Postdoctoral Researcher

Psychedelic Alpha; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Dental and vision

Professional development

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Brain Mechanisms of Pain and Health Laboratory to investigate neural mechanisms underlying therapies for chronic pain. The role involves perfusion fMRI, ASL, and BOLD imaging, with NIH-funded trials and potential for independent research and career progression.

The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team, mentor staff, contribute to grant writing, and publish in peer-reviewed journals within a vibrant neuroscience and

Qualifications

• PhD, MD or equivalent in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering or related field.
• Strong background in research methodology, statistics and quantitative analysis.
• Experience with neuroimaging data acquisition/analysis (fMRI preferred).

Responsibilities

• Conduct neuroimaging studies (perfusion fMRI/arterial spin labeling, BOLD).
• Design, recruit and conduct randomized trials on mindfulness, psychedelic therapy and cannabis.
• Analyze neuroimaging data and perform statistical interpretation.
• Ensure data management, QA and regulatory compliance for trials.
• Prepare manuscripts and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with clinicians, data scientists and research staff.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to grant writing.

Skills

Research methodology

Statistics

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Rigorous science

Education

PhD or MD

Neuroscience/related field

Tools

fMRI analysis

MATLAB

FSL

Python

R

Job description

About the job

Position OverviewThe Brain Mechanisms of Pain and Health Laboratory, directed by Professor Fadel Zeidan, PhD, and affiliated with the UCSD Center for Psychedelic Research, seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to an innovative research portfolio investigating neural mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of meditation, psilocybin-assisted therapy, and cannabis for chronic pain conditions.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on multiple NIH-funded and foundation-supported clinical trials, gain expertise in advanced neuroimaging techniques, and contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of neuroscience, pain science, and contemplative therapies.

Position DetailsTitle: Postdoctoral Fellow Department: Anesthesiology Location: UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA Duration: 2-3 years (renewable based on funding and performance) Start Date: ASAP

• Primary ResponsibilitiesConduct neuroimaging studies (perfusion fMRI/arterial spin labeling, BOLD imaging) to investigate neural correlates of therapeutic interventions
• Participate in the design, recruitment, and conduct of randomized controlled trials examining mindfulness meditation, psilocybin-assisted therapy, and cannabis for chronic pain populations
• Perform advanced neuroimaging data analysis and statistical interpretation
• Contribute to data management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance for clinical trials
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at scientific conferences
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members including clinicians, data scientists, and research staff
• Mentor junior laboratory members and research assistants
• Contribute to grant writing and research proposal development
• Key Research OpportunitiesPostdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to work on funded research including:Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction versus psychedelic-assisted therapy for chronic low back pain
• Psilocybin-assisted therapy for phantom limb pain
• Mindfulness-based intervention for chronic low back pain with neuroimaging endpoints
• Required QualificationsPhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, physiology, or related field
• Strong background in research methodology, statistics, and quantitative analysis
• Experience with neuroimaging data acquisition and/or analysis (fMRI strongly preferred)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Commitment to rigorous science and ethical research conduct

• Preferred QualificationsHands-on experience with fMRI data processing and analysis pipelines
• Clinical trial experience, including patient recruitment and informed consent procedures
• Knowledge of meditation, contemplative practices, or psychedelic science
• Programming skills (MATLAB, FSL, Python, R, or similar languages)

• Work Environment and CultureThe Zeidan Laboratory is part of a vibrant research community at UC San Diego with generous paid time off. Our laboratory values:Scientific rigor and integrity
• Collaborative and collegial work environment
• Respect for participants and their experiences
• Rigorous training and professional development
• Work-life balance
• Diversity and inclusivity

The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities, a supportive mentoring relationship with Professor Zeidan, and opportunities for independent research development and career advancement.

• Compensation and BenefitsCompetitive salary commensurate with postdoctoral fellowship standards and experience
• Full benefits package including health insurance, dental, and vision
• Professional development funding for conference travel and training

About UC San DiegoUC San Diego is a premier research institution with world-class facilities and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. The Department of Anesthesiology is recognized for its innovative pain research, and the UCSD Center for Psychedelic Research is at the forefront of clinical psychedelic science.

• Equal Opportunity StatementUC San Diego is committed to creating a community in which a diverse mix of talented people want to work. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or veteran status.Contact: Dr. Fadel Zeidan, PhD [e-mail] Department of Anesthesiology, UC San Diego