Postdoctoral Research Associate- UVA

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia (UVA) Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Service is seeking two full-time postdoctoral psychologists in the Charlottesville area. The role focuses on comprehensive evaluations for toddlers through adults, emphasizing autism/ASD, ADHD, language disorders, and other developmental concerns.

Responsibilities include supervised evaluations, interdisciplinary collaboration, diagnostic interviews, test batteries, and feedback to

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in psychology required.
• Completion of an APA-accredited internship preferred.
• Licensed or license-eligible in psychology.
• One-year or equivalent experience delivering psychological evaluations in a supervised setting.
• Experience in diagnosis and evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Responsibilities

• Provide psychological evaluations and associated clinical services in an outpatient setting.
• Participate on an interdisciplinary autism assessment team.
• Conduct diagnostic interviews, planning test batteries, test administration and interpretation; provide feedback to parents and write reports.
• Engage in outpatient, evidence-based interventions with individuals with autism/developmental disabilities as appropriate.
• Opportunities to participate in clinical research, program development, and community outreach.

Skills

ASD evaluation experience

Psychological evaluation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Doctoral degree in psychology

APA-accredited program

Licensed or license-eligible

Job description

The Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Service at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services (SJC) is seeking applications for two full-time postdoctoral positions in psychology. The incumbent will provide psychological evaluations and associated clinical services to individuals and families in an outpatient setting. The focus of the position is on specialized and comprehensive evaluation services to toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults presenting with concerns related to neurodevelopmental disorders. Common differential diagnoses include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, developmental delay, language disorder, intellectual disability, anxiety/mood disorders, and learning disabilities. Participation on an interdisciplinary autism assessment team is a core part of postdoctoral training; children are referred to this team from UVA Children's Hospital providers and often present with medical complexities (i.e., genetic disorders, congenital heart disease, cerebral palsy, seizures). Postdoctoral Associates in this clinic work collaboratively with providers and trainees from other disciplines, including psychology, speech-language pathology, developmental pediatrics, and family navigation. They take part in all aspects of evaluation, including diagnostic interviews, planning test batteries, test administration and interpretation, providing feedback to parents, and report writing. Experience with comprehensive assessment (i.e., cognitive, achievement, social/behavioral, adaptive) and gold standard autism diagnostic tools (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition) is preferred.

Although Postdoctoral Associates' primary responsibilities include supervised and interdisciplinary evaluations, working towards professional autonomy/expertise, they may also engage in outpatient, evidence-based intervention with children, adolescents, or young adults with autism/developmental disability. The SJC provides parent training interventions for challenging behavior in the context of developmental disabilities (e.g., sleep problems, toileting problems, mild behavioral feeding problems, and adaptive skill deficits), parent training for building social communication skills in toddlers with autism, evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for co-occurring anxiety spectrum problems, as well as emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning interventions. Evidence-based group interventions address social skills in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Postdoctoral Associates also participate in the Blue Ridge Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Program, which provides interdisciplinary training for future leaders in the field of developmental disabilities. Opportunities also exist to take part in clinical research, program development, and community outreach.

Chosen candidates must have completed their doctorate and be able to begin work by mid to late summer 2027.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Doctoral degree

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctorate in clinical or school psychology from an APA accredited program.
• Completion of an APA accredited internship.
• Licensed or license eligible.
• One-year or equivalent experience delivering psychological evaluations in a supervised setting.
• Experience in diagnosis and evaluation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Salary Range

$59,000-$61,000 range commensurate with candidate's experience for the first year. Second year salary range is $70,000 - $80,000: Candidates who participate in a second year will start at a base of $70,000, with an additional $10,000 in structured and anticipated bonuses for meeting standard and typical performance benchmarks.

Exemption Status

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA Benefits.

Term Limits

This is a 1-year position with an option to be a 2-year position; the second year is contingent upon the fellow's continued progress, performance, and interest.

Work Arrangement

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on-site.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application Timeline

Application review will begin after October 7, 2026.

Background checks

will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

Visa Sponsorship

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Reference Check Process

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Department Contact

For questions about the position, please contact Dr. Peter Tuerk, Director of the SJC and Professor of Education, and Dr. Erica Rouch, ASD Service Lead and Assistant Professor of Education.

UVA's Sheila C. Johnson Center for Clinical Services at the School of Education and Human Development provides effective transdisciplinary clinical services for individuals of all ages, incorporating the expertise of licensed professionals and faculty with graduate training programs that span a broad range of clinical specialties, including clinical psychology, autism-services, speech and language pathology, audiology, and reading.

Our Mission statement

• To implement high-quality multidisciplinary programing that furthers state-of-the-science clinical services, training, and research related to child, family, community, and school-based mental health, communication, and educational needs.
• To serve the Commonwealth through the provision of evidence-based interventions and assessments, and to provide a vibrant, welcoming, and safe clinical environment for students to learn and serve in.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.