Department: Prevention Science Institute
Rank: Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
August 29, 2025; position open until filled.
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, two representative publications, and names/contact information for three references through the UO jobs portal. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Department Summary
The Prevention Science Institute (PSI) is a multi-disciplinary institute focused on understanding human development, preventing behavioral health problems, and implementing effective interventions in community settings. The PSI encompasses focus areas consistent with the field of prevention science, including prevention and intervention, and implementation science. Understanding effective intervention strategies and the outcomes associated with these interventions across multiple domains of functioning, including biological, social, and contextual, is the focus of research at the PSI.
The core mission of the PSI is to improve the lives and well-being of children, individuals, and families throughout the lifespan. The PSI is committed to research that expands our understanding of interventions and development with diverse populations and actively seeks to promote research that reduces health disparities in service utilization.
Position Summary
The Prevention Science Institute at the University of Oregon invites applications for a NIH-funded postdoctoral research position. This position is part of a newly funded NIH R01-funded clinical trial focused on reducing substance use risk among youth in foster care through the adaptation and implementation of a trauma-informed, evidence-based intervention to be delivered by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). The project is a collaborative effort between the University of Oregon, Iowa State University, and the CASA programs in Lane, Josephine, and Jackson counties in Oregon. The individual hired into this position will be co-mentored by Drs. Leslie Leve and Maria Schweer-Collins.
Postdoctoral scholars seek to improve their skills through direct, mentored scholarship, conducting research under the direction of a faculty member for the purpose of acquiring research training, which will lead to successful employment in a research position. We are seeking a postdoctoral scholar with clinical expertise and a strong interest in community-engaged research, youth substance use prevention, and implementation science. The scholar will work closely with both the academic research team and community partners to adapt, train, and support delivery of the intervention across study phases.
This postdoc will receive hands-on training in clinical trial implementation, research-practice partnerships, implementation science, and intervention adaptation. They will be embedded in an interdisciplinary research team and have opportunities to collaborate with faculty across the Prevention Science Institute, the Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services at the University of Oregon, and the Department of Psychology at Iowa State University. Funding is available for presenting at conferences and professional trainings. In addition to the primary responsibilities on the CASA intervention project, the postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to collaborate on other ongoing and prior research projects led by Drs. Leve and Schweer-Collins. These projects offer rich opportunities for secondary data analysis, co-authorship on publications, and the chance to refine and expand related lines of research aligned with the scholar’s interests and professional goals.
The candidate hired into this position will be expected to work in-person at the Eugene, University of Oregon campus. The start date is flexible, and the position is expected to begin between January – June 2026.
Minimum Requirements
• PhD by position hire date in Counseling, Clinical, or Developmental Psychology, or a related field (e.g., Social Work, Public Health, Prevention Science) by the time of appointment
• Experience delivering evidence-based youth and family-focused interventions, preferably with populations who have experienced trauma or child welfare involvement
Professional Competencies
• Interpersonal and organizational skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community partners
• Writing skills and a record of or potential for peer-reviewed publications
• A commitment to equity-focused and implementation research
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work as part of a scientific team
• Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and graduate students
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and community partners
• Ability to work independently on highly technical projects
• Strong computer, statistical, and technical skills
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in intervention development, training, or fidelity monitoring preferred
• Experience with mixed methods research and community-engaged research
• Expertise in advanced quantitative data analysis
• A strong publication record
• Experience conducting research or providing clinical care with adolescent populations
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541-346-5112.
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