3 post-doctoral positions

Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research at McLean Hospital

Harvard Medical School

Three post-doctoral positions are available in the Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research (CDASR) at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. CDASR is directed by Dr. Diego Pizzagalli and embraces a multi-disciplinary approach to investigating psychological, environmental, and neurobiological factors associated with depression, anxiety, and related disorders across the lifespan (http://cdasr.mclean.harvard.edu/). The positions are available in three separate laboratories and consequently differ in their details (see below). Nonetheless, all three will provide an opportunity to interact regularly with the CDASR faculty and staff as they use a variety of methodologies (MRI, EEG, computational models, behavioral assessments, and clinical interviews) to investigate mechanisms underlying depression and anxiety. Moreover, all three positions will provide opportunities to pursue independent research and interdisciplinary collaborations across Harvard Medical School and the local Boston community. Successful applicants will have access to three research-dedicated human MRI scanners, one animal MRI scanner, and two high-density EEG systems, and will be able to take advantage of the outstanding educational, clinical, and research-related opportunities available at McLean.

The positions are available in the Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience (Director: Diego Pizzagalli, Ph.D.), the Treatment & Etiology of Depression in Youth Laboratory (Director: Christian Webb, Ph.D.), and the Motivated Learning & Memory Laboratory (Director: Dan Dillon, Ph.D.) (one post-doc per lab). Details for each position are as follows:

  • Laboratory for Affective and Translational Neuroscience. The post-doctoral fellow will work with Dr. Pizzagalli and members of his laboratory as they conduct studies focused on reward processing, stress responsivity, and executive functioning. The studies are ongoing and involve a range of samples, including individuals with major depression, mood spectrum disorders, and at-risk individuals (e.g., offspring of parents with MDD). These studies employ a variety of approaches, including high-density EEG, fMRI, PET, MRS, molecular genetics, computational modeling, and assays of hormonal/inflammatory markers. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in functional/structural MRI. Clinical training is not required but would be considered an additional strength. 
  • Treatment & Etiology of Depression in Youth (TEDY) Lab. The post-doctoral fellow will have the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Webb on a new NIH-funded project focused on predicting the onset of depression in adolescents. The study will involve the collection of MRI, behavioral, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and clinical/diagnostic data. A primary goal of the project will be to integrate imaging, behavioral, EMA and clinical data, assessed at baseline, to predict the onset of depression over the 2-year follow-up phase of the study. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in functional/structural MRI techniques, expertise in computer programming (i.e., MATLAB, Python, R) and clinical training.
  • Motivated Learning & Memory Lab. The post-doctoral fellow will work closely with Dr. Dillon on a federally-funded project focused on computational, psychological, and neural systems that support the encoding and retrieval of emotional episodic memories. The studies will involve the collection of behavioral, EEG, and MRI data from adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and healthy controls. A primary goal will be to integrate modeling analysis with imaging and behavioral data to better understand how MDD disrupts (a) evidence accumulation and (b) memory for positive material. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in cognitive neuroscience (ideally in learning and memory), training in EEG and/or MRI, and expertise in computer programming (i.e., Python, R, MATLAB). A clear interest in depression and psychopathology is required, but clinical training is not necessary.

To apply, please send a CV, a cover letter describing your research interests, and the names and email addresses of three references to Dr. Pizzagalli (dap@mclean.harvard.edu), Dr. Webb (cwebb@mlcean.harvard.edu), and/or Dr. Dillon (ddillon@mclean.harvard.edu). Review of applications will begin immediately. The expected start dates will be between June and August 2019, although an earlier start may be possible. 

McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. McLean seeks qualified candidates for all posted employment opportunities without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability or veteran status. McLean particularly welcomes applications from minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. McLean Hospital does conduct pre-employment drug screening, and any offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of the screening.

About McLean 
Since 1811, McLean Hospital has been a world leader in the investigation and treatment of mental illness, and in training generations of scientists and clinicians. 

McLean maintains the largest program of research in neuroscience and psychiatry of any private psychiatric hospital in the United States. Located in Belmont, Massachusetts—about 9 miles west of Boston—McLean is currently ranked the #1 hospital for psychiatry by U.S. News and World Report.

3 Postdocs @ McLean / Harvard medical school