Postdoctoral Research Associate(s)

University of North Dakota Behavioral Health Strategic Initiative – Postdoctoral Research Associate(s)

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public research university founded with a strong liberal arts foundation. UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university, classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. UND was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. Currently, the University boasts 200+ fields of study with nearly 15,000 students. UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 50,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Grand Forks boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, many fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, and annual events throughout the year. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

 

The University of North Dakota invites applications for TWO two-year Postdoctoral Researcher positions focused on Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) to begin Summer/Fall of 2023. Postdoctoral fellows will work directly with faculty conducting research across a range of projects focused on integrated behavioral health aligned with UND’s Behavioral Health Strategic Initiative. One postdoctoral position is available in each of the following two areas. The appointments will be full-time and benefitted with funds available for conference travel/professional development, and a flexible start date of no later than August 16^th, 2023. UND benefits include contributions to retirements in upwards of 10% of base salary and waiving of health insurance premiums for employees and dependents.

 

UND’s Behavioral Health Strategic Initiative includes collaboration from the colleges of Education and Human Development, Arts and Sciences, and Nursing. Opportunities will be presented for collaboration across the initiative on research and external funding proposals. The postdoctoral research associates will be encouraged to develop at least one independent project and contribute to multiple external funding proposals.

 

1. Pediatric Psychology/Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health (Supervisor: Karla Fehr, Ph.D.)

The fellow in Pediatric Psychology/Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health will conduct clinical research focused on integrated behavioral health for children, adolescents, and families. Specific projects may include implementation of pediatric integrated behavioral health in rural settings, treatment seeking and interventions for pediatric behavioral sleep difficulties, and play-based assessment and intervention (e.g., cognitive behavioral interventions for pediatric populations, screening for autism spectrum disorder symptoms). Opportunities will be provided for protocol development, implementation of clinical assessment and interventions as part of research protocols, manuscript preparation, grant writing, and development of independent research projects.

 

Experience with pediatric psychology, behavioral sleep medicine, integrated behavioral health, autism spectrum disorder, advanced statistical methods, or grant writing and a doctoral degree in Clinical or Counseling Psychology from an APA-approved program is preferred.

 

Social Identity and Behavioral Health (Supervisor: Ethan Dahl, Ph.D.) The Social Identity and Behavioral Health Laboratory focuses on all connections of social identity to health outcomes including experiences of social isolation, exclusion, ostracism, identity complexity, and non-majority group identities. The lab approaches research from an experimental and social psychological lens. The goal of this position is to continue expanding the work of the lab in the field of behavioral health through research and external funding. Current projects include: North Dakota Healthcare, Opportunity, Prevention, and Education in Suicide prevention (ND HOPES) – a 5 year CDC suicide prevention award serving western North Dakota, evaluating social identity complexity among rural and urban individuals, connecting social identity complexity to social isolation and loneliness, creating more diverse social identities among autistic adults in rural areas via ECHO, investigating the similarities and differences of microaggressions and social exclusion, creation of a community of practice measure, among others. Opportunities will be provided for protocol development, manuscript preparation, grant writing, and development of independent research projects.

 

Experience with behavioral health research, underserved groups/identities, the social identity approach, advanced statistical methods, or grant writing and a doctoral degree in Experimental or Social Psychology is preferred.

 

Both postdoctoral fellows will receive one-on-one mentoring with the faculty mentor, ample opportunities to be engaged in all aspects of the research process, involvement in manuscript preparation and grant writing, experience supervising other research assistants, and professional/career development.

 

The University of North Dakota is extremely well-situated to become a national and international leader in the unique behavioral health needs of rural communities. As the lead institution and co-collaborator on two SAMHSA Region 8 Technology Transfer Centers (Addictions and Mental Health), UND has already demonstrated a unique ability to provide leadership and training to rural provider communities. The next step is to fully develop our capacity for research in behavioral health and addiction sciences via the Behavioral Health Strategic Initiative—a cross-college collaboration among the College of Education and Human Development (Counseling Psychology), the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), and the College of Arts & Sciences (Psychology). Both postdoctoral positions would be housed within the Behavioral Health Strategic Initiative.

 

  Duties & Responsibilities

 

The successful applicant will help advance UND’s capacity to conduct research in the area of integrated behavioral health with a focus on the pursuit of external funding. While receiving formal mentorship, the postdoctoral researcher will be engaged in the following three interrelated tasks:

 

1. Develop and submit collaborative external grant proposals focused on rural and behavioral health. Contribute to ongoing projects as well as develop ideas for new collaborations and research initiatives in the area of integrated behavioral health. Collect and analyze data related to behavioral health, leading to publications and presentations.

Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to:  

 

• Management, coordination, and implementation of ongoing and new research studies   Grant preparation and grant report writing   Dissemination of research findings (e.g., manuscript preparation)  Data management and analysis of quantitative and qualitative experimental data  Supervision and mentorship of research staff  Manage IRB submissions   Review and maintain study protocols and data collection surveys   Assist with other research and administrative responsibilities to support the lab’s activities  

Required Competencies

 

• Quantitative data analysis skills using SPSS or similar programs APA style manuscript writing

Minimum Requirements

 

• A doctoral degree conferred by time of appointment in psychology, public health, social work, or a related field. Quantitative and/or qualitative research and evaluation skills/experience. Evidence of research and scholarship potential (publications, professional conference participation) Successful completion of criminal history records check.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identify and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

 

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Experience with integrated behavioral health research or a related area Strong record of peer-reviewed publications Experience developing grant funding proposals Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with strong interpersonal skills Strong oral and written communication skills Experience with obtaining human subject’s approvals

Minimum Hiring Salary

 

[$46,000/yr]

 

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), $12,000 in basic life insurance, employee assistance program, retirement plans with generous employer contributions, and 10 paid holidays.

This position will additionally include annual travel and professional development funding in the amount of $2000 per year.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Contract Period/Start Date

 

Start date is flexible with beginning date before August 16, 2023

 

To Apply Review of applications will begin on [January 31^st, 2023] and continue until positions are filled. Applications should include the following materials:

• Cover letter describing research interests and career goals Curriculum vitae Sample publication or manuscript under review/ in preparation Names and contact information for three professional references

Questions can be directed to the supervisors of each position:

 

Dr. Karla Fehr (karla.fehr@und.edu)

 

Dr. Ethan Dahl (ethan.dahl@und.edu)

 

Additional Information

 

To find out why living and working in Greater Grand Forks is way cooler, check out Grand Forks is Cooler.

 

All information listed in this position announcement will be used by Human Resources, the Hiring Department, and EO/Title IX for screening, interviewing and selection purposes.

 

 

 

Confidentiality of Application Materials

 

Pursuant to NDCC 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the top three finalists who will be invited to campus.

 

 

 

EEO Statement

 

The University of North Dakota is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or other protected characteristic. Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants are invited to provide information regarding their gender, race and/or ethnicity, veteran’s status and disability status as part of the application process. This information will remain confidential and separate from your application.

 

 

 

Veteran’s Preference

 

Veterans claiming preference must submit all proof of eligibility by the closing date. Proof of eligibility includes a DD-214 or NGB 22 and if claiming disabled status, a current letter of disability from the VA dated within the last 12 months.

 

 

 

Clery Statement

 

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of North Dakota publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the university’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found online at UND.edu. You may also request a paper copy of the report from the UND Police Department located at 3851 Campus Road, Grand Forks, ND, 58202.