Duties

This position is located in Psychiatry Service, Substance Use Disorders Clinic, Northport VA Medical Center. The Psychiatrist will provide comprehensive psychiatric care consisting of assessment and evaluation, diagnosis, development, and coordination of aftercare services. The Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center is always improving the health of the men and women who have proudly served our nation and mental health plays a critical role.

• Coordinates the development of multidisciplinary treatment plan.
• Plans and implements discharge planning for patients.
• Performs clinical functions appropriate to credentials, training and experience.
• Consultation with other physicians and physicians' assistants or nurse practitioners, assesses the medical condition of the patient in the context of his/her psychiatric condition.
• Addresses the unique characteristics and issues about the young adult (18-39), middle adult (40-64), older adult (65-80) and geriatric (80+) patients, taking into consideration cognitive deficits and emotional and behavioral reactions to stressful life events such as ill health, economic problems, and the loss of significant others. In addition, demonstrates an awareness of the physical, social, economic and environmental challenges of those who suffer from chemical dependency.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday- 8am-4:30pm

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from one of the schools approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the year in which the course of study was completed.
• Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
• Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification. (NOTE: VA physicians involved in academic training programs may be required to be board certified for faculty status.) Approved residencies are: (1) Those approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), b) OR
  [(2) Those approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA),OR
  (3) Other residencies (non-US residency training programs followed by a minimum of five years of verified practice in the United States), which the local Medical Staff Executive Committee deems to have provided the applicant with appropriate professional training and believes has exposed the physician to an appropriate range of patient care experiences.
  Residents currently enrolled in ACGME/AOA accredited residency training programs and who would otherwise meet the basic requirements for appointment are eligible to be appointed as "Physician Resident Providers" (PRPs). PRPs must be fully licensed physicians (i.e., not a training license) and may only be appointed on an intermittent or fee-basis. PRPs are not considered independent practitioners and will not be privileged; rather, they are to have a "scope of practice" that allows them to perform certain restricted duties under supervision. Additionally, surgery residents in gap years may also be appointed as PRPs.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Additional Requirement: ABPN Board Certified/ Eligible in Psychiatry.

Preferred Experience: Substance abuse training/experience and DEA X-waiver

Full Job Description

HIRING FOR PART-TIME: LICENSED CLINICIANS WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE EXPERIENCE IN DIFFERENT STATES.

If you are a Master's-level, fully licensed Mental Health Counselor with Substance Use Disorder, Substance Abuse, or Addiction Counseling experience please read on and APPLY HERE!

Experience and Qualifications

• A minimum of two (2) years post-graduate relevant supervised clinical experience in the field of substance use disorder treatment is required.
• Experience with assessment, diagnosis, crisis intervention, individual and group psychotherapy/psychoeducation, and individualized treatment planning for adults with substance use disorders.
• Experience assessing, diagnosing, and treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions is preferred.
• Must be familiar with DSM-V as a means of diagnosis.

Education

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, or other field related to behavioral health. Please Note: in accordance with our compliance requirements, all Lionrock counselors must have obtained their Master’s degree prior to obtaining state licensure.

Licensure

• License to practice independently without supervision in the state of licensure. MUST Hold an LCSW, LMFT, LMHC, LPC, or similar type of state licensure.

Competencies

• Ability to accurately assess, diagnose and create individualized treatment plans for an adult SUD population.
• Deliver treatment to an adult substance abuse disordered (SUD) population utilizing Evidence-Based SUD Practices.
• Ability to conduct individual and group psychotherapy sessions using evidence-based SUD practices.
• Ability to deliver psychoeducational materials in a group setting that relate to overall health, mental health, and recovery from substance use disorders.
• Familiarity with medical and pharmacological resources
• Ability to deliver culturally appropriate treatment strategies that demonstrate an understanding of diversity and utilize the client’s resources.
• Knowledge of regulations for documentation and the ability to write comprehensive, accurate, and concise notes that record clients’ progress towards treatment goals.
• Demonstrate the professional maturity and ethical integrity necessary for assuming professional responsibilities and working independently in a web-based treatment program.
• Demonstrate commitment to quality of service, teamwork, and participation in a web-based treatment program.
• Ability to complete multiple tasks/objectives in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of social service agencies, state regulations, and professional standards as they relate to client treatment, patient rights, and client/patient confidentiality.
• Responds to and appropriately handles crises to ensure client safety

Duties

The Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP) social worker (LCSW) assumes responsibility for the provision of substance abuse outpatient services to veterans. The SATP social worker interviews patients and significant others and completes psychosocial assessments. The assessment will include data pertinent to the development of an effective treatment plan as stipulated in JCAHO's standards.

