Dr. Alex P. Miller, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Indiana University School of Medicine, is currently seeking applications from highly motivated candidates for a research postdoctoral fellowship. The full-time research position will primarily focus on the study of genetic and neurobiological influences on the progression of substance use, substance use disorders, and related traits and disorders across the lifespan with a particular focus on the developmental span extending from childhood through young adulthood.
Ongoing projects in Dr. Miller’s lab include:
- utilizing integrative data analysis to harmonize phenotypic data across a number of large, genetically-informed longitudinal study samples with the goal of characterizing the longitudinal interplay between impulsive personality traits and alcohol involvement from childhood to middle adulthood and their relation to genetic and neurobiological sources of vulnerability;
- evaluating genetic influences on substance use and related traits and disorders in a pediatric and young adult sample of participants from the Indiana Biobank; and
- continued collaborations in large-scale genomic analyses as part of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Substance Use Disorders Working Group and related research with other faculty in the Departments of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Biostatistics and Health Data Science, and Medical and Molecular Genetics.
Candidates with interests spanning statistical genetics, neuroimaging data analysis and developmental neuroscience, and the study of etiological heterogeneity in the developmental progression of substance use and substance use disorders are encouraged to apply. Candidates with interests spanning statistical genetics, neuroimaging data analysis and developmental neuroscience, and the study of etiological heterogeneity in the developmental progression of substance use and substance use disorders are encouraged to apply.
The fellow will actively participate in the execution, data analysis, and dissemination of findings (manuscripts, presentations) from NIH studies and receive mentorship from faculty investigators toward the development of an independent program of research. Opportunities to become involved with other areas of work will arise during the position, including support for pursuing specific research questions and career development funding if those are areas of interest. Training will be provided in study design and statistical analysis, grant writing, and research ethics. Salary and benefits are commensurate with NIH rates based on training and years of experience.
This position will be supported for up to 2 years. Doctorate or terminal degree required.
Preferred:
- PhD in clinical or developmental psychology, neuroscience, biostatistics, bioinformatics, genetics, or another related field
- Strong quantitative and statistical background and related software and programming language proficiency (e.g., R, Python, Mplus, or similar)
- Familiarity with big data, Linux systems, and remote computing clusters
- Experience with genome-wide statistical genetics approaches (e.g., GWAS, genetic correlations, PGS) or longitudinal data analysis
- Excellent scientific writing, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, with a strong work ethic and outstanding organizational skills
To apply, please complete the online form (https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/31664) and submit your CV, cover letter/personal statement, and contact information for up to three references. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed until the spot is filled. For best consideration, please apply by February 15, 2026.
For additional questions please contact Dr. Miller (alexmill@iu.edu).