Post-Doctoral Associate

About the Job

This position supports research conducted at the Cognition and Neurodevelopmental Studies (CNS) Lab at the University of Minnesota. The CNS lab is a multiple PI-led research lab focused on brain and behavioral development in neurodevelopmental disabilities with a significant grant funding portfolio across multiple departments (Pediatrics, ICD) housed at the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is dedicated to fostering healthy brain function across the lifespan through early neurobehavioral and mental health assessment, innovative targeted interventions, informed policy- making, compassionate child-advocacy, and community education. The MIDB's mission of basic and clinical research in the field of neurobehavioral development is supported by a M Health Fairview multi-specialty clinic and multiple research service hubs including: Analytics, Informatics, Neuroimaging, Center for Neurobehavioral Development, Translational Neuroscience, Neuromodulation, TeleOutreach, Community Engagement and Education, and Clinic-Research Integration.

Meghan Swanson, PhD and Jed Elison, PhD are co-Directors of the CNS Lab, and Casey Burrows, PhD is the Lab Director of Clinical Training. We are seeking postdocs to join our expanding research team of cognitive neuroscientists, developmental psychologists, and clinical psychologists. Responsibilities include generation of scientific products, developmental imaging acquisition, mentorship, and laboratory responsibilities.

This is a full-time position, prefers a minimum 2-year commitment, and will continue upon availability of funds and performance. Work will primarily be conducted in person. Some tasks may be completed remotely when applicable. This position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth and training in a collaborative research environment. This postdoc position will work with a team including faculty researchers, psychologists, neuroscientists, psychometrists, child-family life specialists, BCBA interventionists, behavior technicians, data analytics staff, and other trainees.

We anticipate hiring up to 3 postdocs or senior postdocs. One position will be focused on candidates with expertise in child language development, one position will focus on candidates with expertise in processing and analyzing structural and/or diffusion MRI data, and one position will be focused on candidates with especially strong data science skills.

Job Responsibilities:

Generation of Scientific Products (70%)

• Process and analyze data
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific

conferences

• Gain experience writing and submitting grants
• Conduct research using existing large-scale neuroimaging and clinical assessment datasets with child participant populations with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including autism, rare

genetic disorders, ADHD, and other behavioral and mental health needs, as well as typically developing children

Developmental Imaging Acquisition (20%)

• Complete Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR) safety training to be able to support participants through MRI scans and/or independently operate 3T and 7T scanner

consoles

• Learn the CNS Lab developmental neuroimaging standard operating procedures o Follow and assist with development of research protocols to ensure adherence to and compliance with all approved ethics and procedures relating to participant privacy/confidentiality and data integrity, including completing Human Subjects ethics and clinical trainings
• Attend MRI scanning sessions and assist PI and other staff with the collection of MRI data
• Plan to dedicate a up to 2 nights a week to night scanning (typically between 7-11pm) and occasional weekend hours to accommodate schedules of participant families

Mentorship and Laboratory Responsibilities (10%)

• Undergraduate mentorship (data entry, coding projects, image processing)
• Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, including the PIs, Co-Is, graduate students, staff, and other postdoctoral fellows
• Attend and/or lead lab and project meetings
• Advise and consult on complex problems, to support the broader lab and research project teams as needed
• Participate in the broader intellectual environment to augment professional development

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

PhD in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, or a related field

Ability to collaborate effectively with people from a variety of communities, backgrounds, and identities,

commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as accepting and embracing neurodiversity

Skillful with computer software and statistical analysis on PC or Mac

Must pass all criminal background checks as required by the State of Minnesota

Preferred

Demonstrable strong verbal and written communication as well as organizational skills

Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team

Strong experience in neuroimaging data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation

Experience working with young children with autism and related conditions with high support needs

(i.e., having intellectual disability and/or being non-speaking)

Experience with university regulations, policies, and best practices involved in clinical research projects

with child participants

Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate family

schedules

Fluency in multiple languages

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $63,340 - $77,076; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online; please upload a cover letter and CV. Your application will not be considered until all components are complete. Review of applications is ongoing, and the position(s) will remain open until the posting is removed. These positions will report directly to Dr. Meghan Swanson or Dr. Jed Elison.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

The University of Minnesota Medical School

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.