Description

Position Overview

The Center for the Advancement of Research on Eating Behaviors (CARE) at the University of Kansas (care.ku.edu) is seeking an Associate Researcher to support its multidisciplinary program focused on advancing the early detection, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of eating disorders across the lifespan.

CARE conducts large-scale, federally funded research that integrates clinical science, implementation science, and digital health innovation to improve outcomes for individuals with eating disorders and related mental-health conditions. This position is designed to provide intensive research and clinical training to prepare the successful candidate for an academic or clinical scientist career.

The Associate Researcher will contribute to and lead aspects of ongoing federally funded studies, including the Building Healthy Eating and Self-Esteem Together for University Students (BEST-U) trial, Smart Technology for Anorexia Nervosa Recovery (STAR) trial, Department of Defense-funded projects focused on eating pathology in military and veteran populations, and additional NIH- and endowment-supported research.

CARE also houses extensive existing data resources, including:

• A longitudinal sample of more than 3,000 individuals with eating disorders collected in collaboration with Recovery Record.
• Nationally representative datasets of veterans and military members examining eating pathology, comorbidities, and health care utilization.
• A longitudinal dataset of approximately 300 individuals with eating disorders, assessed every six months over three years, with the possibility of additional long-term follow-up funding.

The Associate Researcher will receive co-supervision from Dr. Angeline Bottera (CARE Associate Director), whose program of research focuses on mobile-health (mHealth) interventions and circadian dysfunction in eating disorders, providing a rich and diverse array of research and scholarship opportunities.

This position is located at the University of Kansas-Lawrence. Following an initial onboarding and training period, limited hybrid work flexibility may be available based on project needs and supervisor approval.

Job Description

40% - Research Grant Development and Dissemination

• Author and co-author manuscripts and presentations for national and international conferences.
• Contribute to the development of new research grant proposals, including writing sections on conceptual models, methodology, and significance.
• Collaborate with CARE leadership and project teams to prepare submissions to NIH, DoD, and private foundations.
• Develop an independent line of research aligned with CARE's mission and utilize CARE's extensive existing datasets.

25% - Research Project Implementation and Supervision

• Lead and co-lead implementation of research protocols across CARE's federally funded and clinical research projects.
• Supervise and mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants, including co-leading and leading assessment team meetings.
• Train students and staff in structured clinical interview administration (e.g., Quick-SCID, EPSI-CRV, MINI) and interviewing skills for diagnostic, suicide-risk, and eating-disorder assessment.
• Ensure adherence to study protocols, research integrity standards, and human subjects protections.
• Manage IRB submissions, data collection, and data quality processes.
• Contribute to analyses and interpretation of data to support research publications and progress reporting.

20% - Clinical Assessment and Intervention

• Conduct structured diagnostic interviews and therapy sessions as part of ongoing grant-funded studies and clinical trials.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case reviews and diagnostic consensus meetings.
• Maintain appropriate client documentation and clinical notes.
• Integrate research findings into clinical procedures and contribute to refinement of assessment and treatment protocols.
• Assist with training and quality assurance for clinical components of research studies.

15% - Service to the Profession and Center

• Provide professional service through journal and grant reviewing, participation in professional societies, and contributions to scientific committees.
• Engage in CARE and Life Span Institute meetings, mentoring, and outreach initiatives.
• Contribute to a collaborative and innovative research culture within CARE and KU.

Position Requirements

• This position is based at the University of Kansas-Lawrence campus.
• Hybrid work options may be considered based on project needs and supervisor approval.

Required Qualifications

1. Doctoral degree in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or a closely related field (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with all degree requirements completed prior to the start date.
2. Minimum two years of research experience related to eating disorders, clinical psychology, or behavioral health.
3. Demonstrated experience conducting structured clinical interviews and/or delivering evidence-based interventions.
4. Record of peer-reviewed publications and/or professional presentations.

Additional Candidate Instruction

Applicants should submit the following materials:

1. A cover letter describing research interests, career goals, and fit with CARE.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. Contact information for three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, with the earliest start date in Spring 2026 and the latest start date in Fall 2026.

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.