The social worker will serve as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team. In addition, the social worker will provide direct care and treatment where indicated and as such, function as a treatment team member.

The social worker must have a generic understanding of psychodynamics and use a wide range of treatment modalities, including crisis intervention, individual case work, group work, patient education, confrontation, supportive therapy, discharge planning, knowledge of aftercare treatment resources, etc. The treatment modality shall be consistent with the needs, as well as, goals and objectives of each case. Individuals shall be involved with and participate in formulating and implementing their own rehabilitation efforts insofar as they are capable.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Telework: Adhoc Telework only as needed.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS.

a. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States.

b. Education. Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work.

c. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/.

HIRING ONE COUNSELOR. DTR is seeking motivated, detail oriented, self-starter to provide Substance Abuse Counselor to join our team. This position is for a male Substance Abuse Counselor who will provide random UA/BA observed urine/breath testing. SA Counselor will provide substance abuse individual and group counseling for the federal government contracts. The position entails providing counseling services to defendants/offenders who need Substance Abuse Outpatient Treatment through local Federal Probation/Pretrial agencies. Counselors must possess a VALID Substance Abuse Certification in order to be considered for this position.

Job duties would include but not limited to the following:

• Provide random UA/BA observed urine/breath testing
• Mailing of UA samples daily via US Postal Service
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and other Microsoft Applications
• Conduct Individual one (1) hour sessions as authorized
• Conduct Group 1 1/2 hour sessions as authorized
• Communicate on a regular basis with United States Pretrial/Probation Officers regarding client recommendations, concerns, and/or status updates.
• Utilize computer applications to complete counseling notes
• Develop treatment plans for clients in counseling services.
• Complete intake ASI assessment when authorized
• Complete Discharge Summaries

The ability to sit at a desk, use a keyboard, write, and physically perform other job duties. Specific qualifications may vary based on the designated assignment.

Job Type: Full-time

Experience: Substance Abuse Counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

Education: High school or equivalent (Preferred)

License: State of California Substance Abuse Certification

Adult Outpatient PHP/IOP Substance Use Disorder Therapist:

The Outpatient Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are group based therapy programs. Cottonwood Springs is a therapeutic and recovery-focused program offered as a day program or an evening program to support adults who must maintain their work, school, or family schedule. We offer supervised, medication management, on-site therapy along with Solution-Focused Therapy and Mindfulness Training to our patients. We are seeking a Masters level licensed Substance Use Disorder Professional (LCAC, LMAC) Candidates must also possess a Master's level Mental Health license in the state of Kansas (LPC, LCPC, LMSW, LMFT or equivalent). 

Position Details

• Responsible for providing counseling therapies including group, individual and family therapy for patients suffering from substance use disorder
• Works with multi-disciplinary team to develop individualized plan of care.
• Ensure accurate and timely patient documentation

Job Type: Full-time

Education:

• Master's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Substance Use Disorder License in Kansas (Preferred)
• Masters Level Mental Health License (Required)

SUMMARY OF POSITION:  Position is responsible for:

• Administration of the Peaceful Spirit division of SoCoCAA
• Assuring that Peaceful Spirit delivers quality care that is in compliance with the requirements of the Colorado Department of Health, Office of Behavioral Health as well as other regulations and applicable laws
• Delivery of clinical services, which include intake for services, evaluations and recommendations, individual and group counseling, State sanctioned impaired driving programs
• Management of clinical programming
• Supervision and support of personnel
• Facility management

Experience Required

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Work references will be required CREDENTIALS * Licensed Addiction Counselor credentials; will consider Certified Addiction Specialist, with experience. * Must have, or obtain within 45 days of hire, a current CPR and 1st aid card. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE * At least five years of experience in administration of human service programs; minimum of two years must have been in administration of a treatment or counseling program. * Experience working with minimum supervision and high levels of responsibility in highly stressful situations. * At least two years of supervisory experience with planning, organizing and directing the work of others * Experience with program evaluation strategies and formal program evaluation * Experience with third party payment systems.

The Counselor is a full-time, exempt position of Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) which must agree with and abide by our Statement of Faith and Ministry Principles. 

