• Prior experience with experimental design, programming of behavioral tasks, neuroanatomy, neuroimaging (MRI), human subject data collection, and/or data analysis
• Prior experience with clinical populations, adolescence/childhood development, and/or risk models
• Competitive applicants will have previous experience working or volunteering in a human research setting
• Previous experience with clinical populations, neuroimaging or neuromodulation, or computer programming is a plus
• Technical skills (e.g., Python, R, Unix) are also highly desired but not required
• Prior experience managing teams of people and/or an interest in psychological and neurobiological changes across adulthood is also a plus
• Neuroimaging (fMRI, MRI, or EEG) experience
• Experience in longitudinal modeling

Applicants are not expected to have all the preferred skills to be competitive for the position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

ABOUT US

UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world.
The University has a variety of programs and initiatives to support engagement and success for all members of the campus community. Employee benefits include a range of physical and mental wellness resources. “LilyPad” lactation facilities are located throughout the campus. There are several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) comprised of individuals who share common interests to help build community among UT Dallas faculty and staff (e.g., Universal Access ERG, Military and Veteran ERG, UT Dallas Young Professionals).
Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities.
Special Instructions Summary
For full consideration, please submit:
(1) a CV or resume, including contact information for 2-3 references, and
(2) a cover letter detailing research experience, interests, technical expertise, and career goals
Questions about the position may be directed to Dr. Katherine SF Damme (Katherine.Damme@utdallas.edu).
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.
2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. EOE, including disability/veterans. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Work independently and collaboratively within the research team
• Excellent organizational skills, and proficiency in written and oral communication, along with strong interpersonal abilities
• Motivated to learn quickly
• Consistent and reliable
• Time management skills, problem-solving, and the ability to perform multiple tasks daily and plan ahead to accommodate long-term experiments involving live animals
• An interest in the research questions being investigated and in contributing to experimental design
• Detail-oriented and enjoy working as part of a tea

• Management of large longitudinal datasets
• Assisting with the implementation and analyses of cognitive, behavioral and fMRI experiments
• Coordinating research projects (recruiting, scheduling, running participants)
• Coordinating and training research assistants
• Preprocessing and analysis of functional and structural neuroimaging data
• Managing practical/administrative task (e.g., IRB)
• Assist PI with lab management, including ordering supplies and keeping an up-to-date inventory
• Maintaining protocols and compliance paperwork for the lab
• Participating actively in lab meetings and departmental events
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Work independently and collaboratively within the research team
• Excellent organizational skills, and proficiency in written and oral communication, along with strong interpersonal abilities
• Motivated to learn quickly
• Consistent and reliable
• Time management skills, problem-solving, and the ability to perform multiple tasks daily and plan ahead to accommodate long-term experiments involving live animals
• An interest in the research questions being investigated and in contributing to experimental design
• Detail-oriented and enjoy working as part of a team

Physical Demands and Working Conditions Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information