Postdoctoral Associate - Psychedelic Ethics and Policy

Bioethics.net; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Postdoctoral Associate at Baylor College of Medicine's ELIPSIS Program in Houston will contribute to interdisciplinary research on the ethical, legal, social, and policy issues surrounding psychedelic therapies. You will collaborate with Dr.

Amy McGuire and a multidisciplinary team, aim to publish in top journals, and develop an independent academic trajectory in bioethics. This two-year, full-time position begins Summer 2027, with mentoring, grant-writing opportunities, and engagement in

Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.
• Preferred: MD, JD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in bioethics, philosophy, law, public health, health policy, medicine, psychology, sociology, anthropology, neuroscience, humanities, science and technology studies, or another relevant discipline.
• Experience with qualitative, quantitative, normative, legal, or mixed-methods research.

Responsibilities

• Design empirical and normative research on ethical, legal, social, and policy issues related to psychedelics.
• Using qualitative, quantitative, conceptual, or mixed methods, depending on the candidate’s expertise and project needs.
• Lead and contribute to manuscripts for publication in leading bioethics, medical, scientific, legal, and health-policy journals.
• Present research findings at local, national, and international conferences and meetings.
• Contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines, policy recommendations, educational resources, and other translational products.
• Participate in grant development and proposal writing.
• Organizing and contributing to research meetings, workshops, and convenings.
• Mentoring students and participating in educational activities, as appropriate.
• Performing other related responsibilities in support of the program’s research mission.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

MD/PhD in Basic Science or Health Science

Job description

Summary

The Ethical Legal Implications of Psychedelics in Society (ELIPSIS) Program in the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine invites applications for a full-time, two-year Postdoctoral Associate position.

As psychedelic therapies move from research settings into broader clinical use, decisions made today will shape how they are studied, regulated, delivered, and accessed for decades to come. The ELIPSIS program is conducting rigorous research to ensure that psychedelic medicines develop in ways that are evidence- based, scientifically rigorous, and equity-enhancing.

The Postdoctoral Associate will work directly with Dr. Amy McGuire, Director of the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy and founding director of the ELIPSIS program, as well as a multidisciplinary team of scholars and will have an opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized research program, produce high-impact scholarship, participate in timely policy conversations, and develop an independent academic career in bioethics.

The position is expected to begin in Summer 2027. Applicants completing terminal degrees in Winter 2026 or Spring 2027 are encouraged to apply. This is a non-laboratory research position located in Houston, Texas.

The Postdoctoral Associate will participate in professional and academic development opportunities offered by the Center and will gain exposure to one of the nation’s leading bioethics programs. The Center cultivates a collegial culture grounded in intellectual rigor, intentionality, respect, inclusion, and collaboration.

For more information about Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, visit our website at www.bcm.edu/ethics

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter describing their interest in the position, relevant experience, and potential contributions to the ELIPSIS Program.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A writing sample.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Job Duties

The Postdoctoral Associate will contribute to funded, interdisciplinary research projects and to the broader intellectual life of the ELIPSIS Program and the Center. Responsibilities will include:

• Designing and conducting empirical and normative research on ethical, legal, social, and policy issues related to psychedelics.
• Using qualitative, quantitative, conceptual, or mixed methods, depending on the candidate’s expertise and project needs.
• Leading and contributing to manuscripts for publication in leading bioethics, medical, scientific, legal, and health-policy journals.
• Presenting research findings at local, national, and international conferences and meetings.
• Contributing to the development of evidence-based guidelines, policy recommendations, educational resources, and other translational products.
• Participating in grant development and proposal writing.
• Organizing and contributing to research meetings, workshops, and convenings.
• Mentoring students and participating in educational activities, as appropriate.
• Performing other related responsibilities in support of the program’s research mission.

The Postdoctoral Associate will receive individualized mentorship in:

• Developing a distinctive research agenda.
• Publishing first-author and collaborative scholarship.
• Grant writing and research funding strategy.
• Presenting research to academic, professional, governmental, and public audiences.
• Building interdisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations.
• Navigating the academic job market and other relevant career pathways.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MD, JD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in bioethics, philosophy, law, public health, health policy, medicine, psychology, sociology, anthropology, neuroscience, the humanities, science and technology studies, or another relevant discipline.
• Experience with qualitative, quantitative, normative, legal, or mixed-methods research.
• Exceptional analytical, research, and written communication skills.
• Has the ability to produce clear and compelling academic and policy-oriented scholarship.
• Intellectual curiosity about complex questions at the intersection of ethics, law, science, medicine, and public policy.
• A record of scholarly productivity or strong potential to publish in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
• Has the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and project-management skills.
• Collegial, constructive, and team-oriented approach.
• Has the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

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