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

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest. Special Instructions to

Applicants:

Dear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: Date of Birth Gender

• Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission.

We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.

Additional Information:

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need. All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources. To apply, visit https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/51257 jeid-9aca38893d44b843bbdbb9429e6e0fab