Postdoctoral Scholar

Department: Prevention Science Institute
Rank: Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

January 15, 2026; position opened until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Department Summary

The Prevention Science Institute (PSI) is a multi-disciplinary institute focused on understanding human development, preventing behavioral health problems, and implementing effective interventions in community settings. The PSI encompasses focus areas consistent with the field of prevention science, including prevention and intervention, and implementation science. Understanding effective intervention strategies and the outcomes associated with these interventions across multiple domains of functioning, including biological, social, and contextual, is the focus of research at the PSI.

The core mission of the PSI is to improve the lives and well-being of children, individuals, and families throughout the lifespan. The PSI is committed to research that expands our understanding of interventions and development with diverse populations and actively seeks to promote research that reduces health disparities in service utilization.

Position Summary

Postdoctoral scholars seek to improve their skills through direct, mentored scholarship, conducting research under the direction of a faculty member for the purpose of acquiring research training, which will lead to successful employment in a research position. PSI scientists are collaborative in their research activities, and postdoctoral scholars are expected to serve in both lead and supporting roles in manuscript development and other project activities. For this particular position, the postdoctoral scholar will participate in manuscript preparation and data analysis of data from randomized trials of behavioral interventions to support young children with autism and their families. In addition, the post-doctoral fellow will also support the coordination of ongoing intervention trials and deliver intervention and assessment directly with young children as a part of these trials. The nature of the work is relatively fast-paced, and we value rigor, reproducibility, and productivity in scholarship from all members of the research team while maintaining a positive and supportive work environment.

Postdoctoral positions are limited-duration appointments potentially renewable for up to a total of two years. In limited circumstances, there is the possibility of renewal beyond two years based on programmatic need, funding, and performance. For the purpose of acquiring additional professional skills needed to pursue a career path in the chosen field, this position will have a formal mentor plan. The purpose of this postdoctoral position will include training in community-engaged research, implementation science, study management, grant writing, manuscript development, and field assessments. We are looking for an individual who wants to continue to grow as an independent scientist alongside Drs. Cioffi, De Anda, and Leve.

Special requirement: Maintain a valid driver’s license (required)

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in education, psychology, prevention science, special education, quantitative methodology, or a related field, in hand by start of position.
• 5 years of research experience in psychology, prevention science, special education, quantitative methodology, or related fields (can include time during graduate-level training).
• Experience with data analytics and scientific writing skills as evidenced by rigorous scholarship (e.g., publications, grant submissions, or presentations).

Professional Competencies

• Proficiency with research data collection and management tools (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics), Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive); strong technical aptitude for managing research data files and troubleshooting routine technical issues.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with demonstrated attention to detail and the ability to prioritize work, manage overlapping deadlines, and adapt effectively in dynamic research environments.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally while maintaining sensitivity, confidentiality, and diligence related to personnel and human subjects information.
• Ability to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, academic, and disciplinary backgrounds within and beyond the academic research context.
• Ability to represent the PSI in a professional and collegial manner with a broad range of stakeholders, including investigators, research staff, administrators, students, and research participants.
• Ability to learn, interpret, explain, and comply with university, sponsor, and government policies, rules, and regulations; strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to analyze, synthesize, and present data or information effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment and maintaining professionalism and composure in complex or high-pressure research settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience submitting federal grants.
• Experience managing, collecting, analyzing, and publishing mixed method data (qualitative and quantitative).
• Previous experience managing complex projects that require intensive management and oversight, such as NIH-funded multi-year or multi-site research studies.
• Experience supervising project coordinators, research assistants, and supporting graduate students.
• Experience with longitudinal data analytic methods (latent growth modeling, growth mixture modeling).
• Proficiency in both Spanish and English
• Experience working with underserved communities, especially families impacted by substance use disorder or language delays and disabilities in children.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.

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