The Scanlan Center for School Mental Health (SCSMH) is the state of Iowa’s hub for school-based mental health research, training, and clinical services that support the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health well-being of PreK-12 students, families, and educators.

The SCSMH is seeking candidates for a one-year postdoctoral scholar position focused on school mental health research in PreK-12 schools. The successful candidate will demonstrate an interest in innovative research to support the SCSMH mission to build PreK-12 mental health capacities in Iowa schools. The primary responsibilities of the postdoctoral scholar will be to engage in ongoing SCSMH research project activities to establish evidence-based practices, assessments, and interventions related to school mental health.

The postdoctoral scholar will work in a dynamic team and coordinate research efforts with SCSMH staff and graduate students. Additionally, the postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to engage in dissemination efforts including publications and presentations on behalf of the SCSMH. Opportunities for program development, program evaluation, professional development, and graduate student mentoring may be available.

About the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health

The Scanlan Center for School Mental Health is a partnership between the University of Iowa and the Iowa Department of Education with initial funding of $20 million to address mental health needs in Iowa schools. The Center will expand support for mental health prevention and treatment to Pre-K-12 students and educators in schools across the state. This includes training, resources, and outreach to support student mental health so all students, educators, and schools can be successful and resilient. Located in the UI College of Education, the center bridges disciplines across campus to provide a network of expertise in education, public health, nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, and counseling that improves mental health outcomes. This is Iowa’s first state-wide center supporting mental health in our schools.

Screening

Review of applications will begin on March 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Appointment

Appointment starting between July 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023, and continuing for 12 months.

Education Requirement

Candidate must have earned a doctorate (PhD or EdD) in a field related to educational policy and leadership or mental health (e.g., counseling, psychology, school social work) before the start date.

Required Qualifications

• Document relevant experiences in coordinating and directing grant-funded programs and activities, including research and evaluation activities, reporting, managing research teams, meeting and events, and communication.
• Document relevant experiences and competencies in carrying out quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods projects.
• Demonstrate a record of research engagement through publications, presentations, and other dissemination products related to educational leadership and/or school mental health.
• Document a commitment to or interest in equity-oriented, culturally responsive research and practice.
• Can work both independently and in a collegial and cooperative manner with the faculty supervisor and other team members.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience of working in a grant-funded environment
• Experience in managing projects and research teams
• Public speaking experiences
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Commitment to diversity and underserved populations

Online Application and Required Documents

• Curriculum Vita
• Name and Contact Information of References
• Letters of Interest
• Number of References: 3

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the “Apply for This Position” button located below the Contact Information.

Contact Information

Ashley L Rila – ashley-rila@uiowa.edu
Cedu-ICSMH
Lindquist Center
240 South Madison Street
N310A LC
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: 319-467-3128
Department URL: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu/

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences. The University also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to University facilities. Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply for all employment vacancies. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Coordinator of Title IX and Section 504, and the ADA in The Office of Institutional Equity, 319/335-0705 (voice) or 319/335-0697 (text), The University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, Iowa, 52242-1316.

Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.

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