Description
The Post-doctoral Research Associate position in the UCCS Psychology Department will collaborate with Distinguished Professor Tom Pyszczynski on research projects related to existential motivation in general, and terror management theory in particular, with a focus on increasing our understanding of basic processes, integration of this perspective with other approaches, and application of this framework to issues such as psychological dysfunction, intergroup conflict, political divisiveness, religions, growth motivation, and other issues. We are looking for a creative and ambitious person who is interested in contributing to our program of research and theory while developing their own ideas in this general domain. This is a unique position that includes some teaching in the psychology department. It is a one-year full-time position, renewable for an additional second year, assuming performance is at or above expectations, and depending on funding.

The position will involve substantial input in the development of research projects and co-authored work with our research team. Ability to work independently, as well as to supervise and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students, is essential. The position will involve teaching two undergraduate and graduate level classes per year in the Psychology Department at the in social psychology, statistics, research methods, contemporary issues in psychology or other courses, depending on departmental needs. 

The sucessful candidate will have a Ph.D. in Social Psychology or a related subdiscipline within psychology, with grounding in existential approaches to social psychological theory or interest and ideas regarding how other approaches could be integrated with an existential perspective; proficiency with experimental methodologies and modern statistical techniques. A Ph.D. degree must be conferred before the appointment starts. 

The Psychology Department at UCCS currently offers a BA in Psychology, MA programs in Psychological Science and Clinical Psychology (with specialty tracks in Trauma, Aging, Cognition, and Developmental), and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (with curricular emphasis in Geropsychology and Trauma Psychology). More info can be found at https://www2.uccs.edu/psych/. 

Who We Are:

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 10,500 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students.

Colorado Springs (pop. 400K+) is situated at the base of Pikes Peak, offers many recreational and cultural activities and was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top Best Places to Live in the U.S.

What We Offer: 

The positions provides a salary of $50,000, plus benefits. University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a comprehensive benefits package. Information on benefits programs is located at: http://www.cu.edu/employee-services. 

Total compensation includes salary plus health, retirement, and non-cash compensation. Information on calculating total compensation can be found at: https://www.cu.edu/node/153125.

Tentative Search Timeline: 

The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be in early to mid-March, 2021.  The potential employee start date is August 2021.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check.  

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands. 

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date. If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources. 

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.  The successful candidate must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States upon hire.

Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:  
Ph.D. in Social Psychology or a related subdiscipline within psychology, with grounding in existential approaches to social psychological theory or interest and ideas regarding how other approaches could be integrated with an existential perspective; proficiency with experimental methodologies and modern statistical techniques. A Ph.D. degree must be conferred before the appointment starts. 

Physical Requirements:

While performing the physical demands of this job, the employee may be required to sit, stand or walk.  Employee is occasionally required to have long periods of sitting or standing, moderate bending, moderate energy requirements and fine motor skills. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Mental functions of this job include comparing, copying, computing, compiling, analyzing, coordinating, synthesizing, negotiating, communicating, instructing and interpersonal/skills and behavior. 

Job Category: Faculty
Primary Location: Colorado Springs
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: Dec 21, 2020
Unposting Date: Ongoing