Postdoctoral Fellow-Nih; Psychological Science

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW – NIH (Psychological Science)

Location:

Edinburg, TX. Department:
College of Liberal Arts / Psychological Science. FLSA:
Exempt. FTE: 1 (Full-time).

Position Summary:

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Behavioral Health Lab under the mentorship of Laura Seligman, Ph.D., ABPP and Joseph Hovey, Ph.D. in the UTRGV Department of Psychological Science. The postdoctoral fellow will assist the principal investigators and research team with an NIH‑funded clinical trial that compares the efficacy of two behavioral interventions—One Session Treatment for Dental Phobia (OSTD) vs. Psychoeducation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation (RELAX)—for children and adolescents (ages 7–16) diagnosed with a specific phobia.

The assignment is estimated to begin Summer 2026 and will continue annually based on funding availability.

• Assist principal investigators and research team with the NIH‑funded clinical trial.
• Supervise outcomes assessors and study interventionists.
• Disseminate study findings.
• Monitor fidelity and competence in delivery of the study interventions.
• Collaborate with study coordinator for NIH reporting related to the clinical trial.
• Design and implement training activities as required.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed journals related to the research activities.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or a related field (All‑But‑Dissertation candidates considered).
• Experience conducting diagnostic interviews.
• Experience with cognitive‑behavioral approaches to assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in youth, specifically exposure therapy.
• Evidence of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Interest and/or experience mentoring junior research assistants.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Proficiency in one or more programming languages for data analysis.
• Experience working on clinical trials or behavioral research with human subjects.

• Salary:
  Minimum and posted salary commensurate with experience.
• Grant funded position:
  Yes; funding expires 12/31/2031.
• Working conditions:
  
  Requires some travel and weekend work; presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
• Position available date: 05/01/2026.

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. We encourage women, minorities, and differently abled persons to apply.