Description

The Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab (https://leveluplab.org/) within the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan is accepting applications for one postdoctoral fellowship position to begin in September 2024. The Level Up Lab is seeking a candidate whose interests include translational (research-to-practice) and implementation research with an emphasis on technology-based interventions. The fellowship position is for an initial one-year appointment and the option for renewal for a second year if the fellow is making good progress towards the goals of the position.

The post-doctoral fellow will be mentored by the Lab Director, Professor Matthew Smith on the skills needed to effectively develop and evaluate technology-based interventions. Dr. Smith’s lab applies rigorous intervention and implementation science to elevate access to sustainable employment for underserved and marginalized communities. The success of the lab has translated into multiple R01-level federal grants supporting community-based randomized controlled trials and mentored K awards. The lab utilizes community-based participatory approaches and technological innovations to achieve these aims. The Level Up Lab builds on the interdisciplinary strength of the resource-rich, research-focused environment at the University of Michigan. 

This Level Up Lab postdoctoral fellow will be involved in Dr. Smith’s federally funded intervention and implementation research while developing their own independent research agendas. The central focus of this training will be a newly funded R01 from the National Institute of Mental Health to conduct a Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Trial evaluating virtual job interview training among autistic transition-age youth and young adults with autism engaged in employment services. In addition to training in community-based intervention research using technology, fellows will receive training and mentorship in grant writing (e.g., NIH, private foundations, etc.). Fellows will have full access to resources available through the School of Social Work and the University of Michigan – a rich interdisciplinary environment with seminars, invited lectures, and opportunities for collaboration with faculty across disciplines and departments.

The postdoctoral position offers a stipend, health insurance benefits, and funds for travel and professional development. We seek a diverse pool of outstanding applicants who will contribute to the School’s diversity, equity and inclusion agenda to join this important university-wide effort.

Requirements

The postdoctoral position offers a stipend, health insurance benefits, and funds for travel and professional development. We seek a diverse pool of outstanding applicants who will contribute to the School’s diversity, equity and inclusion agenda to join this important university-wide effort.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Social Work or a related discipline from an accredited academic program. 
• Experience in working with individuals on the autism spectrum, including those with a wide range of behavioral presentations.
• Effective communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Able to work independently as well as with a group.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Exceptional time-management skills.
• Ability to resolve issues in a timely manner and ensure smooth data collection.
• A commitment to supporting a welcoming, affirming and inclusive climate
   

Additional Information

We also encourage our applicants to consider the University of Michigan Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship. This University-wide fellowship is facilitated by the University of Michigan ADVANCE Program and supports exceptional scholars whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. Fellowships are 12 month appointments, renewable for one year, and fellows are encouraged to apply for available tenure-track openings in the School of Social Work during their term of appointment. We are particularly interested in scholars with the potential to bring to their research and teaching the critical perspective that comes from their non-traditional educational background or understanding of the experiences of groups historically underrepresented in higher education. Applicants for the School of Social Work should have an MSW degree and an earned doctorate in social work or a related field. They must select up to two faculty mentors from the School of Social Work and include a letter from the mentors in the application package. Additional information and application instructions may be found at https://presidentspostdoc.umich.edu/.

Application to the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship with faculty mentor letter is due on November 1, 2023. 

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.