Seeking a postdoctoral fellow/project coordinator committed to school-based mental health research and practice to serve in a leadership role for a randomized controlled trial (Efficacy study) funded by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Our project is focused on evaluating the impact and cost of an innovative targeted (Tier 2) positive psychology intervention intended to increase middle school students’ subjective well-being (study described in further detail here).
PI Shannon Suldo, Ph.D. (University of South Florida) and Co-PI Sarah Fefer, Ph.D. (University of Massachusetts-Amherst) invite applications for this full or part-time postdoctoral fellow/project coordinator position based at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA. The fellow/coordinator will assist with all aspects of implementing the Well-Being Promotion Program (WBPP) as a Tier 2 intervention within a multi-tiered system of support. Specific roles will include project management, provision of professional development in positive psychology to school mental health staff, delivery of clinical services to small groups of early adolescents, supervision of graduate students, coaching of interventionists, and opportunities to publish and present from project data. The position will allow the fellow/coordinator to gain expertise in comprehensive school mental health services and positive psychology, prepare for pursuit of leadership and research positions including a tenure-track position in academia (if desired), and to obtain supervision towards licensure in psychology (if needed). The fellow/coordinator will work with a dynamic team of faculty and graduate students from School Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Educational Measurement and Research at two universities. An ideal applicant would have the following qualifications: expertise in positive psychology, social and emotional learning, and/or universal screening; extensive clinical experiences with youth and families including small group counseling and engaging culturally diverse youth in mental health supports; a strong record of school-based research experiences including analysis of quantitative and qualitative data; and project management, leadership, and organizational skills necessary for the administrative aspect of the role. Preferred applicants will have earned a Ph.D. from a school, clinical, or counseling psychology program, or a closely related discipline, by the anticipated start date—ideally August 1, 2022. Individuals with other degrees/backgrounds will be considered for a project coordinator position but are not eligible for the postdoctoral fellowship. The position is a minimum of 12 months, with the potential for a multi-year contract. We are accepting applications to join our team for 20-40 hours per week, based on the preferences of the fellow/coordinator, with benefits provided for full and part-time.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass), the flagship of the University of Massachusetts system, is a public research and land-grant university established in 1863. UMass is the largest public university in New England and is ranked among the top 30 public universities in the nation by U.S. News & World Annual Report. UMass is classified as very high research activity and as a community engaged institution by the Carnegie Foundation. The UMass College of Education established in 1907 provides specialized preparation in diverse areas of education. The College has over 700 graduate students (certificate, master’s, or doctorate) and is a highly productive and engaged academic unit that contributes to the University’s research, outreach, and social justice missions. The Department of Student Development houses 4 academic programs including School Psychology, Social Justice, School Counseling, and Special Education. The School Psychology Program at UMass offer Ed.S. and Ph.D. programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Compensation and benefits are competitive. Interested candidates should email a letter of intent, curriculum vitae/resume, and 1-3 letters of recommendation or references to Sarah Fefer, Ph.D. (sfefer@umass.edu). We will begin reviewing applications immediately and continue until the position is filled; for full consideration, apply by April 29, 2022. Review will continue until the position is filled.