Responsibilities:

• Provide mental health evaluations for: Mental illnesses and at-risk behaviors which include: sexual disorders, suicide and violent behaviors.
• Provide one-on-one evidenced based counseling services for program residents and graduates of one year or less.
• Possess a basic understanding of addictive behavior (psychologically, spiritually, and emotionally) and related social issues.
• Provide referral and professional support while acting as a liaison between area mental health agencies and residents or recent graduates suffering from major mental illness or who could benefit from psychotropic medications and/or outside psychotherapy.
• Develop, maintain, facilitate, and support the structural format and goals of group therapy as conducted by self and staff members and interns of the counseling department.
• Lead weekly Devotions, groups and psychoeducation or life skills classes as assigned.
• Conduct and thorough bio/psych/soc and spiritual evaluation within the established guidelines through interviewing, record review and other appropriate methods. 
• Recommend the necessary level of intervention by evaluating participant data.
• Develop and regularly modify treatment/service plans for participants with the care team and implement as directed. 

Experience Required

- Possession of at least an M.A. in counseling or comparable degree in a related field. -Preferable: LPC, LCSW, LMFT, LAC or CAC Previous related experience.

Job Summary:

The School of Social Work, in the College of Professional Programs at Eastern Washington University, invites applications for a Tenure-track Assistant Professor to support the Addiction Studies program to begin mid-September 2022.

Summary of Responsibilities: 

Teaching core courses in the undergraduate Addiction Studies program, as well as some graduate teaching in the Master's programs, some student advising, research and service, maintaining an active research and scholarship agenda, and engaging in service to the school, college, university, and community. Normal teaching load includes 36 quarter credits per academic year with a nine-month appointment. Supplemental summer appointments in teaching may also be available.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or Doctorate in Addiction, Psychology, Social Work or a closely related discipline (must be conferred by the start of employment);

• A minimum of one-year direct addiction, social work, marriage and family, or mental health practice experience.

• Demonstrated potential for excellence in teaching;

• Interest and/or experience in online learning;

• Competent with and experienced using, database, email, and other forms of instruction technology;

• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage in scholarship;

• A high degree of interest in human and cultural diversity, social justice and experiential and community- based education. Demonstrated ability to apply a culturally responsive and flexible approach that is supportive to diverse needs, including universal accessibility, of our students, faculty, staff, and the public.

• Certified as a Substance Use Disorder Professional, begin the process of getting certified, or willing to apply to the Department of Health as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee with the intent of completing the requirements and becoming a Substance Use Disorder Professional in the time frame required by the state.

This position requires being a Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor (CADC), with not less than one-year supervised experience in AD counseling.  This position works under a State funded program.  They are to be knowledgeable in the prevention framework and strategies. They are to develop the prevention plan and coordinate all objectives assigned within the A/D service program.  This position also requires teamwork and collaboration with the Tribal programs, Tribal community and Local community to develop and execute alcohol and drug prevention programs.

Experience Required

CACD1 certification and not less than one year of relevant experience in alcohol and drug prevention work, or any satisfactory combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge abilities and skills listed below. Must have QMHA Certification or able to acquire within the first six months of employment. Knowledge of the principles of substance abuse prevention, coalition building, planning, community development, systems development, program evaluation and community organization. Must be a team player working within the Social Services and Prevention Programs to collaborate and offer outreach and prevention opportunities. Conduct literature and resource reviews to identify evidence-based programs, procedures and best practices including Tribal Best Practices. Trainings as required by Social Service Director. Other job duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION Be proficient in skills relating to community partnering, facilitation, convening, network building, resource development, managing performance measurement systems, leadership, public speaking skills and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing with a wide variety of people. Gathering, assembling, analyzing and disbursing data for system planning and development. Monitoring fiscal record keeping and overseeing contracts for compliance.

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) is seeking to appoint an experienced Policy and Public Affairs Officer who is educated to degree level, ideally with a relevant postgraduate qualification, with demonstrable knowledge of public health issues.

The Role

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will help guide SHAAP advocacy activities through identifying and analysing relevant policy, providing advice and developing evidence-based positions, carrying out research, monitoring media and policy activity, responding to consultations, organising events and providing administrative support.

Based at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and representing the Medical Royal Colleges in Scotland and the Faculty of Public Health in Scotland, SHAAP provides a co-ordinated, coherent and authoritative clinical voice on the need to reduce the impact of alcohol related harm on the health and wellbeing of people in Scotland, and how to do this.  SHAAP aims to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol-related health problems with health practitioners, policy makers and the public, reviewing research and recommending evidence-based policies and practices.  We work in close collaboration with key organisations in the alcohol field in Scotland, the rest of the UK and worldwide.

