Postdoctoral Fellow

Advertising Summary: The Institute for Drug and Alcohol
Studies (IDAS) at Virginia Commonwealth University invites driven
doctoral-level researchers (Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., Psy.D., or
equivalent) to apply for a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Addictions
Clinical Research. Working alongside NIH/NIDA-funded faculty in a
multidisciplinary environment, you will lead high-impact human
clinical trials, behavioral pharmacology studies, and advanced
neuroimaging projects (fMRI/PET) while receiving hands-on,
structured mentorship in grant writing (F32/K-series), manuscript
publication, and trial design. Ideal candidates will possess a
strong background in addiction science, clinical research
methodology, and peer-reviewed publishing. This position offers
access to up to $50,000 annually in educational debt relief through
the NIH Extramural Loan Repayment Program (LRP). Please note:
Only applicants who do not require current or future employment
sponsorship will be considered.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Inst for Drug Alcohol Stud

Department Summary: At the VCU Office of the Vice President
for Research and Innovation, our mission is to foster
transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia
Commonwealth University through excellence in service.

We partner with faculty in all schools and departments as they seek
funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets,
submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure
patents and licensing agreements.

Our commitment to supporting and elevating the research community
at VCU has resulted in record levels of sponsored research and has
placed VCU among the nation’s premier public research
universities.

Through our passion for discovery and willingness to take on
challenges, we continue to advance the work that matters most and
position the university as a national leader in research,
innovation, creativity, and scholarship.

About the VCU Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS)

The Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies (IDAS) at Virginia
Commonwealth University is a premier hub for scientific discovery,
dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary research and training on
the neuroscience of addictions and related neurobehavioral
disorders. Located in the heart of Richmond, IDAS bridges the gap
between the laboratory and clinical practice, utilizing
cutting-edge brain-imaging technology and collaborative clinical
studies to understand how addiction impacts the brain and to
develop life-changing treatments. As a vital part of a nationally
renowned public research institution, we foster an "UNcommon"
environment where distinct perspectives drive innovation in public
health. We invite dedicated professionals to join our team in
addressing one of society’s most pressing challenges through
rigorous science, compassionate education, and a commitment to
community well-being.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Clinical Trial Execution & Management (40%): Work

with principal investigators and clinical research staff to
coordinate day-to-day operations for human clinical trials and
experimental therapeutic protocols evaluating pharmacological,
behavioral, or digital interventions for substance use
disorders.

• Data Collection, Laboratory Testing & Analysis

(25%): Work with recruitment coordinators to improve
participant recruitment, clinical assessments, behavioral testing,
biological sample processing, data management via REDCap, and
statistical modeling of trial datasets.

• Scientific Dissemination & Publications (15%): Draft

and submit high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts;
present research findings at regional, national, and international
scientific conferences.

• Grant Writing & Professional Development (10%):

Develop and submit applications for independent career development
funding (e.g., NIH F32, K-series, or foundation awards) and submit
applications to the NIH Loan Repayment Program (LRP) with direct
mentor guidance.

• Regulatory Oversight & Protocol Maintenance (10%):

Draft, submit, and maintain Institutional Review Board (IRB)
protocols, FDA regulatory submissions (INDs), participant safety
monitoring plans, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) compliance
documentation.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship
for employment will be considered.

• Ph.D., M.D., Pharm.D., Psy.D., or equivalent doctoral/first

professional degree in clinical psychology, pharmacy, medicine,
public health, or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated research commitment to addiction science,

substance use disorders, or behavioral pharmacology.

• Proven track record of scientific productivity as evidenced by

peer-reviewed publications or national conference
presentations.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a

foundational understanding of clinical research methodology,
ethics, and basic statistical computing.

• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment

of respect, professionalism, and civility with a distinct
population of faculty, staff, and students, or a commitment to do
so as a postdoctoral scholar at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with human clinical trial operations,

participant recruitment strategies, or clinical assessments in
substance use or psychiatric populations.

• Proficiency with clinical data management tools (e.g., REDCap)

and statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS, Python).

• Familiarity with neuroimaging methodologies (fMRI, PET) or

behavioral laboratory challenge paradigms.

• Stated intention to apply for external fellowship or career

development awards (e.g., NIH F32, K-series) during the
appointment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must submit all required application materials as a
single PDF document through the VCU job portal:

• Cover Letter detailing research background, clinical

trial experience, and long-term career goals.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a comprehensive

publication list.

• Statement of Research Interests (1–2 pages).
• Contact Information for three professional or academic

references.

Salary Range: $63,480 – $69,180 (Commensurate with the NIH
NRSA Postdoctoral Stipend scale based on years of experience)

Benefits : All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide
array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU.
Consult the benefits website
for information on benefits eligibility according to employee
type.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Lillie
Lattimore-Lord

Contact Email: lllattimore@vcu.edu