Postdoctoral Researcher, Forensic Psychology

Department: Department of Psychology

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: $60,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 - 5; work is performed
on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control
requirement.

Job Story

The Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Residency Program offers a
comprehensive, clinically intensive structured training experience
designed for clinical psychology doctoral graduates who are
committed to specializing in the application of psychological
science to legal questions. Grounded in scientist-practitioner
principles, the residency integrates advanced forensic assessment,
empirical research, professional mentorship, and engagement with
the legal and justice communities.

Postdoctoral residents engage in an array of clinical, research,
supervisory, and didactic activities within a collaborative
university-based forensic psychology training environment. This
position is designed to prepare early-career psychologists for
independent licensure and a successful career at the intersection
of psychology and the law.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue on a
rolling basis until position are filled. Interviews will be
conducted via video conferencing. Salary is $60,000.00.

Job Summary

Administers a variety of studies within scientific or scholarly
area of expertise. Performs research study analyses, writes reports
and publications, and coordinates with others in carrying out
research.

Essential Functions

Participates with others on research projects. Builds upon previous
or concurrent research. Develops research projects through a
variety of methods, collaborations and analyses. Gathers data and
develops statistical analyses to assimilate and interpret research
results. Resolves data and/or research issues. Researches, writes,
and communicates research progress and outcomes. Maintains research
facility data, equipment, and specimens to ensure compliance with
applicable rules and regulations. May supervise the work of
others.

Job Duties

A. Forensic Clinical Assessment

The core focus of the residency is the conduct of high-quality,
evidence-based forensic psychological evaluations. Residents will
develop and refine expertise across a range of court-ordered,
agency-referred, and specialized assessment contexts, such
as:

• Pre-employment psychological evaluations of law enforcement

officer candidates

• Fitness-for-duty evaluations of active law enforcement and public

safety personnel

• Competency to stand trial evaluations
• Criminal responsibility evaluations
• Psychological risk assessments (e.g., violence risk, sex offender

risk, recidivism)

• Psychological mitigation evaluations for criminal sentencing,

capital cases, and related proceedings

• Other court-ordered or attorney-referred forensic evaluations as

indicated

Residents will be expected to produce written forensic
psychological reports that meet professional and legal standards
and may be called upon to provide expert testimony in judicial or
administrative proceedings under supervision.

B. Community Engagement and Program Development

To support program sustainability and the development of
intraprofessional forensic psychology competencies, residents will
assist in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with
key referral sources and community stakeholders, such as:

• Law enforcement agencies and public safety departments
• County and state courts (criminal, family, juvenile)
• Prosecutorial and defense attorney offices
• Correctional institutions and diversion programs
• Community mental health and crisis intervention agencies

Residents will represent the program professionally in agency
meetings, consultations, and community outreach efforts.

C. Research Participation

Residents are encouraged to engage in empirical research as part of
their professional development. Research activities may
include:

• Collaboration on active research projects within the program's

affiliated research laboratory

• Design and conduct of original studies in forensic

psychology

• Preparation and submission of peer-reviewed manuscripts and

conference presentations

• Assistance with IRB protocols, data collection and management,

and statistical analysis

Research participation is strongly encouraged but may be adjusted
based on clinical volume and program needs.

D. Supervision of Clinical Trainees

At the discretion of program supervisors and with approval of other
relevant individuals, residents may provide direct supervision and
mentorship to doctoral practicum students engaged in clinical
psychology training. Supervisory responsibilities may
include:

• Individual and group supervision of assessment cases
• Case conceptualization guidance and feedback on written

reports

• Modeling of professional and ethical conduct in practice
• Participation in didactic training activities, peer consultation,

and case conferences

E. Teaching

Residents who have an interest in academic careers may elect to
teach one or more courses in forensic psychology, subject to
departmental availability and approval. Teaching opportunities may
include:

• Undergraduate survey courses in forensic psychology or psychology

and law

• Graduate-level seminars in forensic assessment or specialized

psychological topics

• Guest lectures in related courses

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctorate degree in a related field
• One (1) year of experience in research, laboratory, scholarly

setting, or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work collaboratively in a professional office

environment to include, but not limited to; knowledge of office
ethics and proper office behavior; produce at a high level
independently and in teams; adapt quickly to change and feedback;
problem solve and use independent judgement.

• Ability to exercise appropriate personal initiative and

accountability with exceptional follow through, attention to
details, and track and meet deadlines. Strong time management,
organizational and record keeping skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to consistently and positively interact with colleagues

and other constituents

• Be license-eligible

Preferred Qualifications:

• A doctorate from an APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral

program.

Additional Information:

To apply, please complete the application and be prepared to upload
the following materials:

• Cover letter describing your interest in forensic psychology,

relevant training background, and career goals

• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial accepted for initial

review)

• Two to three de-identified writing samples (e.g., psychological

reports, research papers)

In addition, please arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation
(at least one from a clinical supervisor) to be sent to Dr. Brendan
Clark @ c.brendan.clark@wichita.edu

WSU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this
position.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a
computer and other office equipment including but not limited to
phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate
with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to use
tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This
includes dexterity in instrument manipulation. Ability to move,
transport, and/or deliver items, supplies, or equipment.

Additional Physical Requirement:

Sedentary: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a
negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry,
push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves
remaining stationary most of the time.