JOB DESCRIPTION
The Boundaries of Anxiety and Depression Laboratory in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania has an opening for a postdoctoral research fellowship. The position is at the intersection of psychophysiology and clinical psychology.
The fellow will work jointly with Drs. Ayelet Ruscio (PI) and Adrian Raine (Co-PI) to investigate the physiological bases of risk mechanisms for anxiety and depression. The project focuses on disruptions in cognition and emotion that are hypothesized to contribute to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), or their comorbidity. The aim is to characterize these disruptions at the physiological, behavioral, and experiential levels in the laboratory and in the daily lives of persons with GAD and MDD. The postdoctoral fellow will have primary responsibility for the psychophysiological aspects of the project, which encompass both laboratory-based (EMG, ECG, skin conductance, accelerometer) and ambulatory (skin conductance, accelerometer) psychophysiology. The fellow will oversee psychophysiological data acquisition and processing, analyze psychophysiological data, and collaborate on manuscripts and grant development. The PIs are committed to mentoring early-career professionals and to providing opportunities for fellows to utilize the rich array of data already collected and take the lead in writing papers based on their interests.
Applicants are expected to have a Ph.D. in psychology or a closely related field at the time of appointment. A strong background in psychophysiology research is essential. Preference will be given to applicants who also have a clinical background and can play a role in clinical assessment. NIH pay scale plus benefits are provided. This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal for a second year depending on availability of funds. The ideal applicant would be available to begin by June 1, 2016, although applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Send letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and names of at least three references to Courtney Forbes at [email protected]. The University of Pennsylvania is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
EMPLOYER INFORMATION
The Boundaries of Anxiety and Depression Lab is broadly concerned with the nature, classification, and comorbidity of mental disorders, with a particular focus on anxiety and depressive disorders. Research in our lab explores three interrelated questions: (1) What distinguishes normal from pathological experiences of anxiety and depression? (2) Why do anxiety and depression so often co-occur within individuals? (3) What predicts who will develop emotional disturbance and what form it will take over the lifespan? Our aim is to better understand the nature and structure of emotional disorders and to improve their detection, assessment, and diagnosis (see https://sites.sas.upenn.edu/ruscio-lab for additional information). Our lab is housed within the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Penn is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the country. Located in Philadelphia, the university is the city’s largest private employer and is frequently cited as an outstanding place to work. Penn offers its employees excellent healthcare and tuition benefits as well as generous retirement benefits and professional development opportunities.
