POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW-NIH (Psychological Science)

Posting Number: SRGV8895

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: Edinburg, Texas

Department: College of Liberal Arts / Psychological Science

FLSA: Exempt

Scope of Job:

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Behavioral Health Lab under the mentorship of Laura Seligman, Ph.D., ABPP and Joseph Hovey, Ph.D. in the UTRGV Department of Psychological Science. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for assisting the principal investigators and research team with an NIH funded clinical trial.

About the Research Trial

This study will compare the efficacy of two behavioral interventions for dental phobia in children. The study treatments are OSTD (One Session Treatment for Dental Phobia in Children) vs. RELAX (Psychoeducation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Treatment for Dental Phobia). Participants in the study will be randomized to a single treatment arm (OSTD or RELAX). Participants are children and adolescents (ages 7-16) who meet criteria for a diagnosis of a specific phobia.

Applicants with availability for multiple years are strongly preferred. The assignment is estimated to begin Summer 2026 (pending budgetary approval) and will be continued annually based funding availability.

Description of Duties:

The core responsibilities of the postdoctoral fellow include supervision of outcomes assessors and study interventionists, dissemination of study findings, monitoring of fidelity and competence in the delivery of the study interventions and collaborating with the study coordinator for NIH reporting related to the clinical trial. Designing and implementing training activities as required; Publishing in peer-reviewed publications related to the focus of the research activities assigned; and performing other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

General supervision from immediate faculty supervisor.

Supervision Given:

None.

Required Education:

A Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or related field is required; Candidates who are ABD (All But Dissertation) at the time of application will be considered.

Preferred Education:

None

Licenses/Certifications:

None.

Required Experience:

• Experience in conducting diagnostic interviews.
• Experience in cognitive behavioral approaches to the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in youth, and specifically exposure therapy.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed publications.
• Interest and/or experience serving as a mentor to junior research assistants

Preferred Experience:

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Demonstrated ability to use one or more programming languages for data analysis.
• Experience working on clinical trials or behavioral research with human subjects.

Equipment:

Use of personal computer and proficiency in software and research statistical applications.

Working Conditions:

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Office/research environment; some travel and weekend work is required. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Other:

This is a trainee position subject to a specific time as agreed to by stakeholders.

Physical Capabilities: N/A

Employment Category: Full-Time

Minimum Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date: 05/01/2026

Grant Funded Position: Yes

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date: 12/31/2031