How to Apply

Candidates should submit their materials via email to Dr. Andrew Schrepf (aschrepf@med.umich.edu). Materials should include: 1) a cover letter that addresses your specific interest in the position and skills or experiences directly related to it; 2) your curriculum vitae, highlighting up to three papers or presentations most closely related to this position; and 3) contact information for three references who can speak to your skills or experiences directly related to the position. Materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled.

Summary

The Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center (Anesthesiology Department) at Michigan Medicine seeks applications for a postdoctoral research fellow. The fellow will work jointly under the supervision Drs. Steven Harte and Andrew Schrepf.

The fellow will work on a variety of federally funded projects that use neurobiological measures including psychophysical sensory testing, immunology, and neuroimaging to phenotype chronic pain patients. These projects include a National Institutes of Health R01 studying longitudinal change in pelvic pain patients who have completed neuroimaging, psychophysical pain testing, immunologic assays, and patient reported outcomes over an 18-month period. The parent study is a large, recently completed investigation of longitudinal symptom patterns in pelvic pain patients with many opportunities for additional analyses. Additionally, a large multi-cohort study (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia) with neuroimaging, immune, and psychophysical components designed to predict response to common treatments will be a resource for the incoming fellow, as well as a similarly structured investigation of the response to hysterectomy.

The position will be an excellent fit for a motivated researcher with strong quantitative skills and a background in one or more of the following: pain research, psychophysics, and/or immunology. Effort on the multiple projects will depend on the fellow’s interests and skillset as well as project needs. There will be considerable opportunities for manuscript publication, grant writing, and professional development under the mentorship of two pain neurobiologists with a strong track-record of external funding.

This is a 1–2-year position, depending upon the scope of the agreed upon projects, at 100% effort (40 hours per week) position with strong possibility of extension. We are committed to providing a competitive salary commensurate to Fellow qualifications. Start date is flexible from now until mid-2023.

Responsibilities*

The postdoctoral research fellow will be an integral member of funded research in the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center. Their primary responsibilities will include research and professional development.

Research (80%):

• Collaborate with Drs. Harte and Schrepf to develop novel questions that can be addressed in the diverse datasets available
• Execute primary analyses of the funded projects
• Prepare, analyze, and interpret data using a variety of statistical tools, learning the skills necessary to do so (e.g., longitudinal, dimension reduction, artificial intelligence).
• Communicate research findings via peer-reviewed manuscripts and academic publications.
• Write research proposals and apply for federal and foundation grants.
• Report to funders regarding research progress and findings.

Professional Development (20%):

• Participate in academic conferences and present research findings.
• Attend relevant meetings, seminars, and workshops in the field and within the university, especially in the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center.
• Conduct reviews of scientific publications and research proposals, as appropriate.
• Keep up to date on relevant research and methods.

Required Qualifications*

Doctorate degree in an empirical social science, neuroscience, or related discipline. Strong research and communication skills, including:

• Extensive statistical or analytic experience;
• Strong written and oral communication skills, evidenced in academic publications;
• Knowledge of a variety of research methodologies, and particularly incorporation of different data types
• Eagerness and initiative to learn new research skills.

Desired Qualifications*

• Advanced statistical skills (e.g., multilevel/mixed-effects models, structural equation modeling, clustering, artificial intelligence)
• Familiarity with statistical software (R, SAS, SPSS, etc.) and data capture software (e.g., Qualtrics)
• Evidence of positive mentoring experiences and successful collaborations with senior and junior team members;
• Demonstrated research interests and experiences in multidisciplinary science

Work Locations

This is a hybrid position that allows for a mix between remote and in-person work. A campus workspace will be provided.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Vaccine Requirements

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all students, faculty and staff working in the following areas: Michigan Medicine including the Medical School, Dental School, University Health Service or the Mary A. Rackham Institute. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers. More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.