Job Description

Make more Creative Job Post Content< Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow

 - Responsibilities:

The Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is seeking two exceptional Postdoctoral Fellows to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge research and teaching in the areas of thriving communities, health equity, and the social determinants of health. These two-year fellowships are perfect for early-career scholars passionate about advancing the understanding of human behavior through interdisciplinary research.

What We Offer:

This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading faculty members on innovative research projects that address some of the most pressing issues in psychology today. Our faculty members are experts in a variety of areas including family, community, gender and cultural factors, addiction and brain science, prevention and implementation science, physiological and genetic factors, and positive youth development. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring expertise in technology-based interventions (e.g., digital applications, AI), as well as Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Youth Participatory Action Research (Y-PAR).

Your Research and Teaching Opportunities:

• Research Focus: Engage in impactful research that aligns with the work of our faculty mentors in one of the following areas:

  • Family, community, gender, and cultural factors
  • Addiction and brain science
  • Prevention and implementation science
  • Physiological and genetic factors
  • Positive youth development
  • Technology-driven interventions (including digital and AI solutions)

• Collaborative Mentorship: Be mentored by faculty affiliated with our diverse doctoral programs (Clinical, Counseling, Developmental, Health, and Social). Work with up to two faculty mentors to develop a personalized plan that includes both research and teaching components.

• Teaching Opportunities: Depending on research funding and professional goals, the postdocs will have the opportunity to teach at least one undergraduate or graduate course each semester.

Fellowship Structure:

• Collaborative Research: Work alongside established researchers on activities such as research design, study implementation, data analysis, manuscript writing, and grant applications.
• Professional Development: Develop your research, teaching, and career goals through tailored mentoring and professional development plans.
• Networking & Collaboration: Take advantage of the many centers and institutes affiliated with VCU, such as the Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention, Clark Hill Institute for Positive Youth Development, and the Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics.

Ideal Candidates:

We are looking for postdoctoral candidates who are passionate about multidisciplinary research and have expertise in areas such as:

• Community and Family Dynamics
• Addiction and Behavioral Health
• Technological Interventions and AI in Behavioral Research
• Youth Development and Health Equity
• CBPR and Qualitative Research Methods

What You Bring to the Table:

• A strong background in psychological research, with a focus on health equity, social determinants of health, or related fields.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines and work with diverse populations.
• Experience in mixed methods and qualitative research.
• An enthusiasm for both teaching and research, and a desire to contribute to the broader academic community at VCU.

Why VCU?

• Mentorship and Growth: You’ll receive hands-on mentoring and professional development, both in your research and in the classroom.
• Collaborative Environment: Work in an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation are at the forefront.
• Diverse and Inclusive Community: Join a vibrant and diverse community committed to building a more inclusive and equitable world.