Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Life Span Institute at the University of Kansas currently is seeking one postdoctoral fellow interested in advancing their research skills and progressing towards a career as an independent, externally funded investigator studying autism spectrum (ASD) or related neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Fragile X Syndrome, Down Syndrome). Fellows will participate in our postdoctoral research training program involving a structured curriculum consisting of separate monthly professional development and research seminars. Fellows also will receive intensive instruction on the development of externally funded award applications with the goal that a full submission will be completed within the first year of training.

Fellows should identify the primary mentor from our team that they are most interested in working with, including Drs. Matthew Mosconi, Steve Warren, Nancy Brady, Karrie Shogren, John Colombo or Brian Boyd. Current research interests of our faculty include but are not limited to sensorimotor and neurocognitive development in ASD, neurodegenerative processes associated with Fragile X Tremor-Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS), language and cognitive development in Fragile X Syndrome and ASD, repetitive behaviors in ASD, behavioral treatment strategies for individuals with ASD, infant cognitive development, and self-determination. Fellows also will be able to gain experiences in multiple measurement approaches including observational coding, caregiver rating scale development, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and neurocognitive test development. Prior doctoral or postdoctoral training experience studying ASD or related disorders is strongly encouraged though not required.

Job Description

Fellows will work with their chosen mentors, including either Drs. Mosconi, Warren, Boyd, Brady, Shogren, or Colombo. They will also have the opportunity to gain valuable research experiences working with collaborators at KU and the KU Medical Center. Responsibilities will include the following efforts:

• 70% - Work with assigned mentor(s) on research projects relevant to IDD. Activities may include research design and analysis, test administration, data collection, study design, grant writing, and participation in lab meetings, dissemination of research findings in peer reviewed journals and nation/international scientific meetings.  
• 30% - Work with mentor(s) to develop an individual program of research including research design and analysis, granting writing, and presentations/publications.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a discipline related to intellectual and developmental disabilities such as cognitive neuroscience, communication science and disorders, developmental and/or clinical psychology, special education, and related disciplines.
• At least three years of doctoral or combined doctoral/postdoctoral experience conducting research relevant to intellectual and development disabilities/ASD as evidenced by application materials.
• Excellent writing and analytic skills as evidenced by application materials and multiple peer-reviewed publications and/or presentations.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title, it is necessary to have the PhD conferred at the time of hire. Appointments made without a diploma or certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Upon verification of degree the appointment will be extended to its full duration.

Preferred Qualifications

• History of conducting and presenting research relevant to intellectual and developmental disabilities.  
• Experience with statistics and advanced quantitative methods.

For more information go to  https://employment.ku.edu/staff/18017BR. To apply, submit an online application including a cover letter, vitae, professional writing sample (e.g. publication, dissertation), 1-2 page research statement including a description of the primary research interest(s) and potential match with a member or members of our mentoring team, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on 12/19/2020 and will continue until a qualified applicant pool has been identified. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and safety concerns, all interviews are expected to be conducted remotely.

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