Psychology Post-Doctoral Scholar

Job Title
Psychology Post-Doctoral Scholar


Requisition Number
DU13965


Department Name
8E120:Psychology


Work Location
Lexington, KY


Salary Range
$65,000 annually


Type of Position
Other


Position Time Status
Full-Time


Required Education

A PhD in Clinical Psychology (APA- and/or PCSAS-accredited) is required



Required Related Experience

Experience with CBT interventions (experience treating borderline personality disorder is a plus!) and/or diagnostic assessment.



Required License/Registration/Certification

APA- and/or PCSAS-accredited



Physical Requirements

Sitting/standing at workstation for extended periods; lifting/carrying lightweight objects; walking across campus



Shift

Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm



Job Summary

The Treatment Innovation for Psychological Services (TIPS) Research Group in the Psychology department of the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, KY is seeking a full-time postdoctoral scholar. Filling this position is contingent upon the availability of federal funding. The scholar will be hired for an in-person, full-time, 1-year position, with the possibility of extending into a 2nd year contingent on funding and scholar’s progress. The scholar will be co-mentored by both Drs. Shannon Sauer-Zavala (at UK) and Matt Southward (at Ohio State University).



The postdoctoral scholar will primarily be involved in the treatment, assessment, and analyses of our NIMH-funded clinical trial, “Engaging Higher Order Mechanisms of Psychopathology: A Parsimonious Approach to Precision Medicine.” We are testing if discrete cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modules can engage higher-order personality vulnerabilities (neuroticism, antagonism, disinhibition) and if matching modules to patients’ personality profiles results in efficient improvements in psychopathology symptoms (learn more about our project: https://reporter.nih.gov/search/WboBwFTA_kW8PoVD7mj7GA/project-details/…). The postdoctoral scholars will serve as a study therapist or study assessor, which will provide supervised hours for clinical licensure. The scholar will have the opportunity to participate in tiered supervision of graduate student clinicians and provide research mentorship to the group’s graduate students and post-baccalaureate project coordinators. The postdoctoral scholar will typically have 20 hours per week of protected time for scholarly activities (manuscript preparation, grant writing) with access to ample archival data from two completed and two ongoing clinical trials examining the mechanisms and personalization of CBT to support this work.



A PhD in Clinical Psychology (APA- and/or PCSAS-accredited) is required. Experience with CBT interventions (experience treating borderline personality disorder is a plus!) and/or diagnostic assessment. Research interest in dimensional models of psychopathology, personality science, borderline personality disorder and treatment outcome research would be an excellent fit with the lab’s work. We envision these positions as ideal for people preparing for clinical research careers in universities or academic medical centers.


Applicants must include the following: 1) Cover letter describing fit with the position and training/career goals, 2) CV, and 3) Current Transcript. In addition, please email the names and contact information for 3 professional references to Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala (ssz@uky.edu).



Review of applications will begin November 1st, 2025. Applications received after that date will be reviewed until the position(s) are filled. This position is contingent on receiving a federal grant. If the grant is not awarded, the position will not be filled.



Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No


Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
02/28/2026


Our University Community

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The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.