Description

Position Overview

The Cofrin Logan Center for Addiction Research and Treatment at the University of Kansas seeks a full-time postdoctoral research fellow. The successful candidate will work closely with Principal Investigator Dr. Tera Fazzino in the Health Behavior and Technology Lab on a project investigating the abuse liability of hyper-palatable foods.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Adhere to research protocols and complete daily research-related tasks to run the lab and active studies.
• Serve as unblinded researcher that will organize, manage, and provide food stimuli for laboratory study on a daily basis.
• Conduct data quality control monitoring, data analysis as needed.
• Help with supervision of laboratory graduate students and research staff.
• Manuscript preparation for publication.
• Participate in the preparation/writing of grants.

The successful candidate will be provided with training in laboratory paradigms, behavioral assessment, and regulatory science as applied to food. They will also gain experience in general research administration and the preparation of grants and manuscripts. Additional independent research opportunities, such as conference and manuscript submissions, will be available based on interest and experience. This position is well-suited for individuals interested in pursuing research-focused careers in academia, academic medical centers, and/or research institutes.

Job Description

40% - Study Facilitation and Management:

• Conduct ongoing data quality control procedures.
• Contribute to building the redcap data project that the study will use for data collection and participant tracking, with a focus on data quality features and controls.
• Serve as unblinded researcher that will organize, manage, and provide food stimuli for laboratory study on a daily basis.
• Coordinate with PI regarding ensuring study rigor, including managing randomization procedures, crossover design features, and maintaining study blind for research staff.

30% - Data Management and Analysis:

• Assist with trial pre-registration.
• Assist with data preparation for annual review documents and progress reports.
• Supervise and facilitate research coordinator in producing regular study progress reports, including participant tracking and completion.
• Process and manage study data, facilitate preparation and formatting for regular data uploads to central repository.
• Conduct data analysis for projects as warranted.

25% - Scientific Writing- Manuscripts and Grants:

• Contribute to the preparation and submission of manuscripts for publication.
• Contribute to the development of grants via literature searches, drafting of grant sections/content as requested.
• Prepare posters and oral presentations for national/international conferences.

5% - Other Duties:

• Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external study collaborators, including investigators, sponsors, and monitors.
• Perform varied administrative support duties as required.

Required Qualifications

1. PhD in psychology, public health, epidemiology, or other related field by start date or within 6 months of start date.
2. Research experience in relevant areas as evidenced by CV and written application.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated attention to detail as evidenced by application materials and work history.
4. Prior experience in coding to process/analyze data using statistical software (e.g., R, SAS) or related software.

NOTE: To be appointed at the Postdoctoral Researcher title or equivalent title, it is necessary to have the Ph.D. in hand. Appointments made without a certified transcript indicating an earned doctorate are conditional hires and are appointed on an Acting basis not to exceed 6-months. Appointment duration will be extended upon final verification of degree.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Thursday, 5/14/2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.