Postdoctoral Scholar Position – University of Kentucky
The Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky seeks a talented, highly motivated researcher with a background in substance use, social networks, and/or quantitative methods. The postdoctoral scholar will work closely with Dr. Carrie Oser and other faculty in multidisciplinary teams (e.g., sociology, social work, psychology, public health, pharmacy, medicine). They will have the opportunity to conduct research related to various NIH-funded projects, depending on interest and area of expertise, including the Geographic variation in Addiction Treatment Experiences (GATE) study, the Promoting Recovery Outcomes with Motivational Interviewing and Social Network Engagement (PROMISE) study, the Women’s Justice Community Overdose Innovation Network (JCOIN-2) study, and/or the Support Towards Addiction Recovery (STAR) study. This position will advance the career of an early-stage researcher by providing opportunities to garner grant-writing skills, conduct independent and collaborative research, and disseminate research findings by connecting with a mentor in Behavioral Science and other faculty in the Center on Drug & Alcohol Research (CDAR) and the Center for Health, Engagement and Transformation (CHET). Additional opportunities are available through the University’s Substance Use Priority Research Area (SUPRA) initiative. Strong applicants will be motivated to conduct interdisciplinary research and will demonstrate scholarly potential that makes them competitive for NIH funding and tenure-track appointments at a research-intensive university.
Terms of Agreement. This position will provide postdoctoral research training and support (per NIH postdoctoral salary rates) for one year, renewable for a second year based upon satisfactory performance and funding. The position also includes funds for travel to conferences, research dissemination, and professional development. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to learn new research skills, develop independent avenues of research, and participate in interdisciplinary team science. The position begins on July 1, 2026, and ends on June 30, 2027.
Application Process. We invite applications from qualified candidates at the beginning of their academic careers who do not yet hold tenure-track academic positions. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Sociology, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field, or must have a letter from the chair of their dissertation committee confirming the timeline for completion of the Ph.D. and filing by June 30, 2026. Applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, research statement (less than 2,500 words describing the dissertation project, work in progress, professional goals, and plans for publications or future grants), and three references. Applications should be submitted online at: https://ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/622819.
Queries should be sent to Dr. Carrie Oser at carrie.oser@uky.edu.
Applications will be reviewed beginning on April 1, 2026, and the position will remain open until the position is filled.