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Advertising Summary: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine is a premier academic medical center located in the heart of Richmond. Accounting for almost half of VCU’s sponsored research, the School of Medicine is internationally recognized for patient care and education. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.

Unit: School Of Medicine MBU

Department: Pediatrics

Position Primary Purpose and General Duties:

The Healthy Lifestyles Center, a comprehensive pediatric obesity treatment and research center, is hiring a postdoctoral research fellow to become an integral member of their research team in the area of pediatric obesity treatment, prevention, and policy. The qualified individual will be involved in several clinical research studies regarding pediatric obesity treatment, school-and community-based nutrition policy, and other related behavioral medicine investigations. They will gain exposure to all aspects of conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials in the community, clinic, and school-based settings. This research position offers ample opportunities for, and training/mentoring in, manuscript writing, grant writing, and leadership roles. Strong writing skills are required as the fellow will play an active role in dissemination of study findings. There are also opportunities to participate in clinical care as part of the Healthy Lifestyle Clinic, which offers interdisciplinary behavioral, pharmacological, and surgical care as part of the comprehensive treatment for pediatric obesity. This position will work primarily under the supervision of the PI, Dr. Melanie Bean, in addition to other PI’s at the HLC. They will collaboratively make an Individualized Development Plan to help guide the training goals and benchmarks to achieve these via experiences provided by HLC investigations, as well as nurturing the fellow’s own independent line of related research. Applicants should have a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology (or similar [e.g., Nutrition]), experience with behavioral weight loss treatment, behavioral interventions, and/or nutrition policy, a history of scholarly activity, and strong writing skills. This is a 1-year position, with the potential for a 2nd year based on progress and availability of funding. This position is contingent upon grant funding.

Core Responsibilities: 

Support HLC research trials (70%)

-Will support research studies at the HLC related to pediatric obesity treatment, school-and community-based nutrition policy, and other related behavioral medicine investigations

-Responsibilities could include: intervention planning, implementation, and delivery; assessments; recruitment and retention processes; data management, entry, and analysis; and attendance at team study meetings and supervision.

-Must ensure rigorous adherence to protocols, human subjects protections, and regulatory standards.

-Collaborate closely with the HLC’s principal investigators, co-investigators, research manager, research coordinators, and data manager to meet study requirements.

-Work with community advisory boards, school district partners, and other community partners to meet current trial needs and identify potential areas of collaboration.

-More specific duties will be determined based on training needs and aligned with the current trial needs. These will be outlined in an Independent Development Plan.

Mentorship and professional development (30%)

-Develop independent research interests with the oversight of mentor, senior investigators, and faculty mentors.

-Actively contribute to grant writing, manuscript writing, and dissemination of study findings.

-Attend professional development seminars, grand rounds, and conferences to present study findings.

Clinical care (optional)

-Opportunities available to participate in clinical care at CHoR’s Healthy Lifestyles Clinic.

Minimum Hiring Standards: 

• Doctoral degree in counseling or clinical psychology or related field.
• Experience conducting behavioral weight management in pediatric populations.
• Experience with (or interest in) school-based research.
• Strong knowledge of pediatric obesity
• Strong research and clinical skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity.

• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with families across a broad cultural and socioeconomic spectrum
• Ability to interface effectively with external organizations, such as schools and community organizations.
• Excellent organization, time management and critical thinking skills. 
• Ability to work independently and with groups
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Flexibility with work hours to include evenings and early mornings as needed

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• Experience using SPSS and REDCap

Additional Information:
This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon project need, availability of funding, and performance.

This will be a minimum one-year appointment, contingent upon satisfactory annual reviews. Salary is commensurate with current NIH NRSA stipend guidelines and applicant experience.

Please note that if you are employed as a university employee working in any of the health system's facilities, you will need to follow VCU Health System policies, which will include but will not be limited to, vaccination requirements.

Salary Range: Salary is commensurate with current NIH NRSA stipend guidelines and applicant experience.

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

ORP Eligible: Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement: Hybrid

University Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow

Contact Name: Jewel Jefferson

Contact Email: jewel.jefferson@vcuhealth.org