Virginia Commonwealth University - Vcu: Vipbg Research Faculty

VIPBG Research Faculty

The Department of Psychiatry is seeking candidates for four (4) T&R Faculty positions, at Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics' (VIPBG). The Faculty member will be responsible for obtaining grants to support their research, collaborating with other faculty, and growing their research program at the university including publications, teaching and service to the scientific community.

VIPBG is a highly collaborative interdisciplinary institute that brings together faculty from a diversity of backgrounds with complementary research programs aimed at understanding how genetic and environmental risk factors contribute to psychiatric and related behavioral outcomes (see www.vipbg.vcu.edu).

Joint appointments are possible with complementary departments. Start-up packages are available, and salary, tenure-eligibility and rank will be commensurate with experience.

Position Responsibilities:

Teaching: There are no set teaching requirements however the candidate is expected to contribute their expertise to relevant courses taught at the Institute and to mentor graduate students and post-docs working in their research program/laboratory.

Research: The faculty member should have a scholarly/research portfolio which complements the existing expertise in the institute with evidence of multi-disciplinary applications. They are expected to be an engaged collaborator to enhance the research program at the Institute.

Service: Faculty member will serve on Departmental, College, and/or University committees as necessary, as well as in a professional capacity in their field, e.g., reviewer, conference organizer etc.

Required Qualifications:

• MD or PhD or equivalent with training in statistical genetics/genomics, behavioral genetics/genomics, computational genetics/genomics and/or neuroimaging Faculty member will be required to have a clear research agenda and a potential for external funding, and potential for scholarship or creative expression to complement and expand existing expertise in the institute An interest in areas complementary to current VIPBG expertise, e.g., psychiatric and/or substance use disorder genetics and genomics. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU

Preferred Qualifications:

This posting includes four potential, individual positions. Expertise in at least one of the following areas:

• Statistical genetics/genomics, including skills in molecular genetics/genomics/epigenomics, population genetics, bioinformatics, multi-ancestry genomics, genetic variant curation, statistical methods development, emerging technologies (e.g., single-cell sequencing, chromatin conformation) Behavior genetics/genomics, including skills in twin and family modeling within a structural equation modeling (SEM, such as OpenMx) framework; experience with multivariate modeling, longitudinal/developmental modeling, and the use of both continuous and ordinal data. Computational genetics/genomics, including skills in clinical informatics, genomic data science, multi-omic analyses, biostatistical methods and analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, reproducible pipelines, high performance cloud computing, Python, R, and/or other computational language coding. Additional expertise in neuroimaging research, including structural MRI, fMRI, and connectivity studies would be of interest but is not required.

As a preeminent national, urban, public research university and academic health center, Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences; and past, present, and future academic and professional activities have or will contribute to VCU's mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience.

Interested applicants should apply online at Apply at https://vcu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/5552?c=vcu

Only electronic applications will be accepted. All submitted applications must include a letter of interest and CV. Questions should be directed to Jill Opalesky, Search Chair at Jill.Opelsky@VCUHEALTH.org or Tammy Beltz, HR Manager at Tammy.Beltz@VCUHEALTH.org.

Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.