Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience Fellow
Yale Fellowship in Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience
The Yale Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism Program (SANA) will select one highly qualified college graduate for research fellowship positions at the Yale Child Study Center (CSC). The Yale CSC is a leading institution for clinical diagnostic services and multidisciplinary research on ASD involving behavioral neuroscience, physiology, neuroimaging, and molecular genetics. Through extensive interdepartmental collaborations, the SANA Program brings together experts in developmental psychopathology, infant neuroimaging, experimental psychology, eye-tracking, and psychophysiology as well as statistics and computational science. The program is directed by Dr. Kasia Chawarska and co-directed by Drs. Suzanne Macari and Kelly Powell, along with Angelina Vernetti. For more information and recent publications, visit the lab website: https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/chawarska/
The position is associated with a new longitudinal research project focused on examining brain connectivity in neonates with and without family history of autism and evaluating its links with later developmental outcomes. The study is led by Drs. Kasia Chawarska, Dustin Scheinost, and Laura Ment. The Developmental Psychopathology and Social NeuroscienceFellow will support the implementation of the new of research protocol. The Fellow will be involved in recruitment and scheduling study participants, assisting in MRI imaging and longitudinal follow up of the study participants. The fellow will have ample opportunities to acquire clinical and interview skills by interfacing with the study participants and their families under close clinical supervision. The Fellow will have opportunities to learn about implementation of neuroimaging (fMRI) and eye-tracking experimental protocols and participate in data processing and analysis under the supervision of the research and data management team. In addition, the Fellow will be responsible for data backup, entry, and quality checks, will contribute to data analysis and data visualization procedures, and assist in manuscript preparation.
Applicants with excellent interpersonal skills and prior experience in research with clinical populations and/or with infants and young children and their families, experience with design and/or implementation of neuroimaging or eye-tracking studies, as well as a strong background in statistical methods, will be reviewed favorably.
The position is one year in duration with a salary of $39,480.00. Postgraduate positions are open to those who will have received a bachelor and/or master’s degree before beginning the position, but not doctoral degrees. Reappointment to a second year may be possible and will be determined 4-6 months prior to the end date. Anticipated start date is December 1, 2024. This is not a remote opportunity. This position is located at the Child Study Center on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, CT.
Mentorship
The Postgraduate Associate will be directly mentored by Drs. Chawarska, Scheinost, Ment, Macari, Powell, and Vernetti, and will be involved in a highly active and productive community of clinical research scientists. With research mentorship, the selected applicant will be expected to engage in a research project from the point of data collection through analysis and abstract and/or manuscript submission.
Training
The Postgraduate Associate will also assist in a variety of scientific activities in the lab, including assisting in the preparation of manuscripts and conference presentations, and providing general assistance relevant to the functioning of the lab. The Fellowship’s curriculum also includes participation in weekly research meetings, research tutorials and courses, and other didactic experiences at the Yale Child Study Center, and the Departments of Psychology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, and Statistics.
Education/Experience
BA or BS required. Applicants who have prior experience in research with clinical populations and/or with infants and young children and their families, experience with design and/or implementation of neuroimaging, behavioral, eye-tracking, and/or psychophysiological studies, as well as a strong background in statistical methods, will be reviewed favorably. Applicants must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Priority will be given to those who have experience with database management systems such as Microsoft Access and statistical packages such as R, SPSS, or SAS.
Application Process
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Application must include the following items, and be sent as a single document, preferably in pdf format, to sanalab@yale.edu:
- A completed application cover page (below) – all sections are required.
- A CV
- Copies of undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) unofficial transcripts.
- A 2-page personal statement containing biographic material, relevant experience, and career goals - can be single or double spaced
In addition:
Two letters of recommendation that speak directly to the candidate’s potential. Recommendation letters must be emailed to sanalab@yale.edu directly from the recommender.
Applications are requested by September 30, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt. Please note that the university has a COVID vaccination and booster requirement for all students, staff & faculty which is described in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program. You are required to comply with the Vaccine Program prior to the first day of your Yale appointment. Should you not be eligible for the Booster at this time, you will be required to receive your booster within seven (7) days of your eligibility. Please see the Yale COVID-19 Vaccine Program for information on how to schedule a vaccination and/or how to Submit or Confirm your vaccination documentation. For up-to-date university information on COVID-19, please visit: https://covid19.yale.edu/. Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Yale values diversity among its students, staff, and faculty and strongly welcomes applications from women, persons with disabilities, protected veterans, and underrepresented minorities.
Additional information: https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/chawarska/media-player/chawarska-sana-program-post-baccalaureate-training-in-the-chawarska-lab/
Yale Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism Program (SANA)
Developmental Psychopathology and Social Neuroscience Fellowship
Application Cover Page – August 2024
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
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Mailing Address (Current) Permanent Address (After Graduation)
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Phone: ___________________________ Email: __________________________________
Prior Study: _________________________________________________________________
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Degree: ____________________________________________________________________
Type of Degree Major GPA
Recommendations:
R1: _________________________________________________________________________
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R2: _________________________________________________________________________
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Signature: ___________________________________________________________________
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I certify that the information given by me on this application and supporting documents is complete and accurate.