Clinical Postdoctoral Fellowship in Traumatic Stress and Addictions
Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies and the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Position Description: We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Postdoctoral Trainee in Clinical Psychology to join our team. The trainee will provide clinical services and contribute to a randomized clinical trial (RCT) for individuals with PTSD and substance use disorders, evaluating prolonged exposure delivered in a massed format in a community-based treatment program. This is an excellent opportunity for recent Ph.D. or Psy.D. graduates to advance their clinical and research expertise within a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment.
Postdoctoral trainees are expected to provide clinical services for an ongoing randomized clinical trial in areas that could range from:
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Conduct clinical assessments, including diagnostic interviews and symptom rating scales, with fidelity to the study protocol.
- Develop and maintain rapport with study participants, ensuring retention and engagement throughout the trial.
- Collaborate with study practitioners to provide psychoeducation and support, as outlined in the trial design.
- Provide evidence-based clinical intervention supervision or serve as a backup therapist as specified in the trial protocol (e.g., Prolonged Exposure therapy).
Research Responsibilities:
- Monitor and document treatment fidelity to ensure adherence to the protocol.
- Collect, manage, and analyze clinical and behavioral data in coordination with the study team.
- Contribute to the preparation of progress reports, presentations, and publications.
Administrative and Training Responsibilities:
- Attend regular supervision sessions with the Principal Investigator or clinical supervisor.
- Participate in research team meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot challenges, and optimize trial implementation.
- Stay current on literature relevant to the RCT and intervention methodologies.
- Complete training and certification for specific assessments or interventions used in the trial.
Qualifications
Required:
- Ph.D. or Psy.D. or ABD in Clinical Psychology from an APA-accredited program.
- Completion of an APA-accredited internship with substantial clinical experience.
- Proficiency in conducting structured diagnostic interviews in trauma and mental health (e.g., SCID, CAPS).
- Strong foundation in evidence-based interventions and psychological assessment in trauma.
Preferred:
- Experience working on clinical trials, particularly in the areas of addiction intervention.
- Familiarity with data collection and management tools (e.g., REDCap, SPSS).
- Eligibility for licensure or registration as a postdoctoral psychologist in New Jersey
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to contribute to manuscripts and grant reports.
Key Competencies
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
- Commitment to ethical clinical practice and research integrity.
- Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse populations.
The Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies (CAS), located on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University, is a multidisciplinary research and training institute, which performs clinical and biomedical research on alcohol and substance use disorders. CAS serves as a home to clinical and biomedical researchers and clinical practitioners across Rutgers University schools and programs, as well as an illustrious group of affiliated scientists outside of the university. The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is home to CAS, with strong ties to Department of Psychiatry, University Behavioral Health Care, the Brain Health Institute, Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging, and the School of Public Health.
GSAPP’s commitment to diversity, social justice and helping the underserved contributes to a supportive and mission-focused training. We place a high degree of emphasis on fostering and encouraging a diverse community of faculty and students and on supporting research/practice that benefits diverse and under-served communities; applicants who can contribute in this valued direction are particularly encouraged to apply. More information on our school and centers can be found at: http://gsappweb.rutgers.edu.
To Apply: Applicants should email a cover letter describing how their knowledge and experience are matched to this position, a CV, and three references to Tasha Bulgin (tasha.bulgin@rutgers.edu). Please compile the application materials into a single PDF document labeled with your last name, first initial. Please note: If your mentors prefer to submit their letters separately, please request that they indicate your name in their email. For additional information contact Denise Hien, Ph.D., ABPP at denise.hien@smithers.rutgers.edu.
Application deadline: ongoing
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: $61,008 (PhD/PsyD) with benefits
Rutgers is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.