IRiSS Predoctoral Researcher

The Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) is seeking Predoctoral Researchers to participate in our 2026-2027 cohort. The Predoctoral Researchers will work under general supervision of individual faculty in one of the following social science departments: communication, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology. Please see the “How to Apply” section below. The complete list of faculty mentors and Predoctoral Researcher projects for 2026-27 can be found on the program’s website.

Predoctoral Researchers are in a staff category allowing them to enroll in one course per year for credit.

This is an 100% FTE 1-year fixed-term non-exempt position, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The extension is based on renewed funding of the program and individual circumstances of each faculty project. The start date is September 14, 2026. This position will be based on the Stanford campus.

Project Description:

Johannes Eichstaedt, Leveraging AI to support evidence-based treatments for PTSD

Millions of Americans with PTSD lack access to evidence-based psychotherapy. AI—especially large language models—could help close this gap, but careful development and evaluation are needed. This project advances two tools: TherapyTrainer, which uses LLMs to simulate patient interactions for training therapists in written exposure therapy, and an AI-enhanced CPT Coach app that gives veterans real-time feedback on therapy homework. The IRiSS predoctoral researcher will test and refine these tools, coordinate clinical trials, and analyze data across multidisciplinary teams in the CREATE Center for Advancing Therapy with AI, the Computational Psychology and Well-Being (CWPB) Lab, and the Fidelity, Adaptation, Sustainability, and Training (FAST) Lab. The position suits candidates interested in mental health research, AI, natural language processing, or user experience who plan to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.

What You Will Learn

• Gaining exposure to the process of developing LLM-based tools for clinical psychology and real-world use of AI for mental health
• Working with interdisciplinary teams of clinical psychologists, computational psychologists, data scientists, and computer scientists.
• Exposure to randomized clinical trials for PTSD
• Contributing to conference presentations and journal manuscripts
• Preparation for graduate school in clinical psychology, computer science, or a related field

The ideal candidate will have a background in psychology, computer science, or human-computer interaction, exposure or interest in clinical research methods, psychopathology, or PTSD and trauma, and experience programming with R and Python. Previous experiences in research participant recruitment, clinical trial coordination, product management, user experience testing, and developing AI-psychology products will make a candidate especially well-suited for this role.

CORE DUTIES:

• Participating in the planning and performing/conducting research tasks by applying basic knowledge and understanding of scientific theory using precedents or other published guidelines and knowledge of theory and methods when specific precedents do not exist. General instruction provided by the supervisor or principal investigator. May interpret study results in collaboration with supervisor or PI.
• Participate in the development and administration of survey instruments and rating scales requiring judgment in applying non-routine procedures or methods. Analyze and summarize results for review with supervisor. Audit the accuracy and validity of data
• Review and audit case report forms for completion and accuracy with source documents and ensure compliance with research protocols.
• Identify, select, extract and summarize data and structured information. Present summary of findings to supervisor.
• Conduct literature searches, and write literature summaries and manuscripts, requiring preliminary judgments after the supervisor outlines conceptual approach.
• Build and organize data as requested by principal investigator or supervisor; use common statistical programs requiring the application of job control language in generating and organizing data.
• Adapt new, nonstandard methods outlined by supervisor in designing and evaluating phases of research projects, (i.e., educational materials, questionnaires, strategies for recruitment, data quality control procedures and processes). May follow up with to ensure approvals and completion, seeking guidance where necessary.
• Assist with development, communication and design of research findings to internal and external audiences, which may include web updates, social media, and/or white papers, for use in recruitment, educational, or awareness of programs, with guidance from supervisor.

Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable life science, social science, physical science, or similar specific discipline. Degree must be received or expected no later than June 2026.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General understanding of scientific theory and methods, typically gained through completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field.
• General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to complete detailed work accurately.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work with study participants.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• The ability to work independently and as a member of a research team
• The ability to take initiative and see projects through to completion
• Interest in and enthusiasm for pursuing graduate studies or a career in social science research