Job Summary
The Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center; drexel.edu/wellcenter) is currently recruiting for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow under the supervision of Meghan Butryn, Evan Forman, Adrienne Juarascio, Ph.D. and/or Stephanie Manasse, Ph.D. The postdoctoral research position offers ample opportunities for, and training/mentoring in, manuscript writing, grant writing, the use of innovative technology and methodology, and leadership roles. In addition, the research position is flexible depending on the interests of the postdoctoral fellow, and considerable attention will be devoted to developing the fellow’s line of research including the planning and execution of an independent project. Pilot study funding will be provided. In addition, the postdoc fellow will be mentored in the writing of one or more independent grant proposals. Responsibilities include assistance overseeing research coordinators, undergraduate and graduate students; monitoring study protocols, conducting statistical analyses; writing scientific manuscripts, and potentially clinical service and/or supervision of clinical service. As a result of fellowship activities, training, and mentorship, fellows will be highly competitive for the NIH Loan Repayment Program and for NIH training grants (e.g., F32s, K23s). Fellows will be assigned 1-2 primary mentors depending on their interests. Start date is negotiable. Applicants should specify and rank order in their cover letter which mentor(s) they are interested in working with.
The positions entail working on NIH-funded clinical trials examining innovative interventions for adolescent and/or adult eating disorders, obesity, or disease prevention. Most positions will have both clinical and research components, with the spilt being flexible depending on interests, previous training, and availability. Applicants from fields other than psychology are also encouraged to apply. This training experience is designed to build expertise in clinical research in the areas of adolescent or adult eating disorder or obesity treatment. Fellows will engage in manuscript and grant-writing activities, and, depending on the position, may assist in the development of treatment protocols, lead interventions, supervise research staff, provide training to graduate students and junior team members. Good statistical and writing skills (e.g. publications) are required. Some positions may require experience with assessment methods (e.g., semi-structured diagnostic interviews) and a strong background in cognitive-behavioral and/or eating and weight-related treatments.
The positions may involve taking a prominent role in a number of NIH-funded projects that are developing and testing novel treatments. These projects include:
Juarascio: Development and evaluation of innovative treatments for eating disorders, with a current focus on both mindfulness and acceptance based treatments for eating disorders (NIMH R01) and just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) augmentations to CBT for eating disorders (NIMH R01)
Butryn: behavioral weight loss, with a focus on optimal use of digital self-monitoring data; interventions to reduce intake of ultra-processed foods; improving adherence to dietary guidelines for cancer prevention; development of a patient navigator model to assist adults in identifying and persisting with evidence-based weight loss interventions
Manasse: Developing and testing novel treatments for adolescent and adult problematic eating behavior, including: An acceptance-based healthy lifestyle modification program for diverse adolescents (NIH R61/R33); A novel intervention integrating a sleep-focused intervention with lifestyle modification for adolescents (NIH R03); interventions to improve outcomes for binge-spectrum eating disorders (NIH projects under development/under review)
Forman: novel behavioral and technology-based interventions to promote health behavior; currently running 3 NIH R01-funded projects, i.e., Activate (Multiphasic Optimization Strategy Trial evaluating the independent effects of mindfulness and acceptance components of behavioral weight loss, ReLearn (evaluating an AI system for optimizing the delivery of weight loss interventions), and NeuroFit (evaluating whether gamification and neurocognitive training improve engagement and weight loss outcomes for men).
Essential Functions
Research activities and may include:
- Overseeing research coordinators
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- Monitoring study protocols
- Assisting in the development of a treatment protocols
- Providing training to graduate students.
- Assisting with development and iteration of the technologies, methodologies and algorithmic functions of the research projects
- Data processing and analysis
- Conducting statistical analyses
- Developing follow-up designs and grant proposals
- Writing scientific manuscripts.
Clinical activities may include:
- Clinical service and/or supervision of clinical service.
- Conducting assessments of potential participants.
- Leading treatment groups.
- Conducting outpatient treatment for adults or adolescents with eating and weight disorders.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate.
- Minimum of a year of experience.
- Good statistical skills
- Good writing skills (e.g. publications)
Physical Demands
- Typically sitting at a desk/table.
Location
Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangements.
Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt with a grade of I [$ 41,120.00- 61,680.00]. The offered salary is dependent upon internal equity and the successful candidate’s competencies, education, and experience.
For more information regarding Drexel’s Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies, please visit the Compensation and Salaries website.
Please review the Benefits Brochure for some information on our benefits offerings.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
Additional Required Documents
- List other required documents
Review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
