Psychology Post-Doctoral Scholar

Overview

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Psychology Post-Doctoral Scholar in the Treatment Innovation for Psychological Services (TIPS) Research Group within the Psychology department (College of Arts & Sciences). This is a full-time, in-person, 1-year position with potential extension contingent on funding and progress. The scholar will be co-mentored by Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala (UK) and Dr. Matt Southward (Ohio State University).

Location:

Lexington, KY. Salary: $65,000 annually. Type:
Other;
Position Time Status:
Full-Time. Posting Requisition Number: DU13965.

Posting Details:
The position supports a NIMH-funded clinical trial, focuses on treatment, assessment, and analyses, and provides opportunities for supervised licensure hours and research mentorship.

The postdoctoral scholar will primarily be involved in the treatment, assessment, and analyses of the NIMH-funded clinical trial, “Engaging Higher Order Mechanisms of Psychopathology: A Parsimonious Approach to Precision Medicine.” The project tests whether discrete CBT modules can engage higher-order personality vulnerabilities and whether matching modules to patients’ personality profiles improves psychopathology symptoms. The scholar will serve as a study therapist or study assessor and will have opportunities for tiered supervision of graduate student clinicians and for mentoring graduate students and project coordinators.

The position typically includes 20 hours per week of protected time for scholarly activities (manuscript preparation, grant writing) with access to archival data from several trials supporting this work.

Eligibility requires a PhD in Clinical Psychology (APA- and/or PCSAS-accredited). Experience with CBT interventions and/or diagnostic assessment is preferred (experience treating borderline personality disorder is a plus). The role is suitable for individuals preparing for clinical research careers in universities or academic medical centers.

• Work as a study therapist or study assessor on the NIMH-funded trial.
• Engage in treatment, assessment, and data analyses related to the project.
• Provide supervised hours toward clinical licensure.
• Participate in tiered supervision of graduate student clinicians.
• Mentor graduate students and project coordinators within the group.
• Allocate ~20 hours per week for scholarly activities, including manuscript preparation and grant writing.

• Required
  
  Education:
  
  PhD in Clinical Psychology (APA- and/or PCSAS-accredited).
• Required Related
  
  Experience:
  
  Experience with CBT interventions and/or diagnostic assessment; experience with borderline personality disorder is a plus.
• Required License/Registration/Certification: APA- and/or PCSAS-accredited.
• Preferred:
  Interest in dimensional models of psychopathology, personality science, and treatment outcome research.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Sit/stand at workstation for extended periods; lift/carry lightweight objects; walk across campus.
• Shift: Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm.

Applicants should include:
1) Cover letter describing fit with the position and training/career goals,
2) CV, and
3) Current transcript. Email contact for references: ssz. Include contact information for 3 professional references.

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. The position is contingent on federal grant funding; if the grant is not awarded, the position will not be filled.

We value employee well-being and maintain a tobacco- and drug-free campus. The University of Kentucky adheres to nondiscrimination laws and provides equal opportunities in all aspects of institutional operations. Pre-employment screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.