The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research (PAVIR) is seeking a Clinical Research Postdoctoral Fellow position to support National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) funded mixed-methods projects to identify the most effective and cost-efficient strategies to support sustained implementation of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and to monitor fidelity to evidence based treatments, under the mentorship of the Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Shannon Wiltsey-Stirman, Psychologist/Implementation Scientist at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System’s National Center for PTSD and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University.

The lab studies the implementation of evidence based psychosocial interventions (EBPs) strategies, with an emphasis on training and consultation, to support sustained implementation, fidelity assessment, and adaptations to EBPs. The Fellow will assist with data collection, data analysis and manuscript preparation, receive training in and work as a facilitator for continuous quality improvement-oriented learning collaboratives, and will have opportunities to receive training and clinical supervision for licensure.

This is a regular, full time (40 hrs/wk), exempt position.

PAVIR is a nonprofit foundation affiliated with the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). As a condition of employment, all PAVIR employees are required to have an approved Without Compensation (WOC) appointment with VAPAHCS and complete a background check before they can commence work.

Please note, all PAVIR funded Postdoctoral Fellows will hold a Postdoctoral Fellow appointment through Stanford University and will have access to Stanford resources.

Duties:

  • Analyze data and prepare datasets for publication; Assist with the preparation of manuscripts and grant writing;
  • Code study data, including fidelity ratings of psychotherapy sessions and session materials
  • Receive training and mentorship for study-related skills (e.g., data analysis, mixed methods research methods, CQI facilitation)
  • Facilitate online continuous quality improvement-oriented learning collaboratives;
  • Conduct qualitative interviews with study participants
  • Collaborate with other members of the National Center for PTSD’s Dissemination and Training Division; Foster relationships with clinicians at the VA and in the community;
  • Serve as a lead / mentor to research coordinators, and graduate and undergraduate students;
  • Prepare posters and presentations; Present findings at conferences and meetings;
  • Other study related duties as needed.

Requirements:

EDUCATION: Ph.D. degree (or equivalent experience) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or related field. Coursework in multilevel modeling (e.g., HLM) or Structural Equation Modeling and/or qualitative/mixed methods research desired.

EXPERIENCE: 

  • No postgraduate experience required; 2 years of related experience desired.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of psychological theories, concepts, and methods relating to invention and therapy;
  • Training and experience in the delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with CPT training and supervision preferred;
  • Previous experience and knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS);
  • Some mixed methods experience and knowledge of qualitative analysis software (i.e. NVivo, Atlas) preferred;
  • Experience with observational coding systems for psychotherapy preferred;
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and interpersonal skills;
  • Strong scientific writing skills and demonstrated capacity to drive first author publications;
  • Ability to present results in a laboratory meeting and at scientific conferences;
  • Previous experience with implementation or effectiveness research preferred;
  • Strong interest in clinical research and/or mental health research;
  • Proven technical and analytical skills;
  • Previous experience with subject recruitment in a research environment;
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
  • Some knowledge of the IRB submission process;
  • Ability to understand VA regulations and procedures regarding research;
  • Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the research field gained through education or experience;
  • Previous experience in implementation or psychology research lab involving psychology protocol;
  • Previous experience in follow-up data collection;
  • Ability to multitask and juggle multiple deadlines;
  • Effective communication skills, both oral and written;
  • Ability to comply with technical guidelines;
  • Ability to read and understand the study protocol;
  • Ability to complete directed tasks independently.

Environmental Conditions / Physical Demands:

Physical: Lifting up to 10 lbs occasionally, standing, bending, repetitive movement, etc.

Environmental: Exposure to an office environment. 

PAVIR engages in nonprofit medical research and works with sponsors and the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) in administering funds for conducting research to find new and improved ways to combat human disease and help people with disabilities. Please refer to our website for additional information: www.pavir.org

PAVIR is pleased to be an Equal Opportunity Employer for Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Qualified Individuals with a Disability.

If you need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department.

Click here to apply.