Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

36d • Onsite

About The Position

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development. Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country. UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The University of North Carolina TEACCH Autism program is system of university-based regional centers to serve autistic children, adolescents and adults and their families. As part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the program has an active clinical, teaching, and research program. TEACCH operates seven community regional clinics. Our clinics and programs offer a set of core services along with unique demonstration programs meeting the needs of autistic individuals, their families, and professionals across the state of North Carolina. Also, part of TEACCH is the Carolina Living and Learning Center, a residential/vocational training facility for autistic adults as well as an Employment Services program providing Job Coaching and related services to adults on the spectrum. TEACCH is currently part of the North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) program. All TEACCH programs are coordinated through a central administration and research unit in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. TEACCH provides clinical services such as diagnostic evaluations, psychotherapy, speech language therapy, occupational therapy and parent support groups. In addition, TEACCH conducts training within the state of North Carolina, nationally and internationally and provides consultation for teachers, residential care providers, and other professionals from a variety of disciplines. TEACCH conducts clinical research focused on providing evidence-based care to autistic individuals and their families in their home communities. Our research examines intervention effectiveness in clinic, school, and community settings. Ongoing research includes a school-based anxiety intervention program, a community college-based transition to adulthood program, a telehealth program treating depression and anxiety in autistic adults, and a physical activity program for autistic adults. Studies also examine the services needs related to early intervention, employment and aging. TEACCH has 48 full and part-time faculty, 150+ staff and provides training opportunities in both research and clinical activities for interns, postdocs and other graduate and undergraduate students. Position Summary 2026-2027 Postdoctoral Fellowships in Autism Spectrum Disorder (1-2 years). The selected candidates will engage in a combination of clinical and research activities. Clinical opportunities include diagnostic evaluations, individual therapy sessions, and group treatment activities for autistic individuals across the lifespan working within TEACCH outpatient clinics. Intervention experiences include early intervention services, school-based social groups, parent coaching, adult dialectical behavior therapy groups, and adult residential care. Research opportunities include examining the efficacy of TEACCH clinical (e.g., early intervention, transition to adulthood, suicide prevention, aging) and training (e.g., professional development) programs working with Drs. Christina Corsello, Laura Klinger, Brianne Tomaszewski and/or Hannah Morton. TEACCH research infrastructure includes a database of more than 14,000 individuals diagnosed by TEACCH. The blend of clinical, teaching, and research activities will depend on the successful candidate's expertise and career interests.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree required.
• Requirements include previous training in clinical and/or research activities focused on autism.
• Qualified applicants will have a strong background in Clinical or School Psychology and will have completed their doctoral training and internship at APA-accredited programs by the start of the fellowship year.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in high-performing team in academic medical or clinical setting.

Responsibilities

• Clinical opportunities include diagnostic evaluations, individual therapy sessions, and group treatment activities for autistic individuals across the lifespan working within TEACCH outpatient clinics.
• Intervention experiences include early intervention services, school-based social groups, parent coaching, adult dialectical behavior therapy groups, and adult residential care.
• Research opportunities include examining the efficacy of TEACCH clinical (e.g., early intervention, transition to adulthood, suicide prevention, aging) and training (e.g., professional development) programs working with Drs. Christina Corsello, Laura Klinger, Brianne Tomaszewski and/or Hannah Morton.

Benefits

• healthcare benefits
• paid vacation and sick leave
• time to attend national conferences

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees