Position Summary – Project Coordinator, Developmental Social Neuroscience (DSN) Lab

We are seeking a project coordinator to work with the Developmental Social Neuroscience (DSN) Lab headed by Dr. Jennifer Pfeifer (http://dsn.uoregon.edu/), on an NIMH-funded prospective longitudinal study of risk for adolescent-emergent mental health problems in girls as they transition through puberty. In a community sample of 170 girls (initial age 11 ± 1 years), the project will assess: i) levels of adrenal and gonadal hormones associated with pubertal development, as well as anthropometric data and secondary sex characteristics; ii) brain structure, anatomical connectivity (diffusion tensor imaging), and resting-state functional connectivity; iii) brain functioning and behavior related to social process (self-evaluation, mentalizing, and affiliation); and iv) mental health symptoms (particularly of depression, anxiety, and deliberate self-harm). These measures will be collected three times over five years (every 18 months). The rich multilevel dataset will be analyzed using advanced statistical modeling techniques to describe the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between developmental patterns in each of these domains. The project coordinator will also interact extensively with Dr. Nick Allen, Co-I on the study and director of the Affective Development and Psychopathology Team (ADAPT). Given the scope of the project, a combination of the following qualities, skills, and interests are highly desirable.

Minimum qualifications:

·  Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline.

·  Highly efficient and organized approach to work, with strong attention to detail and thoroughness.

·  Ability to manage multiple tasks; exceptional time management skills.

·  Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communicative skills, including the ability to function effectively as a team member and team leader.

·  Experience working in a team environment, requiring participatory decision-making and cooperative interactions among employees.

·  Ability to learn quickly and work independently, with supervision as needed.

·  Strong computer, statistical, and technical skills and/or a willingness to learn (e.g., Matlab, Python, R, SPM, FSL, AFNI, or similar platforms).

Preferred qualifications:

·  Some experience with acquiring, analysing, and interpreting MRI research (in at least one of the modalities listed above).

·  Some experience conducting research with adolescent and/or clinical populations.

·  Some experience in collecting and analyzing data relevant to pubertal development, which may include collecting biological samples for hormonal assays.

·  Interest in social cognition, self, motivation, depression, and/or anxiety.

·  Interest in community outreach (primarily at schools).

The project coordinator appointment is an initial 12 month contract with potential to renew for up to four additional years, depending on productivity and fit. Applicants intending to stay a minimum of two years are preferred. To apply, please submit a CV and a cover letter describing research interests and expertise, including at least three references, and clearly identifying your interest in this particular position, to Jennifer Pfeifer ().

The target start date (flexible) is betweenAugust 15, 2015 and October 15, 2015. Review ofapplications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.