The Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN²), established in 2023, was created to advance the understanding of cannabis and its derivatives, often referred to as cannabinoids. This innovative Center is a hub for groundbreaking research, dissemination of information, and education in the field of cannabis and cannabinoid science. Our mission is to conduct comprehensive research on the risks and potential therapeutic applications of cannabis and cannabinoids, and to inform public policy based on our findings.
At YC-SCAN², we focus on thorough scientific research and strive to find science-based answers to critical questions concerning the risks and potential medical benefits associated with cannabis and its derivatives. We are also dedicated to translating the knowledge we gain into helpful, practical applications that could enhance patient care and inform public policy.
The Center supports pilot projects from Yale-affiliated researchers, aiming to bridge the gap between basic and clinical research. These projects form the foundation for larger funding applications to NIH and other agencies. YC-SCAN² also encourages multidisciplinary studies into the effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, combining molecular neuroscience, genetics, electroencephalography, imaging, and psychopharmacology. We are deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians to carry forward this important work in the emerging field of cannabis science.
Overview of the Position:
The Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN²), is seeking applicants for a paid, postdoctoral associate. The position involves helping coordinate clinical trials and research studies exploring innovative therapies for cannabis related studies, including THC and DMT. Additionally, the position offers opportunities to work on brain imaging studies aimed at understanding the neural basis of cannabis and cannabinoids dependency.
YC-SCAN² is currently conducting several NIH-funding studies for THC Genetics and Aging as well as community implementation research. The postdoctoral associate would join a dynamic team of faculty, research scientists, and students committed to advancing the understanding of cannabis and mental health through research.
Successful applicants will gain valuable experience working with clinical populations, including administering psychiatric rating scales. Comprehensive training will be provided, covering all aspects of clinical research—from participant recruitment and clinical screening to data capture, analysis, and interpretation of study findings.
Training/Mentoring/Education
The postdoctoral associate will work directly with Principal Investigators within the Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (YC-SCAN²), including Dr. Deepak D’Souza. This is a salaried, academic position focused on training in human subjects research within Psychiatry, with a specific focus on cannabis. The postdoctoral associate will receive hands-on experience in all aspects of clinical research in a psychiatric setting, including clinical screening, recruitment of study participants, capture and processing of study data, interpretation and dissemination of findings. They will actively participate in weekly study meetings and the weekly YC-SCAN², Rounds – a forum where the lab discusses ongoing studies and hosts an educational series featuring presentations from internal and external speakers on the latest developments in the field.
Location: West Haven VA Medical Center, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516
Qualifications:
Postdoctoral positions are open to those with previous research backgrounds acquired during PhD or MD education. An ideal candidate would have an interest in psychiatry and/or related mental-health research. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required for data entry, processing, and quality control assessment.
Process to Apply:
Interested applicants can send a cover letter, CV, and at least two references to Wendy Agudo at wendy.agudo@yale.edu Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
