Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science

We are seeking an Assistant Professor for a tenure-track, full-time (12-month) position in the Center on Drug & Alcohol Research (CDAR) and Department of Behavioral Science (BSC) in the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky.

About the Role

We seek researchers with a dynamic, productive research agenda that will advance CDAR’s mission and maximize our impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use. The Center on Drug & Alcohol Research is a transdisciplinary research center focused on developing innovative and impactful research and training. The Department of Behavioral Science is a highly productive, collegial, and collaborative basic science research and training department in the College of Medicine.

The ideal candidate will have NIH-funded research or a strong promise of such funding; maintain a focus on substance use; aspire to engage in research mentorship; and contribute to a vibrant environment of scholars from the behavioral sciences, public health, social sciences, communication, health services research, biomedical informatics, health sciences (nursing, medicine, nutrition, etc.), and/or others. Special emphasis is placed on substance use intervention/clinical trials, treatment development, recovery science, community-engaged research, policy, big data, and dissemination and implementation science.

An attractive start-up package, premium and contiguous space, and excellent benefits will be provided. The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, a progressive and accessible city with over 325,000 residents, offering a high quality of life, affordability, and a well-educated population.

Responsibilities

• Conduct innovative, rigorous, grant-funded research and engage in scholarly activities (peer-reviewed publications, presentations, etc.).
• Contribute to the research training of UK students and postdoctoral scholars associated with the Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, including mentorship programs, courses in the Department of Behavioral Science, workshops, and supervised research.
• Engage in broader research and training initiatives led by CDAR (e.g., grant consultation and review; a speaker series and other enriching events; pilot project competitions; and outreach to the lay public on substance-related topics).

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent (e.g., MD) in Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences, Communication, Health Services Research, Bioinformatics, Health Sciences, or other related fields.
• NIH-funded research or a strong promise of such funding.
• Focus on substance use research.

Skills & Abilities

• Research productivity and excellence.
• Training and education capacity.
• Leadership skills.
• Collaborative orientation.

Benefits

An attractive start-up package, premium and contiguous space, and excellent benefits will be provided.

Application review will begin October 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.