Postdoctoral Fellow-MSH-13400-355

Description

Details of Research Project:

The Li Lab’s primary research goal is to enhance the detection, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) in ethnically diverse populations, with a particular emphasis on older Asian Americans. The lab aims to develop and refine culturally sensitive neuropsychological assessments and diagnostic tools to meet the unique needs of these groups. Ongoing research projects include:

• Standardizing neuropsychological assessments in multiple languages (English, Mandarin, and Cantonese) to facilitate dementia diagnosis across diverse cultural groups.
• Investigating cognitive and behavioral biomarkers of dementia in older Asian American populations, specifically focusing on identifying early signs of AD/ADRD.
• Examining cultural differences in the presentation of dementia symptoms and creating culturally adapted interventions.
• Exploring the roles of social and environmental factors in dementia risk and outcomes within Asian American communities and other underserved groups.

Responsibilities

Technical Duties: (include any protocols)

• Administer standardized neuropsychological tests in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, ensuring that testing protocols are followed accurately and consistently.
• Score and interpret neuropsychological test results, taking into account both cognitive and behavioral aspects of the assessments.
• Utilize specialized software and statistical programs (e.g., SPSS, R) to analyze research data and assist in generating reports on assessment findings.
• Prepare and maintain detailed and accurate clinical documentation and research records in accordance with ethical standards and institutional policies.
• Support the development and implementation of new assessment tools or protocols as part of research initiatives.
• Assist in managing and organizing research data, including data entry, data cleaning, and ensuring the integrity of the datasets for analysis. Coordinate the scheduling and logistics of clinical evaluations, working closely with research coordinators and participants.
• Participate in lab meetings, providing technical input on assessment methodology and sharing insights from ongoing research.

Qualifications

Educational and other Requirements for the position:

• A Ph.D. in Neuropsychology, Clinical Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field is required.
• Candidates must demonstrate strong proficiency in both Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese) and English, both orally and in writing, and should be able to conduct assessments and communicate effectively in both languages.
• A solid understanding of neuropsychological testing, dementia evaluation, and cognitive assessment is essential.
• We seek individuals committed to advancing research and clinical practice related to Alzheimer?s disease, dementia, and other neurocognitive disorders, particularly within ethnically diverse populations.
• Candidates should be able to clearly and effectively communicate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Flexibility to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team is important.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills are necessary to effectively balance clinical and research responsibilities.
• Additionally, there is a willingness to engage in ongoing professional development through training, seminars, and research activities.

Experience Required:

• A strong background in neuropsychology or clinical psychology, with an emphasis on dementia, aging, or related fields, is essential.
• Previous experience conducting neuropsychological assessments, particularly with dementia or aging populations, is required.
• Experience in administering standardized cognitive tests, interpreting neuropsychological data, and contributing to the diagnosis process is necessary.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and research software (e.g., SPSS, R) is required.
• Experience with clinical research methodologies, including participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis, is highly preferred.
• Previous involvement in community-based research or outreach activities, especially with older adults or racially/ethnically diverse populations, is a plus.
• Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including clinicians, social workers, research coordinators, and program managers, is beneficial.
• A demonstrated interest in dementia-related research, particularly Alzheimer?s Disease and Alzheimer?s Disease-Related Dementias, as well as cross-cultural research, is essential.

Goals/Outcomes of the Research Project:

The primary goals of the research projects within the Li Lab are to:

• Improve diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer?s Disease and related dementias (ADRD) in Asian American and other ethnically diverse populations by developing culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate neuropsychological assessments.
• Identify early biomarkers and cognitive or behavioral indicators of dementia in diverse populations, particularly among older Asian Americans, to facilitate earlier detection and intervention.
• Enhance the understanding of how dementia symptoms manifest and progress in racially and ethnically minoritized groups by creating diagnostic tools that consider cultural nuances.
• Develop interventions based on research findings that can be customized to meet the unique needs of older Asian Americans and other underserved populations, thereby improving care quality and health outcomes.
• Build a comprehensive database of neuropsychological and clinical data from ethnically diverse populations to advance understanding of dementia risk and progression in these groups.
• Share findings with the global scientific community to contribute to broader research applications and inform policy recommendations regarding dementia diagnosis and treatment in diverse populations.

Employer Description

Strength through Unity and Inclusion

The Mount Sinai Health System is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute to excellence. We share a common dedication to delivering outstanding patient care. When you join us, you become part of Mount Sinai’s unparalleled legacy of achievement, education, and innovation as we work together to transform healthcare. We encourage all team members to actively participate in creating a culture that ensures fair access to opportunities, promotes inclusive practices, and supports the success of every individual.

At Mount Sinai, our leaders are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We strive to create an environment where collaboration, fairness, and continuous learning drive positive change, improving the well-being of our staff, patients, and organization. Our leaders are expected to challenge outdated practices, promote a culture of respect, and work toward meaningful improvements that enhance patient care and workplace experiences. We are dedicated to building a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and advance professionally. Explore this opportunity and be part of the next chapter in our history.

About the Mount Sinai Health System:

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time — discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients’ medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes more than 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. We are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals, receiving high "Honor Roll" status, and are highly ranked: No. 1 in Geriatrics, top 5 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, and top 20 in Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Urology. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 12 in Ophthalmology. U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” ranks Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital among the country’s best in several pediatric specialties. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is ranked No. 11 nationwide in National Institutes of Health funding and in the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals” ranks The Mount Sinai Hospital as No. 1 in New York and in the top five globally, and Mount Sinai Morningside in the top 20 globally.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Mount Sinai Health System is an equal opportunity employer, complying with all applicable federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate, exclude, or treat individuals differently based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, students, trainees, patients, visitors, and the communities we serve feel respected and supported. Our goal is to create a healthcare and learning institution that actively works to remove barriers, address challenges, and promote fairness in all aspects of our organization.

Compensation

The Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) provides salary ranges that comply with the New York City Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $72500 - $80000 Annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and operational need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.