The Person

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will be an excellent communicator with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority, with the ability to self-manage and prioritise in a dynamic context and within a small team. They must have the ability to advise on and communicate SHAAP policy positions, with experience of researching and drafting briefings, and/or policy papers and/or consultation responses. They must also be able to represent SHAAP at internal and external meetings, seminars and conferences.

Please refer to the Job Description for the role and person full details.

Remuneration Package

The salary for this role will be £31,643 per annum plus benefits.  Additional benefits include:

• Pension: with employer contributions of 9%.
• Holidays: 23 days annual leave (with incremental increase over five years to 28 days) and 11 days public holiday/College close downs.
• Life assurance scheme.
• Long-term income protection scheme for those unable to work due to illness.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted rates for use of the venue for personal events. 

The UCLA Laboratory of Molecular Neuroimaging has postdoctoral positions available for involvement in NIH- and foundation-funded multimodality magnetic resonance imaging (structural MRI, fMRI, MRS) and PET research projects in substance use disorders. The research includes studies of recruited healthy control participants and patient populations (Tobacco, Stimulant and Opioid Use Disorders) and large datasets to evaluate neural bases of behavioural deficits and effects of interventions, including behavioural, brain-stimulation and pharmacological treatments. This work is performed in the context of UCLA’s state-of-the-art neuroimaging centres - Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Brain Mapping Center - with exciting opportunities for bidirectional research translation with basic science laboratories and clinical research programs across the university. All candidates must have relevant neuroimaging research experience (see below) with related references. Postdoctoral candidates must have a PhD or MD in a relevant research field. 

Interested applicants should have hands-on experience in brain imaging data acquisition and technical experience with analysis of neuroimaging data (e.g., fMRI, structural MRI, MRS, PET). Experience in both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches is preferred and in diverse neuroimaging software environments (e.g., FSL, SPM, Freesurfer, nilearn, NiPype). Proficiency in programming (i.e., Matlab, Python, Unix/Linux shell, and/or other languages).

King's College London is looking for an enthusiastic post-doctoral Research Associate for an exciting project that seeks to better understand

(1) exposure to public health messaging around e-cigarettes in England, Canada and the US;

(2) content of online e-cigarette marketing among retailers in the UK and;

(3) the appeal and harm perceptions of e-cigarette packaging, including the potential impact of standardised packaging of e-cigarettes.

This project is funded by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and is a joint collaboration between King’s College London and the University of Waterloo (Canada). 

The postholder will carry out data analyses and prepare relevant papers for publication. The postholder will also be actively involved in disseminating research findings via conferences. The postholder will also work in collaboration with the internal research team and external collaborators to help deliver the Work Packages pertaining to the project.  

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 15 months 

This is a full-time  post, but part-time can also be considered.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes) US $74,913.00 + post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 49.6% of the above figure(s).  This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

Grade: P4

Contractual Arrangement: Fixed-term appointment

Contract Duration (Years, Months, Days): Two years, first-year probationary period

Job Posting: Oct 26, 2021, 8:41:52 AM

Closing Date: Nov 16, 2021, 5:59:00 PM

Primary Location: United States-Washington, D.C.

Organization: Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health

Schedule: Full-time

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH) Department promotes, coordinates, and implements technical cooperation activities, directed at the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and related risk factors, mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders and disabilities, promotion of optimal nutrition and road safety, and prevention of violence, that are evidence-based and appropriate for the political and sociocultural context in which they are implemented.  It raises political and public awareness and understanding of the burden of the most common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders, related risk factors and conditions and leads multi-sector and multi-stakeholder strategic and collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening Member States' capacity to promote and protect health through public policies, programs, and services. This will reduce risks and disease burden and contribute to improving the physical, mental, and social well-being of the population.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief of Risk Factors and Nutrition (NMH/RF) and in close collaboration with other tobacco control advisors, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to the following assigned duties:

