Postdoctoral Research Fellow (SMHC)

Job Identification: 42974

Job Category: Research

Apply Before: 04/16/2026, 09:47 AM

Degree Level: Doctorate Degree

Locations: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 33620, US

Essential Personnel: No
Job Description

The School Mental Health Collaborative (SMHC) Research, Training, and Technical Assistance Center at the University of South Florida (USF) is offering a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position with yearly renewal; prior Fellows have continued within the USF SMHC Center as Assistant Research Professors. SMHC (www.smhcollaborative.org) is a multi-university consortium that conducts research that informs policy and practice related to the promotion of social-emotional and behavioral success of all youth. The Fellow would join a rapidly growing team led by USF faculty Co-Directors (Drs. Nate von der Embse, Shannon Suldo, and Evan Dart), and includes a Center Director, two Postdoctoral Fellows, three Research Assistant Professors, and numerous graduate students. USF is a high-impact, global research university located in the beautiful Tampa Bay area and is one of only 40 public universities nationwide with very high research activity that is designated as Community Engaged by the Carnegie Foundation. The USF School Psychology Program is among the top in the nation, has active research projects of nearly $60 million, and offers Ed.S. and Ph.D. programs that are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Responsibilities

KEY FUNCTIONS AND EXPECTED PERFORMANCES

• First, the Fellow will assume a leadership position on a suicide prevention grant and Florida Department of Education statewide resilience assessment.
• Second, the Fellow will engage in consultation and technical assistance to facilitate the implementation of preventative Tier I and Tier II school mental health services.
• Third, the Fellow will supervise and support multiple graduate student research assistants in completion of grant related tasks and objectives.
• Lastly, the Fellow will engage in grant writing, contract procurement, and research dissemination activities, in collaboration with other members of the SMHC Center.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An earned doctoral degree in school psychology, special education, or related field by August 2026
• Experience coaching in a school setting
• Training and practice orientation in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support
• Experience in school-based violence prevention
• Ability to work independently and initiate tasks

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Benefits include: starting salary of $66,000, with in-person and remote responsibilities, paid travel to two conferences annually (approximately $2,000), medical and dental insurance, flexible research funds to support computer and software purchases, mentored opportunities to disseminate research findings and contribute to the grant writing process.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Applications should include cover letter describing interest in position and career goals, curriculum vitae, three names of references to be contacted. Review of applications will commence immediately and interested candidates should email questions and materials to Nate von der Embse, Ph.D (natev@usf.edu). The deadline for receipt of applications is April 6th, 2026.

About Us

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.

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