Postdoctoral Researcher, Forensic Psychology

Wichita State University; Texas; On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University in Wichita, KS, invites applications for a Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Residency within the Department of Psychology. The program offers structured clinical training, advanced forensic assessment, mentorship, and opportunities for research in a university setting.

Residency prepares early-career psychologists for licensure and a career at the intersection of psychology and law. Salary is competitive and on-site in a full-time capacity.

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in a related field.
• 1 year of experience in research, laboratory, scholarly setting, or related field.
• License not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct forensic psychology evaluations and assessments.
• Engage in research participation and scholarly activities.
• Provide supervision and mentorship to trainees as assigned.
• Assist in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Collaboration

Time management

Organization

Record keeping

Independent judgement

Problem solving

Education

Doctorate degree

Job description

Department: Department of Psychology

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: $60,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 - 5; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Program offers a comprehensive, clinically intensive structured training experience designed for clinical psychology doctoral graduates who are committed to specializing in the application of psychological science to legal questions. Grounded in scientist-practitioner principles, the residency integrates advanced forensic assessment, empirical research, professional mentorship, and engagement with the legal and justice communities.

Postdoctoral residents engage in an array of clinical, research, supervisory, and didactic activities within a collaborative university-based forensic psychology training environment. This position is designed to prepare early-career psychologists for independent licensure and a successful career at the intersection of psychology and the law.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis until position are filled. Interviews will be conducted via video conferencing. Salary is $60,000.00.

Job Summary

Administers a variety of studies within scientific or scholarly area of expertise. Performs research study analyses, writes reports and publications, and coordinates with others in carrying out research.

Essential Functions

Participates with others on research projects. Builds upon previous or concurrent research. Develops research projects through a variety of methods, collaborations and analyses. Gathers data and develops statistical analyses to assimilate and interpret research results. Resolves data and/or research issues. Researches, writes, and communicates research progress and outcomes. Maintains research facility data, equipment, and specimens to ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations. May supervise the work of others.

Job Duties

A. Forensic Clinical Assessment

The core focus of the residency is the conduct of high-quality, evidence-based forensic psychological evaluations. Residents will develop and refine expertise across a range of court-ordered, agency-referred, and specialized assessment contexts, such as:

• Pre-employment psychological evaluations of law enforcement officer candidates
• Fitness-for-duty evaluations of active law enforcement and public safety personnel
• Competency to stand trial evaluations
• Criminal responsibility evaluations
• Psychological risk assessments (e.g., violence risk, sex offender risk, recidivism)
• Psychological mitigation evaluations for criminal sentencing, capital cases, and related proceedings
• Other court-ordered or attorney-referred forensic evaluations as indicated

Residents will be expected to produce written forensic psychological reports that meet professional and legal standards and may be called upon to provide expert testimony in judicial or administrative proceedings under supervision.

B. Community Engagement and Program Development

To support program sustainability and the development of intraprofessional forensic psychology competencies, residents will assist in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with key referral sources and community stakeholders, such as:

• Law enforcement agencies and public safety departments
• County and state courts (criminal, family, juvenile)
• Prosecutorial and defense attorney offices
• Correctional institutions and diversion programs
• Community mental health and crisis intervention agencies

Residents will represent the program professionally in agency meetings, consultations, and community outreach efforts.

C. Research Participation

Residents are encouraged to engage in empirical research as part of their professional development. Research activities may include:

• Collaboration on active research projects within the program's affiliated research laboratory
• Design and conduct of original studies in forensic psychology
• Preparation and submission of peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations
• Assistance with IRB protocols, data collection and management, and statistical analysis

Research participation is strongly encouraged but may be adjusted based on clinical volume and program needs.

D. Supervision of Clinical Trainees

At the discretion of program supervisors and with approval of other relevant individuals, residents may provide direct supervision and mentorship to doctoral practicum students engaged in clinical psychology training. Supervisory responsibilities may include:

• Individual and group supervision of assessment cases
• Case conceptualization guidance and feedback on written reports
• Modeling of professional and ethical conduct in practice
• Participation in didactic training activities, peer consultation, and case conferences

E. Teaching

Residents who have an interest in academic careers may elect to teach one or more courses in forensic psychology, subject to departmental availability and approval. Teaching opportunities may include:

• Undergraduate survey courses in forensic psychology or psychology and law
• Graduate-level seminars in forensic assessment or specialized psychological topics
• Guest lectures in related courses

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctorate degree in a related field
• One (1) year of experience in research, laboratory, scholarly setting, or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work collaboratively in a professional office environment to include, but not limited to; knowledge of office ethics and proper office behavior; produce at a high level independently and in teams; adapt quickly to change and feedback; problem solve and use independent judgement.
• Ability to exercise appropriate personal initiative and accountability with exceptional follow through, attention to details, and track and meet deadlines. Strong time management, organizational and record keeping skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to consistently and positively interact with colleagues and other constituents
• Be license-eligible

Preferred Qualifications:

• A doctorate from an APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation. Ability to move, transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, and equipment.

Additional Physical Requirement:

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves remaining stationary most of the time.

WSU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.