1. Provide direct technical support to Member States, Territories and Associate Members, in the development of policies, programs and interventions on tobacco control, in accordance with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), its guidelines and Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products;  
2. Provide technical advice and support to Member States in the ratification of the WHO FCTC and of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade on Tobacco Products;
3. Coordinate and collaborate with WHO and partners in the monitoring of tobacco control interventions at country level and the design and implementation of evaluations to assess the impact of policies and programs on tobacco control;
4. Provide technical advice and collaborate in monitoring and counteracting the tobacco industry’s efforts to interfere with tobacco control policies;
5. Develop and strengthen the dialogue, interaction and actions with other governmental sectors, United Nations (UN) agencies, academia, civil society and appropriate private industry in order to foster a social basis for fulfillment of national commitments on tobacco control;
6. Promote and provide technical cooperation on the incorporation of indicators on tobacco control for youth and adults disaggregated by sex and age, in the national health surveillance systems; provide models and support countries in the uses of data for decision-making, perform situation and trend analyses;
7. Review, update and analyze data to integrate relevant technical facts, consolidate and disseminate technical and scientific information related to tobacco control throughout the Organization and at country level; identify research priorities and promote epidemiological, behavioral and management studies in this area;
8. Collaborate in mobilizing resources to support the advance on the agenda on tobacco control; stimulate the mobilization of national and international resources to support regional and country efforts in these areas; mobilize international and national political, technical and financial resources and extra-budgetary funds in support of national and regional programs;
9. Expand and manage the networks of experts, collaborating centers, international NGOs and inter-country cooperation strategies to develop and implement interdisciplinary training research and program development;
10. Provide technical cooperation to Member States for the implementation of the Regional Plan of Action emphasizing activities under the associated area of work and strategic objectives; promote greater effectiveness of program activities and appropriate resource utilization; collect and consolidate regional information to respond to WHO’s requests for information;
11. Represent the Organization at national and regional technical meetings and in inter-agency consultations on areas of responsibility;
12. Contribute to the development, definition and establishment of the objectives, strategies, plans and budgets related to tobacco control; formulate and recommend policies, plans, strategies, and budgets, in support of the Governing Bodies’ mandates related to work in these areas; report to Governing Bodies, through executive presentations and reports, on the status or results of relevant activities;
13. Participate in and facilitate team-based project development and execution of the program of work and the preparation of the biennial work plan (BWP) and related budgets, work plans, progress reports, periodic analytical reports to donors, and briefing books;
14. When called upon to directly supervise staff, establish clear work objectives, conduct timely and effective performance appraisals, provide coaching and feedback, and support staff development opportunities;
15. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A university degree in health, social sciences, or international relations and a master’s degree in public health, health diplomacy, global health, public policy or related field from a recognized university.

Desirable: A Ph.D. in a public health would be an asset.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position.  WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in the development, design and implementation of tobacco control strategies.

Desirable: Demonstrated experience in managing tobacco control programs in countries of the Americas would be an asset.

The University of Bristol is seeking a Research Associate to work within the Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group (http://www.bris.ac.uk/expsych/research/brain/targ/), in the School of Psychological Science at the University of Bristol and in collaboration with two industry partners (Cambridge Cognition and Monument Therapeutics).

The role involves the completion of two laboratory-based challenge studies (alcohol and 7.5% carbon dioxide inhalation) that test new cognitive assessments. The post-holder will be responsible for the set-up and day-to-day management of these studies and will contribute to data analysis and dissemination of results.

Applicants should have a degree (or equivalent research experience) in psychology, behavioural science or a related discipline and experience of conducting laboratory or field studies. Experience of conducting human challenge studies, particularly with alcohol or 7.5% carbon dioxide inhalation, or studies involving cognitive testing is desirable but not essential.

The University of Maryland Department of Psychiatry has an exciting opportunity for a Clinical Research Assistant.  The Clinical Research Assistant is responsible for assisting with the performance of research projects in a clinical setting, including recruitment of potential study subjects and collection and organization of data. 

This position will report to the Division of Addiction Research and Treatment.

The Project:

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership.

Cannabis is used by approximately 200 million people worldwide. This number is set to increase further as it becomes available as a legal drug in the USA, Canada and beyond. Despite its widespread use, consumers have limited information on the contents of what they are using, and no guidance on safer use limits.

This contrasts with alcohol, where drinks are labelled with the number of standard units (one unit = 8g alcohol). Furthermore, public health guidance is available to help people use alcohol more safely. This includes the recommendation not to exceed 14 units per week for men or women. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/calculating-alcohol-units/ 

In this PhD you will investigate whether we can develop standard units for cannabis as we have for alcohol. You will build on recent work conducted at the University of Bath and Australian Catholic University defining the ‘standard THC unit’: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.14842 

In 2021 the standard THC unit was endorsed by the US National Institute of Drug Abuse, the College on Problems of Drug Dependence, and the American Psychological Association, demonstrating international support for the initiative.

