Neuropsychology Central

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH), Department of Psychology, seeks applicants for a 2-year, full-time combined clinical and research pediatric neuropsychology fellowship. Experiences are designed to meet INS-Division 40, Houston Conference and ABPP preparation guidelines. Percentage time devoted to clinical and research activities is negotiable; participation in research is a central component of training. Neuropsychological assessment (in- and out-patient), consultation and intervention in pediatric oncology, sickle cell disease and HIV/AIDS constitute the clinical experience. These clinical populations present with a wide-range of cognitive difficulties (related to primary diagnosis and/or treatment) including problems in the areas of attention, executive functioning, memory, visuospatial reasoning, sensory/motor functioning and psychosocial adjustment that afford fellows with broad-based training. Minor placements are available at neighboring hospitals for individuals interested in typical learning disability/ADHD, adult or forensic assessments. To foster a developmental lifespan perspective, training in adult and geriatric neuropsychology is integrated into the didactic curriculum. Research focus is on the cognitive sequelae of childhood cancer and sickle cell disease (birth through young adulthood). Current research opportunities exist in the areas of neurocognition, neuroimaging and cognitive interventions.

St. Jude is an internationally recognized leader in research for children with catastrophic illness, including cancer, sickle cell disease/stroke, HIV/AIDS and genetic disorders. For several consecutive years, St. Jude has been named as one of the top institutions in the Best Places to Work in Academia. Collaborations with neuro-oncology, hematology, diagnostic imaging, infectious disease, pain service, bone marrow transplant, school program, rehabilitation, speech, social work, child life and chaplain services are strong. Didactic opportunities include seminars in neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, medical psychology and clinical psychology; rounds in psychology, hematology, oncology and neuroradiology; multidisciplinary seminars; staff meetings; conferences; supervision and observation of biomedical and neuroimaging procedures.

The Department of Psychology includes: 8 faculty psychologists (2 neuropsychologists), 5 staff psychologists (1 neuropsychologist), 4-6 pediatric psychology fellows, 1-2 neuropsychology fellows, 10 clinical research associates and 3 psychological examiners. Research initiatives in the Department include: neurocognitive effects and cognitive remediation of childhood cancer and sickle cell disease; psychosocial and complementary interventions for distress reduction, coping and adaptive style, and health promotion in children with cancer, sickle cell disease and HIV/AIDs. The focus of research in the Department is on discovering mechanisms of brain damage and cognitive rehabilitation with the goal of better defining the neurobiological, cognitive and social consequences of childhood brain damage as well as evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological and behavioral interventions designed to improve patients’ quality of life. Details of research at SJCRH are available online at: www.stjude.org/sci-rpt.

Benefits are attractive, including 3 weeks vacation, 7 holidays, a generous professional development account, relocation assistance, paid leave to attend conferences, free on-campus gym and medical/dental/ vision coverage. The stipend is highly competitive and consistent with NIH fellowship guidelines. Start date is anticipated for September 2013. Completion of an APA/CPA-accredited doctoral program and internship is preferable. Candidates must have defended their dissertation prior to commencement of the fellowship.

Please send a statement of interest, CV, 2 sample neuropsychological reports, 3 letters of recommendation and graduate transcripts to Heather Conklin, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, MS #740, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-2794. Email inquiries to heather.conklin@stjude.org. All application materials should be received by January 15, 2013 to allow for scheduling of interviews at the meeting of the International Neuropsychological Society in Waikoloa, Hawaii, February 5-9, 2013. We will participate in the APPCN Resident Matching Program. Details can be obtained at http://www.appcn.org. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an equal opportunity employer.