Summary

The Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Associate for a one to two-year non-laboratory research position. The selected candidate(s) will support the Director of the Center, Dr. Amy McGuire, to help build a new research program supported through private funding focused on ethical and policy issues related to psychedelic research, which includes: 

• Being a catalyst for increasing the footprint (quality and quantity) of research related to the ethical and policy challenges and questions about the therapeutic use of psychedelics. 
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team across the Texas Medical Center and beyond to guide stakeholders and ensure policies developed for psychedelic research and use are evidence-based, scientifically rigorous, and equity-enhancing. 
• Helping to train the next generation of scholars interested in ethical and policy issues related to psychedelics.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to develop and lead collaborative research in the areas of Psychedelics, Bioethics, and Health Policy. This position is expected to begin in 2023. Applicants finishing terminal degrees in Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 are encouraged to apply.

In addition to supporting the Center’s robust research program, the Postdoctoral Associate will receive mentoring to assist with publishing manuscripts and presenting research at academic conferences. Qualified candidates may receive additional mentorship to submit their own external training grant application. They will also have the opportunity to participate in professional and academic development sessions hosted by the Center and gain exposure to one of the preeminent bioethics centers in the country. Such development opportunities include journal clubs, speaker series, career development information sessions, peer mentorship, and programming on grant writing, academic presentations, and goal planning. The Center promotes an intellectually stimulating and collaborative environment conducive to academic excellence.

The Center cultivates a culture of intentionality, respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. We offer intellectual, social, and professional development opportunities to promote a meaningful work experience. We are reflective and mindful of issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in both interactions with one another.

For more information about Baylor College of Medicine and the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, visit our website at www.bcm.edu/ethics.

Job Duties

• Conducts quantitative, qualitative, normative and health policy research in psychedelics. 
• Conducts comprehensive literature searches in the areas of psychedelics, bioethics, science, social science and health policy literature. 
• Leads and assists with publishing research findings as manuscripts in relevant academic journals.
• Presents papers/project findings at local, national and international meetings.
• Organizes, leads, and attends project meetings. 

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MD, JD or Ph.D. in bioethics, public health, humanities, social science, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and written communication skills, including proficiency in presentation and educational content development.
• Strong interest in psychedelics, bioethics, health policy.
• Track record of publications in bioethics/policy journals preferred.
• Ability to display a professional, positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills and communication skills required and must be able to work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
• Team oriented, collaborative mindset with an interest in creating value in any situation with insightful questions and suggestions.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, efficient, and strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility in accepting work assignments with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks, understand processes, and resolve issues.