Postdoctoral Scholar at University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky

PhD

PhD in Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, at least one first-author publication, and appropriate experience. Experience working with quantitative and/or social network data is desirable.

N/A

Sitting for long periods of time, repetitive motion

M-F, 8am-5pm, some weekends required

The Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky seeks a talented, highly motivated researcher with a background in substance use, social networks, and/or quantitative methods. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with Dr. Carrie Oser and other faculty in multidisciplinary teams (e.g., sociology, social work, psychology, public health, pharmacy, medicine). They will have the opportunity to conduct research related to various NIH-funded projects, depending on interest and area of expertise, including the Geographic variation in Addiction Treatment Experiences (GATE) study, the Promoting Recovery Outcomes with Motivational Interviewing and Social Network Engagement (PROMISE) study, the Women’s Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network (JCOIN-2) study, and/or the Support Towards Addiction Recovery (STAR) study. This position will advance the career of an early-stage researcher by providing opportunities to garner grant-writing skills, conduct independent and collaborative research, and disseminate research findings by connecting with a mentor in Behavioral Science and other faculty in the Center on Drug & Alcohol Research (CDAR) and the Center for Health, Engagement and Transformation (CHET). Additional opportunities are available through the University’s Substance Use Priority Research Area (SUPRA) initiative. Strong applicants will be motivated to conduct interdisciplinary research and will demonstrate scholarly potential that makes them competitive for NIH funding and tenure-track appointments at a research-intensive university.

Terms of Agreement. This position will provide postdoctoral research training and support (per NIH postdoctoral salary rates) for one year, renewable for a second year based upon satisfactory performance and funding. The position also includes funds for travel to conferences, research dissemination, and professional development. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to learn new research skills, develop independent avenues of research, and participate in interdisciplinary team science. The position begins on July 1, 2026 and ends on June 30, 2027.

For specific request one: please attach research statement (less than 2,500 words describing the dissertation project, work in progress, professional goals, and plans for publications or future grants)

Research knowledge

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The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.