Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Psychedelic Science at Johns Hopkins

The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is announcing a postdoctoral research fellowship opportunity in psychedelic science. Our department, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, was ranked #1 in the nation according to the 2021-2022 U.S. News and World Report. Our center, The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research (CPCR), is the largest and most productive laboratory focused on the scientific study of psychedelics in the world.

Working with faculty at the CPCR including Dr. Albert Garcia-Romeu, Dr. Natalie Gukasyan, and Dr. Sandeep Nayak, the postdoctoral fellow will help to lead and launch ongoing research around: 1) the therapeutic impact of psilocybin on mental disorders and other health conditions, and 2) the subjective and behavioral effects of psychedelic substances. In particular, the candidate should be eager to take a leadership position in conducting a clinical trial using psilocybin.

The CPCR is housed within the Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, a collaborative research institute studying substances of abuse, which has a decades-long track record of helping fellows to establish successful careers as independent investigators. Dr. Garcia-Romeu has extensive experience with clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapy for substance use disorders and other health conditions including Alzheimer’s disease and post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. Dr. Gukasyan has focused on psilocybin-assisted therapies for complex patient populations including patients with anorexia nervosa, mood disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Nayak’s work has focused in the area of psychedelic-assisted therapies for substance use disorders, and the effects of psychedelics on belief change. Under mentorship from these and other faculty at the CPCR, the candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to clinical research on primary subjective and behavioral effects of psychedelics, in addition to emerging questions of psychological interest related to self-reported spiritual, existential, and ethical dimensions of psychedelic experiences.

Eligibility: Applicants must have completed their doctoral training in psychology, psychiatry, psychopharmacology, or a related discipline. Experience with running experimental studies strongly preferred. Clinical licensure or eligibility for licensure in the state of Maryland is preferred. Outstanding trainees are selected based on scientific and scholarly promise, productivity, and commitment to a career in scientific research. Individuals must be motivated, cooperative, organized, and have a desire to learn and expand their expertise.

Appointment: 2-3 years

Benefits: Stipend supported by The Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research

To apply: Send a brief cover letter, curriculum vitae, and statement of research interests to: Dr. Natalie Gukasyan (gukasyan@jhmi.edu) Letters of recommendation required at later stages of the application process.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is especially interested in identifying those who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community. Applicants are encouraged to include in their cover letter information about how they may further these goals. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category legally protected by candidates federal or state law. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine encourages applications from all individuals who will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the institution.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.