Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship in Psychosis Treatment and Recovery

Join the University of Washington's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Where Innovation Meets Impact in Mental Health

The University of Washington School of Medicine?s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is recruiting a psychology postdoctoral fellow in Psychosis Treatment and Recovery for Academic Year 2025-26. This fellowship position is sponsored by the SPIRIT Center (Supporting Psychosis Innovation through Research, Implementation, and Training) at University of Washington School of Medicine, an R1 institution that is renowned for its innovations in telepsychiatry, integrated care models, digital mental health, implementation science, and the dissemination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for psychosis, ensuring fellows are trained in methods that are transforming care delivery both locally and globally.

The postdoctoral fellowship is intended to provide intensive and specialized training in the conduct of research, training, implementation, and direct clinical care of individuals and families affected by psychotic disorders. The fellow will be exposed to and participate in implementation and mental health services research on evidence based treatments and promising practices for psychotic spectrum disorders. In addition, fellows will gain clinical experience in evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions for psychosis (primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis) as well as gold standard psychodiagnostic assessment of psychosis and at-risk mental states through the Central Assessment of Psychosis Service (CAPS), a novel tele-evaluation service. Postdoctoral fellows will receive supervised clinical training sufficient for licensure eligibility.

This fellowship will be based at both Seattle Children?s Hospital (NE Seattle) and Harborview Medical Center (First Hill) in Seattle, WA. Fellows are expected to be on-site on clinic days and may work a hybrid schedule on research days. Fellows will have unique opportunities to serve individuals with and at risk for psychosis and their support systems through direct clinical care, research and evaluation, and program development and policy efforts across the SPIRIT Center. Psychodiagnostic assessments and research will be primarily conducted on the campus of Harborview Medical Center located in First Hill in downtown Seattle.

Applicants who have earned a PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology, have a strong interest in a career in academic psychology specializing in psychosis recovery and who have a strong foundation in assessment of clinical high risk for psychosis are encouraged to apply. Culturally diverse and bilingual candidates are especially encouraged to apply. Postdoctoral applicants must be graduates of APA-accredited doctoral programs in clinical or counseling psychology, have completed an APA-accredited internship, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

About the SPIRIT Center: The UW SPIRIT Center is comprised of faculty and staff who work to cultivate a warm, friendly, productive, and supportive working environment. We value diversity and strive to create an equitable, inclusive, and affirming learning environment. We provide equal opportunity to all prospective trainees and staff. We are located on the campus of Harborview Medical Center, which is accessible by public transportation, including a newly operational light rail system.

Salary

The base salary range for this position will be $5,705 to $6,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by the U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website. 

Benefits

Fellows will receive the faculty appointment of Postdoctoral Scholar. Postdoctoral Scholars at UW receive benefits such as healthcare, retirement, and vacation and sick time as outlined in the UW Postdoctoral Scholar Collective Bargaining Agreement. Fellows also have access to multiple training opportunities and educational resources during their fellowship year both across the UW campus and out-of-state. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Fellowship Structure

Over the course of the 1-year fellowship, fellows will devote 25-50% of their time to clinical training. Exact proportion of clinical time to research, education, and program development or policy work will be determined in collaboration with the trainee and primary supervisor. Trainees are invited to actively shape their fellowship year by co-developing an Individual Development Plan at the start of the academic year. Trainees will receive training and supervision in CBT for psychosis and will have the opportunity to administer CBTp groups on inpatient and individual CBTp in an outpatient clinic that serves youth and young adults with complex diagnostic and behavioral challenges. The fellow will also play a central role in major state-funded initiatives that align with their career aspirations. 

Clinical and research supervision are provided by SPIRIT faculty; additional preceptors and job mentors are arranged by request. Our department has a range of exceptional training and didactic opportunities that are offered throughout the year, including a highly regarded grants seminar.

Qualified applicants with a strong track record and interest in research will be considered for a 2-year fellowship.

PhD or foreign equivalent or equivalent doctoral degree.

Prospective candidates must have completed all doctoral degree requirements prior to the start of postdoctoral employment.

The SPIRIT Center is now accepting applications for the AY25-26. Complete applications should be sent to [email protected]. Questions can be directed to Dr. Sarah Kopelovich at [email protected]. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis.

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• A detailed CV in the UW School of Medicine format.

2. Cover Letter/Personal Statement

• Please describe your interest in the UW SPIRIT Center PTR fellowship, your career goals, and how the fellowship aligns with your aspirations. It should also highlight your clinical and research experience relevant to the fellowship and demonstrate your fit for the program.

3. Letters of Recommendation

• Three (3) letters of recommendation should be submitted directly to [email protected]. Letters should be from individuals who are familiar with your clinical work, research, and professional behavior (e.g., faculty members, clinical supervisors, or research mentors). Please ask letter writers to put your full name in the subject line of their email.

4. Graduate Transcripts

• Official or unofficial transcripts from your graduate program (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology, demonstrating academic performance.

5. Work Samples

• Applicants should submit

• one (1) clinical work sample, such as a de-identified psychological assessment reports, case formulations, or treatment plans; AND

• one (1) research sample, such as a first-author research publication, manuscript, or scientific abstract.

Prior to issuing an offer letter, we will request verification that you have successfully completed (or will complete) an APA/CPA-accredited predoctoral internship and the expected date of degree completion.

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University?s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member?s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].

About University of Washington

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public institutions in the west coast and one of the preeminent research universities in the world. The University of Washington is a multi-campus university comprised of three different campuses: Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. The Seattle campus is made up of sixteen schools and colleges that serve students ranging from an undergraduate level to a doctoral level. The university is home to world-class libraries, arts, music, drama, and sports, as well as the highest quality medical care in Washington State and a world-class academic medical center. The teaching and research of the University’s many professional schools provide undergraduate and graduate students the education necessary toward achieving an excellence that will serve the state, the region, and the nation. As part of a large and diverse community, the University of Washington serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest.

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