Postdoctoral Scholar - Research at The University of South Florida Board of Trustees
The University of South Florida Board of Trustees · Tampa, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Office in Tampa
The Postdoctoral Scholar (Postdoc) will work primarily as a study therapist for a NIH-funded clinical trial comparing a Virtual Reality-based treatment for dog, snake, and spider phobias to traditional telehealth-based treatment. The trial will be conducted in the Innovation in Mental Health (iMH) Lab in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences under the supervision of Dr. Brian Bunnell, PhD (https://health.usf.edu/imhlab). Although not required, the Postdoc will have the opportunity to author and co-author manuscripts on digital mental health solutions using existing or newly collected data, if desired.
Responsibilities
Job Duties
- Conducting initial intake assessments with study participants per established protocols
- Delivering exposure therapy for dog, snake, and spider phobias via either traditional telehealth approaches or our telehealth-based Virtual Reality clinic per established protocols
- Participating in weekly supervision meetings
- Audio recording study therapy sessions
- Entering session data into the study database
- Recording study activities
- Maintaining study logs
- Monitoring study participant progress
- Maintaining communication with study Principal Investigator about study activities and progress
- Ensuring study protocols are followed with high fidelity and reliability
- Ensuring governmental and university human subjects protection standards are followed during study processes.
- Other project-related duties as assigned
May be asked to assist with screening and obtaining informed consent from potential project participants and scheduling and communicating with project participants about weekly therapy sessions.
Qualifications
Completion of a PhD or PsyD from an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited Clinical Psychology program; Completion of a Pre-Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology at an APA-accredited internship program in the United States of America. Candidates must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Postdoctoral Scholar.
Company
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
