Postdoctoral Research Associate, Finan Lab, Anesthesiology

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville, Virginia, Evanston Township (VA, MN, IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research team is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to groundbreaking studies in pain management. This role offers the chance to engage in multidisciplinary research, focusing on understanding the complex interactions between pain, sleep, and emotional functions. The position provides an opportunity for collaborative work across various departments, emphasizing skill development in manuscript and grant writing. Join a supportive environment dedicated to advancing knowledge and treatment options for chronic pain, where your contributions will significantly impact the field.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent before the start date.
• Skills in EEG processing and analysis are required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct multidisciplinary pain research using diverse methods.
• Focus on psychological and neurobiological mechanisms of pain.

Skills

EEG processing and analysis

Behavioral and physiological pain assessments

Clinical interventions for pain management

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pain Research

Dr. Patrick Finan's multidisciplinary pain research team is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position, starting in January 2025, within the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The Finan Lab aims to drive innovations for the treatment and self-management of chronic pain by employing diverse research methods to understand psychological and neurobiological mechanisms of pain. These include:

1. Intensive longitudinal assessments of behavioral and physiological pain correlates (e.g., sleep, emotions, opioid and cannabis use)
2. Laboratory-based experimental methods (e.g., sleep deprivation, quantitative sensory testing, pharmacological challenges, EEG)
3. Clinical interventions targeting affect and sleep to reduce pain and opioid misuse (e.g., mindfulness, psychedelics, music, suvorexant)

Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent before the start date, with skills in EEG processing and analysis. Training will focus on pain, sleep, and emotional functions, aligned with ongoing projects, emphasizing manuscript and grant development.

The UVA environment is collaborative, with projects across departments such as Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, and the Contemplative Sciences Center, plus extensive external collaborations.

For more information, contact Dr. Finan at [e-mail]. The position is based in Charlottesville, VA, requiring in-person work, with a 12-month appointment potentially renewable based on performance and funding. Benefits information is available at postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.

The position remains open until filled; applications should be received by the specified deadline. The university conducts background checks and requires a pre-employment health screen.

Application Process

Apply via the UVA job board, searching for R0062867. Internal applicants should apply through their UVA Workday profile. Submit a complete application including:

• CV
• Cover letter

All materials should be uploaded into the resume submission field, with multiple documents merged into one PDF if preferred. Incomplete applications will not be fully considered.

For questions, contact Yelena Markazyan at [e-mail]. For community information, visit UVA Charlottesville and Beyond and Embark.

UVA is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment, welcoming applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, marital status, ethnicity, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or family medical or genetic information.