Post Doc - Open Rank

Overview

Research Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship position at The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMass Chan Medical School. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center is dedicated to understanding and improving the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or behavioral health disorders and to supporting their families. The Shriver Center is also home to a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other related Disabilities (LEND) Program.

Dr. Sarabeth Broder-Fingert is Executive Director of the Shriver Center. As the director of the LEAD Lab, Dr. Broder-Fingert studies innovations in early autism diagnosis and treatment.

Responsibilities

• Conducting research and translate scientific discoveries to improve the physical and mental health and the quality of life of people with IDD, ASD, and behavioral health disorders;
• Delivering unique and innovative educational programs that train educators, clinicians, scientists, people with disabilities, family members, and others who provide support to meet the needs of people with IDD, ASD, and behavioral health disorders;
• Developing leaders who will shape future research, training, and services in the disability field;
• Offering programs and services that are inclusive, person- and family-centered, culturally competent, evidence-based, and responsive to community needs; and
• Partnering with local and national agencies and organizations on initiatives that benefit people with disabilities, their families, and others who provide needed support.

The postdoctoral fellow will work on multiple projects within the LEAD Lab, under the direction of Dr. Sarabeth Broder-Fingert and in collaboration with other faculty within the Shriver Center (e.g., Drs. Marisa Petruccelli, Kyle Frost). Major responsibilities will include supporting diagnostic assessment; conducting qualitative interviews with caregivers, medical professionals, and clinic administrators; observational coding; and data analysis and manuscript preparation.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications:

• Research reliable administration/scoring in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition (ADOS-2)
• Experience with qualitative interviewing and qualitative analysis
• Experience interacting with families of toddlers and young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities
• Comfortable engaging with medical professionals and administrative leadership
• Bilingual in English/Spanish

Appointments will be made for one year, with a second year re-appointment expected based on review of the fellow’s progress. Fellowships will be available for start dates as early as July 1 but may be negotiable. The current stipend for first year fellows is commensurate with the standard National Institutes of Health rate and includes eligibility for benefits.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, CV, and list of three references to: Kyle Frost (kyle.frost1@umassmed.edu) and Marisa Petruccelli (marisa.petruccelli@umassmed.edu).