Postdoctoral Associate in Psychology

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays

Professional training

Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans

Employee wellbeing program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate in Psychology to work on psychopathology, addiction, and genetically informed studies including GWAS and twin/adoption designs. Starts Sept 1, 2026 with a 12-month appointment and potential renewal; salary $62,000–$70,000 depending on qualifications.

Reports to Dr. Scott Vrieze; available resources in the Department and MCTR are described.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a field related to behavioral genetics or statistical genetics (e.g., Psychology), completed by the agreed start date.

Responsibilities

• Lead new and existing scientific projects related to psychopathology and addiction, including project design, data collection, management, and analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Discuss with mentors, plan, and implement new avenues of investigation including grant proposals related to genetically informative research on substance use, addiction, psychopathology, related traits, and new methodological approaches.
• Other activities associated with being a member of an academic department (e.g., research seminars, training opportunities).

Skills

Written communication

Education

Ph.D. in Behavioral/Statistical Genetics

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate in Psychology

Professor Scott Vrieze and the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research are seeking a postdoctoral scholar to investigate the nature, origins, development, and consequences of psychopathology, addiction, and related conditions. These include genome-wide association studies and large longitudinal twin and adoption designs. Individuals will be able to avail themselves of resources in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota as well as the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research. Both of these institutions have a vibrant history and exciting future in the use of genetic designs to understand the nature and origins of behavior and human experience.

Anticipated start date is Sept 1 2026. Initial appointment will be for 12 months, with the opportunity for renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding. Salary range: $62-70k, depending on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• 70% - Lead new and existing scientific projects related to psychopathology and addiction, including project design; data collection, management, and analysis; and preparation of manuscripts for publication and dissemination.
• 25% - Discuss with mentors, plan, and implement new avenues of investigation including grant proposals related to genetically informative research on substance use, addiction, psychopathology, related traits, and new methodological approaches.
• 5% - Other activities associated with being a member of an academic department, such as engaging in research seminars and other training opportunities.

This position will report directly to Dr. Scott Vrieze.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a field related to behavioral genetics or statistical genetics (e.g., Psychology), completed by the agreed upon start date.
• Candidates should be able to demonstrate authorization to work in the United States at the University of Minnesota by the start date.
• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated by scientific publications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proven ability to problem solve
• Excellent interpersonal skills

* Individuals without much experience in genetic association analyses will be considered, as the position will offer relevant research training.

About the Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology is one of the largest departments within the College of Liberal Arts, and is a highly ranked department nationally. Currently, the department has 46 core faculty, 80+ staff, 120 graduate students, and it supports the largest number of undergraduate majors of any academic program on the UMN Twin Cities campus. Additionally, the department has $40 million or more in active research funding at any given time (the majority from NIH), spread across 70 or more projects. In its 100 plus year history, the Department of Psychology has been marked by distinction and excellence. For additional information, please go to our website: http://www.psych.umn.edu/.

About the College of Liberal Arts:

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in CLA

Working in CLA

Pay Range:

Pay Range: $62,000 - $70,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).