Postdoctoral Fellow

Advertising Summary

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at Virginia Commonwealth University invites driven doctoral-level researchers (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., Psy.D., or equivalent) to apply for a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Addictions Clinical Research. Working alongside NIH/NIDA-funded faculty in a multidisciplinary environment, you will lead high-impact human clinical trials, behavioral pharmacology studies, and advanced neuroimaging projects (fMRI/PET) while receiving hands-on, structured mentorship in grant writing (F32/K-series), manuscript publication, and trial design. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in addiction science, clinical research methodology, and peer-reviewed publishing. This position offers access to up to $50,000 annually in educational debt relief through the NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP). Please note: Only applicants who do not require current or future employment sponsorship will be considered.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Inst for Drug Alcohol Stud

Department Summary: At the VCU Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.

We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research universities.

Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and position the university as a national leader in research, innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

About the VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS)

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at Virginia Commonwealth University is a premier hub for scientific discovery, dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research and training on the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral disorders. Located in the heart of Richmond, IDAS bridges the gap between the laboratory and clinical practice, utilizing cutting-edge brain-imaging technology and collaborative clinical studies to understand how addiction impacts the brain and to develop life-changing treatments. As a vital part of a nationally renowned public research institution, we foster an "UNcommon" environment where distinct perspectives drive innovation in public health. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team in addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges through rigorous science, compassionate education, and a commitment to community well-being.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Clinical Trial Execution & Management (40%): Work with principal investigators and clinical research staff to coordinate day-to-day operations for human clinical trials and experimental therapeutic protocols evaluating pharmacological, behavioral, or digital interventions for substance use disorders.
• Data Collection, Laboratory Testing & Analysis (25%): Work with recruitment coordinators to improve participant recruitment, clinical assessments, behavioral testing, biological sample processing, data management via REDCap, and statistical modeling of trial datasets.
• Scientific Dissemination & Publications (15%): Draft and submit high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts; present research findings at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
• Grant Writing & Professional Development (10%): Develop and submit applications for independent career development funding (e.g., NIH F32, K-series, or foundation awards) and submit applications to the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) with direct mentor guidance.
• Regulatory Oversight & Protocol Maintenance (10%): Draft, submit, and maintain Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, FDA regulatory submissions (INDs), participant safety monitoring plans, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) compliance documentation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered.

• Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., Psy.D., or equivalent doctoral/first professional degree in clinical psychology, pharmacy, medicine, public health, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research commitment to addiction science, substance use disorders, or behavioral pharmacology.
• Proven track record of scientific productivity as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications or national conference presentations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a foundational understanding of clinical research methodology, ethics, and basic statistical computing.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a distinct population of faculty, staff, and students, or a commitment to do so as a postdoctoral scholar at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with human clinical trial operations, participant recruitment strategies, or clinical assessments in substance use or psychiatric populations.
• Proficiency with clinical data management tools (e.g., REDCap) and statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS, Python).
• Familiarity with neuroimaging methodologies (fMRI, PET) or behavioral laboratory challenge paradigms.
• Stated intention to apply for external fellowship or career development awards (e.g., NIH F32, K-series) during the appointment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit all required application materials as a single PDF document through the VCU job portal:

1. Cover Letter detailing research background, clinical trial experience, and long-term career goals.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a comprehensive publication list.
3. Statement of Research Interests (1–2 pages).
4. Contact Information for three professional or academic references.

Salary Range: $63,480 – $69,180 (Commensurate with the NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Stipend scale based on years of experience)

Benefits: All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Lillie Lattimore-Lord

Contact Email: lllattimore@vcu.edu