During this PhD, you will develop this work further by investigating the real-world application of the standard THC unit, and what the potential benefits or harms might be for individuals and society. You will have the opportunity to shape the scope of this work according to your own interests and training goals (e.g. focusing on mental health, addiction, physical health, social or economic outcomes). You will be supported in developing your programme of research to strengthen your independence and leadership skills.

Topic: Effects of cannabis on the adolescent brain and epigenetic aging

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the GW4 BioMed2 MRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) which is offering up to 20 studentships for entry in October 2022.

Cannabis is used by approximately 200 million people worldwide. This number is set to increase as cannabis is legalised in the USA, Canada and beyond. One of the key public health concerns arising from this is the potential adverse impact of cannabis use on the developing brain.

Advances in our understanding of the endocannabinoid system show that it plays a key role in adolescent neurodevelopment. Cannabinoid receptors are abundantly expressed in brain regions which change rapidly during adolescence and are highly interconnected with white matter fibers. Because cannabis acts on cannabinoid receptors, adolescence could mark a crucial developmental window of heightened vulnerability to the effects of cannabis.

This studentship will provide exclusive access to data from a major MRC-funded project: “How does cannabis use affect teenagers’ brains, cognitive functions and psychological wellbeing? (cannTEEN)”, registered on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/2sbx3/. You will work with an unprecedented dataset including a suite of neuroimaging, genetic, clinical, cognitive, and biological marker data, supervised by international experts in cannabinoid psychopharmacology, neuroimaging and epigenetics. You will benefit from access to world-leading training and facilities across GW4, and you will be supported in developing the project according to your own interests and recent advances in the field to develop your independence and leadership skills.

The cannTEEN study consists of four groups (adolescent cannabis users, adolescent controls, adult cannabis users, adult controls) followed up every three months for one year. You will have the opportunity to address the following research questions:

Are adolescents more vulnerable to the effects of cannabis use than adults on (i) brain structure (ii), white matter microstructure, (iii) brain aging, (iv) epigenetic aging? Furthermore, are these changes associated with clinical symptoms of mental health and addiction, biological markers of cannabis use, and changes in the endocannabinoid system?

This studentship will be the first longitudinal study to directly compare how adolescents and adults differ in response to cannabis use on the brain and aging, with the potential to inform policy (e.g. minimum age restrictions for cannabis sales).

The University of Auckland is seeking to appoint an internationally renowned and connected scholar with a commitment to having a positive impact in the New Zealand community, to the endowed Hugh Green Foundation Chair in Addiction Research. The successful individual will have a proven academic record in addiction research and will assume a leading role in New Zealand and internationally through high-profile research into the causes, management and/or treatment of alcohol, drug dependence and other addictive behaviours.

The Chair will lead as Director, Centre for Addiction Research (CFAR). The centre was established in 2012 to bring together researchers committed to the field of addiction research and to disseminating research findings within and beyond the academic community to inform policy, practice and debate in the prevention and treatment of addiction. Working closely with treatment providers, the multi-disciplinary approach of CFAR (from molecular to societal research) brings a unique and practical perspective.

The candidate will demonstrate a collaborative, inclusive, leadership style, role-modelling cultural sensitivity and commitment to equity. Those not already familiar with our cultural context will demonstrate their commitment to developing their understanding of Māori and Pacific development, te Tiriti o Waitangi and our place in the Pacific. Interpersonal strengths including excellent communication, ability to lead strategically, advocate and influence will be appreciated.

We welcome applications from internationally recognised academics with a significant record of peer-reviewed addiction research and research income generation, commitment to innovative teaching, curriculum development, digital pedagogies and postgraduate supervision. Experience in developing and mentoring junior academics, creating a positive and supportive collaborative environment in which they will thrive.

Apply now to join the alcohol change UK team as the new Director of Research and Public Affairs.

As the Director of Research and Public Affairs you lead a team working across the full range of research work (including commissioning, grant- making and in-house research) and public affairs work (including policy analysis, advocacy work and mobilising our activists). You also contribute to the charity’s strategies, leadership and governance as a member of the Executive Team. Ultimately, your role is to generate new knowledge; and communicate knowledge, ideas and emotions to change hearts and minds, creating tangible reductions in alcohol harm across the UK.