The New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship in Psychology. We welcome candidates from all subfields of psychology, including but not limited to social, cognitive, developmental, clinical, neuroscience, quantitative, health, and legal psychology, who are interested in applying their research to the legal system, broadly defined. Applications can include, but are not limited to, areas such as decision-making, behavior change, assessment and treatment, prevention science, restorative justice, policy evaluation, and more.

The postdoctoral scholar will be embedded in ASU’s Law and Behavioral Science group, an interdisciplinary collective of psychological scientists engaged in research that addresses current and emerging issues facing the legal system in its broadest sense. The Law and Behavioral Science group spans many academic units across the university, but this position will be headquartered in the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics within the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences on ASU’s West Valley Campus. The group has expertise in criminal, civil, juvenile, and family law. More information about our Law and Behavioral Science group, including faculty, research labs, academic programs, and events, can be found at https://lbs.asu.edu/. We seek a scholar whose work either complements existing areas of strength or introduces new perspectives and methodologies that can be applied to understanding and improving the legal system. We encourage applications from scholars who are passionate about bridging their research with practical implications for the law, policy, or legal practices.

The postdoctoral scholars selected will join the 5^th cohort of postdoctoral scholars at ASU as part of the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program with a start date of August of 2025. The goal of the program is to support the career development of outstanding Ph.D. recipients from underrepresented populations with great potential for advancing the ASU Charter. After successful completion of the program, scholars will have an opportunity to transition to a tenure track appointment at ASU.

The program seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within groups historically underrepresented or underserved in higher education in the United States. Where pools of qualified applicants are strong, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to inclusive excellence. Examples of such contributions are research, teaching, mentorship, service or creative activity focused on empowering underserved populations that increases equitable access and inclusion in fields where historically excluded populations are underrepresented.

The ASU Law and Behavioral Science group has committed to providing individualized mentorship and career development to ensure each candidate is well prepared to succeed in a future tenure track appointment. Career development and community building will also occur through programmatic support through the Office of Inclusive Excellence in partnership with the ASU Graduate College’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office. Scholars will have the opportunity to engage with previous cohort members and their own cohort for professional development opportunities but also social/networking events and activities to ensure scholars have the best experience at ASU and develop a strong sense of belonging and engagement.

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

About the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

At ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, we take pride in breaking down disciplinary barriers, cultivating an environment where innovative research flourishes. Our faculty are not just educators; they are trailblazers in their fields, consistently expanding the frontiers of knowledge. We invite you to join this dynamic community, where you will lead and engage in pioneering projects that redefine academic excellence.

Our interdisciplinary approach offers you unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. By joining our faculty, you’re not just advancing your career; you’re shaping the future of education and research in meaningful ways. You’ll be empowered to innovate and address complex global challenges, all while preparing the next generation of leaders. We are committed to supporting and guiding you throughout your academic journey, ensuring that your contributions are impactful and transformative. For more information visit us at https://newcollege.asu.edu/.

New College is located on ASU’s West Valley campus, blending a liberal arts education with 21st-century workforce preparation and a learning hub for students of all ages and backgrounds supporting the rapid growth of its surrounding 14 communities. Integrating modern amenities with the natural beauty of outdoor spaces, the West Valley campus offers over 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across business, engineering, education, and the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.

About the School

The School of Interdisciplinary Forensics (SIF) bridges science, law, and justice, offering a unique approach to forensic education. The school has strengths in the psychological sciences (social, clinical, developmental psychology, and psychology and law), natural sciences (anthropology, biology, chemistry, entomology, and genetics), and information technology (cybersecurity, digital forensics). We integrate a wide-array of disciplines, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of science's role in the legal system. With a focus on real-world applications and ethical considerations, SIF prepares students for careers that require both scientific expertise and a deep commitment to justice and truth. https://newcollege.asu.edu/school-interdisciplinary-forensics

Essential Functions of the Position

Successful candidates will engage in scholarly research (e.g., primary data collection; writing manuscripts; presenting research at conferences), and may be asked to perform duties common to academic personnel including grant writing and limited but focused teaching and service in order to devote as much time to developing scholarship and a strong research path.

Required Qualifications:

• A doctoral degree in psychology or related field at the time of appointment.
• The candidate must be within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in conducting research with applications to the legal system, broadly defined;
• A record of research and scholarship that demonstrates an ability to conduct psychological research that is publishable in high-quality academic journals;
• Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students in research;
• Experience conducting advanced quantitative statistical analyses;
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing an externally funded research program;
• Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with students from a wider variety of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, including first generation college students;
• Evidence of a research agenda committed to advancing principles of the ASU Charter;
• Demonstrated interest in bridging basic research with practical implications for the law, policy, or legal practices;
• Evidence of excellent organizational and communication skills.

This position is located at Arizona State University at the West Valley campus. All postdoctoral fellowship positions are funded for two years on an annual contract basis and include relocation cost in addition to yearly professional development funds to support scholar research, conference attendance and other professional development activities. Options for an additional one or two years of funding or a transition to a tenure track position may be offered, depending on the fellow’s progress, training needs, and department funding capacity. The scholar will complete a document of expectations with their unit to help guide their work and monitor progress for both the scholar and their units. Transition to faculty tenure track appointments will require a process of review within the designated tenure home unit.

Application Deadline:

The initial application deadline is November 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled or the search is closed. A background check and official transcripts are required prior to employment. For assistance with your application, or for position-related questions, contact Kristin.Warriner@asu.edu.

Application Procedure:

Only electronic submissions via Interfolio will be reviewed. All required materials must be submitted at time of initial application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications must contain:

• Cover letter that addresses the required and desired qualifications and how your experience will demonstrate the ASU Charter
• Curriculum vitae with contact information, including telephone number and e-mail address
• A research statement that describes your research experiences and accomplishments and future research plans
• Up to three representative publications (either published or unpublished) in 1 PDF document
• Information for three professional references (their position, title, e-mail, phone number), one reference must be from your current or most recent employer

Applicants advancing to the second round of review may be asked to provide additional materials.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon the successful passing of the background check.