Title of the Position: Postdoctoral Associate
Department and School: Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine & VA NORSE Study
Anticipated Appointment Dates: July 1st, 2025 (1-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal)
Email/Website: https://medicine.yale.edu/neurology/divisions/epilepsy/
Introduction of School/Department:
The Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, within the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine, is internationally recognized for its excellence in epilepsy research, clinical care, and education. Our mission is to advance understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of epilepsy and status epilepticus through interdisciplinary collaboration across departments, including Neuroscience, Immunology, Neurosurgery, Psychology, Psychiatry, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science. The Yale and VA NORSE study is a multicenter initiative focusing on New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE), including its subtype of FIRES (Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome), integrating biospecimen collection, patient outcomes analysis, and translational research. This unique collaboration between Yale and the VA provides a dynamic research environment with access to a broad patient population.
Overview of the Position:
The Postdoctoral Associate will dedicate 70% effort to the VA NORSE clinical research study under the supervision of Dr. Margaret Gopaul and 30% effort to the Yale NORSE study under the supervision of Dr. Lawrence Hirsch; Drs. Hirsch and Gopaul will be closely involved with both studies. The postdoc will play a key role in the NORSE multicenter study and biobank, focusing on patient recruitment, data collection, biospecimen handling, protocol adherence, data analysis, preparation of presentations and manuscripts, and multicenter collaborative research efforts.
- Education: The postdoctoral associate will gain direct experience in clinical research coordination, including epilepsy-focused data analysis, patient care procedures, and regulatory compliance. The role provides valuable training in neurophysiology, epilepsy, neurocritical care, status epilepticus, neuroimmunology, and biomarker research, aligning with advanced medical and neuroscience training programs.
- Training: The postdoc will receive hands-on training in epilepsy research, including:
- Patient recruitment and consenting following IRB-approved protocols.
- Clinical data collection and registry management, ensuring high data accuracy.
- Biospecimen processing and shipping across VA research sites.
- IRB and regulatory compliance procedures, including protocol adherence and reporting.
- Data analysis using specialized research tools, supporting and preparing scientific presentations and publications.
- Participation in epilepsy conferences and symposiums to gain exposure to the latest research and clinical advancements.
- Patient-centered outcome assessment and research.
- Mentoring: The postdoctoral associate will receive regular mentorship from Drs. Gopaul and Hirsch, including:
- Weekly one-on-one meetings with faculty mentors to discuss research progress.
- Participation in lab meetings and journal clubs to enhance knowledge in epilepsy and neurophysiology.
- Opportunities for presentations at local, regional, and national meetings, manuscript writing, grant preparation, and professional development.
Qualifications:
- MD, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent degree.
- Background in research experience required. Mentoring and courses are provided as needed for principles of experimental design, problem-solving, writing, and data analysis.
- Prior experience in a medical setting or lab is required.
- Excellent writing skills and verbal communication skills are mandatory.
- Experience with database software is preferred, especially REDCap.
- Prior experience in a clinical setting is preferred, with the ability to multitask research coordination, liaise with academic and external sites/collaborators, review medical charts, manage regulatory affairs, and oversee project execution.
- U.S. citizenship is required, as per VA credentialing requirements.
The selected candidate will be the primary study coordinator for the Yale/VA NORSE study and the NORSE/FIRES Biorepository. There are ample opportunities for attending educational conferences in the Department of Neurology and the Epilepsy Center and for shadowing attending physicians in the clinic and on hospital rounds.
Process to Apply:
- Deadline: Rolling basis until the position is filled.
- Required Documents:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- One-page description of research interests
- Three references and contact information
- Submission: Applications should be sent to Margaret.gopaul@yale.edu and lawrence.hirsch@yale.edu