Description:

The University of Houston Tillman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine (UHCOM) announces a post-doctoral research fellowship in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences. The position is available beginning September 1, 2025 or after to work with James H. Bray, PhD in his Family Health Laboratory and other BSS faculty. The FH Lab investigates family and developmental factors that influence adult, child and adolescent adjustment, behavioral problems, alcohol and substance abuse, and health. In addition, the lab develops and evaluates prevention and intervention methods that promote healthy behaviors and ameliorate problem behaviors and substance use in family and school settings. The lab is currently using AI to develop apps for evaluation and intervention for substance use problems in collaboration with computer scientists.

Post doc is expected to work full-time for one year, with possible extension to two years. Post doc will help Dr. Bray manage his laboratory, conduct new studies, conduct analyses of existing databases and help prepare grant applications for future funding. Post doc will help with laboratory development, organization and training. Post doc will also help supervise students and other trainees.

Post doc needs to have advanced data analytic skills including structural equation modeling, growth curve modeling, and longitudinal data analyses (using MPlus) and be interested in applying those to existing data sets. Existing datasets include the following: Development Issues in Stepfamilies Research Project, Adolescent Alcohol and Substance Use Research Project, Pregnant and Post-partum women in recovery, Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) Project.



Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge in area of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allow for completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization. Develops leadership and management skills.

1. Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experiments or projects under control or supervisory responsibility.
2. Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
3. May be responsible for a single highly technical and complex piece of research equipment.
4. May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
5. May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
6. Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
7. May receive general supervision conferring with higher levels only in unusual situations.
8. Performs other job-related duties as required.

MQ: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directly job-related terminal degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. No experience is required.


Application Requirements:
1. Curriculum Vitae detailing work history, education and publications
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application that includes: how your personal career goals and training align with the FH Lab and how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to the mission.
3. List of at least 3 names and contact information for people who will provide a letter of reference for you.
Specific duties of the position include the following:

Primary Responsibilities:
1. Manage Family Health Lab
2. Supervise students and trainees
3. Assist with design and development of new research projects
4. Conduct data analyses on existing and new datasets, help write analyses for publications and presentations
5. Assist with grant writing

Minimum Qualifications:
1. PhD in relevant area of psychology, or related discipline (family studies, developmental science, etc.).
2. Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills.
3. Must be skilled in all Microsoft Office products.
4. Skilled in SPSS, HLM, MPlus, R, and/or SAS to conduct longitudinal data analyses and structural equation analyses
5. Ability to work well with others and work from multiple professionals.

Position is 100% FTE with full UH benefits. Interviews will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidate. All positions at the University of Houston are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.