SEARCH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Research Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral fellowship position at The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center at UMass Chan Medical School. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center is dedicated to understanding and improving the challenges faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or behavioral health disorders and to supporting their families. The Shriver Center is also home to a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other related Disabilities (LEND) Program. Since 1970, the Shriver Centers expert faculty and staff have conducted cutting-edge research, offered world-class education and training, and provided high quality services with the goal of enhancing the health, safety, and quality of life of people affected by IDD. The Shriver Centers comprehensive experience and expertise have established it as an international leader, devoted to supporting the full participation of people with disabilities in community life through:

• Conducting research and translate scientific discoveries to improve the physical and mental health and the quality of life of people with IDD, ASD, and behavioral health disorders;
• Delivering unique and innovative educational programs that train educators, clinicians, scientists, people with disabilities, family members, and others who provide support to meet the needs of people with IDD, ASD, and behavioral health disorders;
• Developing leaders who will shape future research, training, and services in the disability field;
• Offering programs and services that are inclusive, person- and family-centered, culturally competent, evidence-based, and responsive to community needs; and
• Partnering with local and national agencies and organizations on initiatives that benefit people with disabilities, their families, and others who provide needed support.

Dr. Sarabeth Broder-Fingert is Executive Director of the Shriver Center. As the director of the LEAD Lab, Dr. Broder-Fingert studies innovations in early autism diagnosis and treatment. Recent/current studies include novel treatments for very young children with high likelihood for autism, health equity initiatives in improving access to services, and studies assessing novel technology for use in autism diagnosis.

The postdoctoral fellow will work on multiple projects within the LEAD Lab, under the direction of Dr. Sarabeth Broder-Fingert and in collaboration with other faculty within the Shriver Center (e.g., Drs. Marisa Petruccelli, Kyle Frost). Competitive applicants have experience with early autism diagnostic assessment, and a strong background in child development or applied research with developmental disability populations (e.g., PhD or PsyD in clinical or school psychology).

This post-doc will work on projects related to NIH-funded and industry-sponsored efforts. Projects include human subjects research, including clinical trials of behavioral interventions, and implementation science research to increase service access. Major responsibilities will include supporting diagnostic assessment; conducting qualitative interviews with caregivers, medical professionals, and clinic administrators; observational coding; and data analysis and manuscript preparation.

For candidates working toward psychologist licensure, there may be opportunities to obtain supervised clinical hours in collaboration with our faculty psychologists in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics.

Preferred qualifications:

• Research reliable administration/scoring in the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule 2nd Edition (ADOS-2)
• Experience with qualitative interviewing and qualitative analysis
• Experience interacting with families of toddlers and young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities
• Comfortable engaging with medical professionals and administrative leadership
• Bilingual in English/Spanish

Appointments will be made for one year, with a second year re-appointment expected based on review of the fellows progress. Fellowships will be available for start dates as early as July 1 but may be negotiable. The current stipend for first year fellows is commensurate with the standard National Institutes of Health rate and includes eligibility for benefits.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, CV, and list of three references to: Kyle Frost (kyle.frost1@umassmed.edu) and Marisa Petruccelli  (marisa.petruccelli@umassmed.edu).

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