Job Summary
The University of Utah Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar to join an interdisciplinary research team focused on improving health, participation, physical activity, and quality of life among individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. The successful candidate will contribute to federally funded research projects examining the efficacy, implementation, and dissemination of adapted physical activity and adapted aquatics interventions across the lifespan. This position offers opportunities to participate in all aspects of research including study design, participant recruitment, intervention implementation, data collection, quantitative and qualitative analysis, manuscript preparation, grant development, and dissemination of findings. The postdoctoral scholar will collaborate with faculty, clinicians, community partners, and trainees while contributing to ongoing clinical and community-based research initiatives.
The initial appointment is for one year and is renewable annually based on performance and funding availability. Funding is expected to be available for 3 years.
To apply please submit the following information combined into a single PDF: Cover letter (describing your interests and motivation for seeking this post-doctoral scholar position), Resume / CV, Names / contact information of two references.
Questions about the position or required materials can be sent to Dr. Lisa Mische Lawson, lisa.l@utah.edu
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design, implementation, and management of NIH-funded and other externally funded research projects.
- Coordinate and conduct research involving individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.
- Lead and support participant recruitment, enrollment, retention, and follow-up activities.
- Collect, manage, and analyze quantitative and qualitative research data.
- Conduct statistical analyses using software such as SPSS, or similar platforms.
- Conduct qualitative analyses using accepted methodologies and software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti).
- Assist with intervention delivery and evaluation of adapted aquatics and physical activity programs.
- Monitor study fidelity and ensure adherence to research protocols, IRB requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Support data quality assurance, data management, and reporting activities.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and present findings at professional conferences.
- Assist with grant writing and development of future funding applications.
- Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in research projects.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary investigators, clinicians, community organizations, and stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
Postdoc
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
- PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in Recreational Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Adapted Physical Activity, Human Development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience conducting both quantitative and qualitative research.
- Experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and/or other developmental disabilities.
- Training or experience in adapted aquatics instruction, programming, research, or intervention delivery.
- Strong knowledge of research methodology, study design, and human subjects protections.
- Evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
Preferences
- Experience conducting or coordinating clinical trials, behavioral interventions, or community-based intervention studies.
- Experience with NIH-funded research projects.
- Expertise in advanced quantitative analytical methods and mixed-methods research.
- Experience using qualitative analysis software
- Experience preparing manuscripts, grant proposals, and research reports.
- Record of successful collaboration with healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, or disability-serving agencies.
- Certification in recreational therapy, adapted aquatics, adaptive physical activity, or related fields is desirable.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
