Location: Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut

Duration: 2 years, Summer 2024 - Summer 2026

Background:

We are seeking a postgraduate research associate to join Dr. Nils Petersen’s Cerebrovascular Lab in Yale’s Department of Neurology. The Petersen lab aims to use novel neuromonitoring techniques to optimize cerebral blood flow following acute neurovascular injury. Recent research has focused on cerebral autoregulation in cases of stroke, traumatic brain injury, and intracranial hemorrhage. After exciting findings detailing the risks of impaired autoregulation, current projects are focusing on intervention mechanisms aimed at maintaining blood pressure within personalized limits of autoregulation. More information can be found on the lab website: https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/petersen/

Training:

The postgraduate research associate will gain experience with a broad range of clinical research skills: the design and coordination of clinical trials, IRB management, medical record abstraction, patient interaction. Human Subjects and HIPAA training will be provided in the context of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Additionally, the candidate will be trained in cerebral oxygenation monitoring, and state-of-the-art blood pressure monitoring. The associate will also assist in the preparation of manuscripts and conference presentations. The position is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain clinical research experience prior to graduate studies in the health professions. 

Mentoring:

Mentorship will come from working closely with senior lab members, weekly lab meetings, and 1:1 meetings with Dr. Petersen. Additional mentorship may come from collaborating with other researchers within the neurology department, as well as from outside institutions. Candidates will also be able to participate in and attend neuroscience grand rounds and weekly journal clubs. Past graduates have pursued MD or MD/PhD tracks after completion, details of which can be found on the YCVL website. 

Education: 

The ideal candidate will have completed a Bachelor’s degree and will have prior experience in research. Experience with statistical analysis (SPSS, R, Matlab) is highly preferred, but not required. 

The candidate should display a high level of initiative, logic, and creative problem-solving skills. Candidates should also be highly organized and reliable, with good interpersonal and communication skills. 

Application Process: 

Interested candidates should email their CV and a cover letter briefly describing their interest in the YCVL lab and their research/scientific background to sithmi.jayasundara@yale.edu and madelynne.olexa@yale.edu with the subject line “Postgraduate Position.” 

Additional Details: 

The potential start date is in June 2024; however, some flexibility is possible. This is a two-year position. Standard postgraduate compensation: $38,000/year.