Post-Doc Fellow for Pain Science Research

Job Summary:

The Ashar lab in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Fellow position focused on the brain mechanisms of primary (nociplastic) chronic pain and its treatment. This is an opportunity to contribute to the development of novel paradigms for pain neuroimaging and treatment. Primary responsibilities include oversight of brain imaging studies, including a) a precision fMRI neuroimaging study investigating chronic knee pain and longitudinal effects of treatment on brain function, with intensive brain measurement of a small number of patients, b) investigation of shared representations of pain and pain-related fear in prefrontal cortex (fMRI), and c) a randomized trial testing effects of treatment on clinical outcomes and EEG markers of tonic pain in a post-surgical chronic pain population.

Responsibilities will be tailored to match the interests and training goals of the post-doctoral fellow. There will be ample opportunities to support other emerging lines of research in the lab on interoceptive function and chronic pain, brain mechanisms of cannabis-based pain relief, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for chronic pain and other psychiatric conditions. Opportunities for manuscript preparation, conference submissions are available, as well as support for preparing grant applications. The Postdoctoral Fellow will collaborate with Dr. Joseph Frank, director of the Chronic Pain and Wellness Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Veterans Administration. The postdoc will also collaborate with neuroimaging groups at other institutions involved in ongoing projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversight of brain imaging studies, including study design and data collection of fMRI investigations
• Analyze multiple datasets, including resting and task-based fMRI, features extracted from audio-video recordings, and/or natural language data
• Coordinate research assistants working on projects
• Prepare manuscripts for publication

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 2-4 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Division of General Internal Medicine (GIM), established at the University of Colorado in 1977, was one of the first GIM divisions established within the United States. Building on a rich history and tradition, our GIM Division has undergone significant change and evolution to maintain our goal of being a national leader in patient care, medical education and health services research.

We take our three-part mission of patient care, medical education, and researchseriously. Each of our affiliated institutions has its own unique medical care programs. These programs, when taken together, provide a wide breadth and depth of clinical experiences that allows our trainees to experience virtually all aspects of inpatient and ambulatory medical care.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Doctorate degree in a relevant field (e.g., psychology, neuroscience, computer science, medicine)
• Record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Prior experience with fMRI study design and analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with fMRI study design, data collection, and analysis
• Experience with clinical trials
• Demonstrated interest in chronic pain
• Experience with software/scripting (MATLAB, Python, and/or R is preferable)
• Experience with statistical analysis
• Experience with the CanlabCore toolbox

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency or expertise with software/scripting (MATLAB, Python, and/or R)
• Statistical expertise
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.

Questions should be directed to: Patricia Colella, GIM Recruitment Specialist, patricia.colella@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until November 8, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$61,008 - 74,088 in alignment with current NIH salary range dependent upon years of postdoctoral experience.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.