Mission or Goal of Unit: The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences strives for equity and social justice through community-engaged research, education, and service. Our focus spans the translational continuum within public health-we seek to understand and change the systemic, structural, social, and behavioral factors that affect health to promote optimal well-being for all.

The mission of the OPT for Health Lab (Director, LaRose) is to promote health and well-being for underserved populations. We partner with individuals and communities to conduct cutting-edge research to prevent and manage obesity and related medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Chief Purpose of this position: The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the LaRose Lab (i.e., OPT for Health Lab) at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for a non-tenure track assistant professor position. We are seeking an innovative, energetic and collaborative candidate with expertise at the intersection of behavioral clinical trials and cancer prevention and control. The faculty member will assume a leadership position within the OPT for Health Lab, working closely with Dr. Jessica LaRose in strategic planning and development of the lab's future research portfolio and impact, as well as assisting with the management of ongoing trials. Additionally, the faculty member will develop an independent program of research and engage in collaborative research across VCU to advance the mission and overall impact of the lab.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Teaching
Teaching responsibilities are limited to working with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the LaRose Lab (OPT for Health).

Research
The faculty will engage in interdisciplinary research collaborations in support of the core mission of the SBS Department and the OPT for Health Lab. This will include but is not limited to: assisting Dr. LaRose in the management and oversight of ongoing trials, peer-reviewed publications, submission of extramural grant proposals, and community engagement activities. In addition, the faculty member will maintain active involvement in relevant national or international organizations and bodies and work to build their independent program of research.

Service
Faculty will serve on Departmental, School, and/or University committees as necessary, as well as in a professional capacity in their field (e.g., reviewer, conference organizer, etc.)
Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Clinical, Counseling or Health Psychology, or an equivalent terminal degree
• Research and clinical experience in cancer prevention and control
• Proven record of peer-reviewed publications in the area of obesity and cancer
• Experience in the conduct of behavioral clinical trials
• Knowledge in all areas of trial management including design, regulatory, participant recruitment and retention, and overseeing intervention implementation in both academic and community settings
• Experience in working with a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive environment for team members and trial participants
• Exceptional critical thinking and communication skills
• Applicants should be committed to research excellence, have the potential for establishing collaborations across the University, developing a multidisciplinary, independent research program and securing external grant funding.
• Experiential learning through lived experiences and/or professional service that inform worldviews and/or perspectives about minority group status, to include race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, and disability

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral research training experience is strongly preferred
• Current or history of collaborative and / or PI grant funding strongly preferred
• Licensed (or license eligible) clinical psychologist strongly preferred
• Experience in trainee mentorship is preferred

Restricted: Yes