Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Regulation of Eating Across the Lifespan (REAL) Lab directed by Dr. Kathryn Smith is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (postdoc) to join the lab. Our lab studies the biobehavioral mechanisms of eating disorders and obesity risk, with a particular focus on self-regulation, binge eating, and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods.

This position is 50% funded on an NIH-funded research study investigating the mechanisms of loss of control eating and related eating-disorder psychopathology in children and adolescents. The remaining 50% of time will be devoted to supporting other ongoing projects in the REAL Lab and to lab management duties, including mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

The Research Associate will be involved in all aspects of the NIH study, including the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocol, clinical interviewing, participant recruitment and retention, regulatory compliance, and data management and analysis. The position will be based in the UTD Department of Psychology and at the UTD Brain Health Imaging Center (BHIC), and will provide substantial hands-on experience with pediatric neuroimaging research, clinical assessment, and lab leadership.

This position is in the Department of Psychology within the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD– bbs.utdallas.edu). UTD is the fastest growing university in Texas, is ranked number 3 in the nation among universities less than 50 years old and houses a vibrant research community. The city of Dallas is an international economic hub with a vibrant cultural atmosphere and world-class sports and entertainment.

This is a full-time, 12-month position with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon performance and availability of funds. The anticipated start date is flexible depending on candidate availability. Salary for Post-Doctoral Research Associates in BBS is determined by years of experience per current NIH (NRSA) stipend levels.

Minimum Education and Experience - Ph.D in a related field. Candidates who have successfully completed all requirements for the Ph.D. but whose degree has not yet been formally conferred may be eligible to begin employment provided they submit an official letter from the Registrar or Graduate School of the degree-granting institution certifying that all doctoral requirements have been satisfied and specifying the expected date of conferral. Appointment and continued employment are contingent upon formal conferral of the Ph.D.

Preferred Education and Experience - Experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a research or clinical setting. Experience with clinical interviewing and/or behavioral assessment. Experience with IRB protocols and regulatory compliance for human subjects research. Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate or graduate research assistants. Experience with fMRI data collection and/or analysis. Technical skills in statistical or neuroimaging analysis software (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, SPM/FSL). Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.

Other Qualifications - To the extent this position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code, the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the critical infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired and to continue to be employed in the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Coordinate and execute all aspects of an NIH-funded study on loss of control eating and eating-disorder psychopathology in children and adolescents, including data collection, recruitment and retention, and scheduling of participants and families. Assist with the study's fMRI protocol, including participant screening/safety procedures, scanner scheduling, task piloting, and troubleshooting in coordination with BHIC and study staff. Conduct clinical interviews and behavioral assessments with children, adolescents, and caregivers, following study protocols with fidelity. Manage regulatory requirements and compliance documentation (e.g., IRB submissions/amendments, consent procedures, training records) for the NIH study. Oversee data management and analysis, including data cleaning, quality assurance, and statistical analyses in collaboration with the PI and collaborators. Assist with other ongoing REAL Lab projects, including regulatory approvals, study design, and data collection. Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and presentation of findings at professional conferences. Provide day-to-day lab management, including supervising, training, and mentoring undergraduate research assistants. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Strong interest in the biobehavioral mechanisms of eating disorders and in pediatric/adolescent research. Excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong interpersonal skills for working with children, adolescents, and families. Effective organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and long-term projects. Willingness and ability to be trained on clinical assessment and neuroimaging procedures. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on an interdisciplinary research team. Detail-oriented, reliable, and committed to regulatory and data-quality standards.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions - Physical Activities Working Conditions Additional Information - Remote Work: This position is on-site and in-person only, with duties split between the UTD Department of Psychology and the UTD Brain Health Imaging Center (BHIC). Travel: Local travel to the UTDBHIC will be required for data collection. Other occasional travel may occur such as for training/development, conferences, etc.

What We Can Offer: UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer an employee-friendly work environment with a comprehensive benefits package including: Competitive Salary Tuition Benefits BCBS PPO Medical Insurance Options – including 100% paid employee medical coverage for full-time employees AD&D Insurance Dental & Vision Plan Options Optional Long and Short-term Disability TRS Retirement Plan Fertility Benefits Paid time off All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

About Us UT Dallas is a top public research university located in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions. Our seven schools offer more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, plus professional certificates and fast-track programs. Our student body is 31,000 strong, reflecting students from over 100 countries and a multiplicity of identities and experiences. UT Dallas is committed to graduating well-rounded members of the global community whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world. Rich with visual and performing arts venues, museum districts, professional and semi-professional athletics teams, botanical gardens, accessible trails and so much more, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex has something for everyone to explore. UT Dallas partners with regional higher education institutions and school districts and with the Richardson Innovation Quarter (Richardson IQ), a major hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and educational activities. Let us be your employer of choice! # WHOOSH

Special Instructions Summary

Important Message - 1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public. 2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Supplemental Questions

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

1. Resume
2. Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214