Postdoctoral Research Scholar

The Department of Psychological Sciences

The Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral research scholar position in Dr. Ashley Groh's Family & Child Development Laboratory.

Dr. Groh is seeking an excellent candidate for a postdoctoral position supported by NICHD (R01HD108218). Dr. Groh is currently conducting NIH- and NSF-funded longitudinal projects that examine women's neural adaptation to motherhood as a function of psychological risk in relation to mother and child outcomes. In addition, there are existing large longitudinal data sets including samples of mothers, fathers, and infants that continue to be analyzed and published. Dr. Groh's lab also regularly conducts meta-analyses to evaluate developmental questions in light of extant data. Thus, the position allows for outstanding productivity and a great start of a research career.

Dr. Groh's research leverages observational assessments of family processes (e.g., attachment, parenting), interview measures of representations of early experiences (e.g., AAI, ASA), and measures of peripheral physiological (e.g., EDR, RSA, HR, PEP) and brain (EEG, ERP) activity examined over time. This, key skills include familiarity with data management or large multi-method data sets and excellent data-analytic skills, especially those relevant to complex, large longitudinal studies. Expertise in at least one of the methods detailed above (e.g., attachment assessment, parenting behavior, psychophysiology) is required. Training in other methods will be provided. Expertise in up-to-date approaches to multi-level data analysis and structural equation modeling, as well as familiarity with relevant computer packages (SPSS, R, etc) is required. Strong writing skills are important as well. Candidates with strong academic backgrounds in developmental psychology, developmental psychopathology, human development and family studies, and/or neuroscience are encouraged to apply.

A Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, Human Development & Family Studies, Neuroscience, or related field is required by the start of the appointment. Candidates who have completed all the requirements for their Ph.D., but the degree has not yet been conferred, will be considered.

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Substantive expertise in parent-child relationships and socioemotional development
• Research skills in one or more of the following areas: observational assessments of parenting/parent-child relationships, interview assessments of attachment, and psychophysiology (EEG/ERP, autonomic physiology).
• Strong longitudinal quantitative skills, including MLM, SEM, moderation, mediation, etc.
• Familiarity with relevant statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, R, etc)
• Excellent writing skills

Interested individuals should submit:

1. A letter of interest that describes research accomplishments, skills, and future research plans
2. Curriculum Vitae

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, but applications received by July 31, 2025 will receive the best consideration. Expected start date is September 1, 2025.

Applicants may contact Dr. Ashley Groh (groha@missouri.edu) with questions about the job duties. Contact Talia Gholson (gholsont@missouri.edu) for any questions about the application process.

Please note: This is an in-person role located on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus. Candidates must be residents of the state of Missouri or willing to relocate prior to the hire date.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city experiences, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.