Pediatric Scientist, Autism Research

About the Role

The Swank Autism Center at Nemours Children’s Health is seeking a Licensed or Licensed Eligible Psychologist or other Health Professional to join our team as a Research Scientist in Wilmington, Delaware. The Swank Autism Center provides comprehensive clinical services for children up to age 21 years and conducts research, community-based outreach, and training.

The Research Scientist will join a multidisciplinary team that includes faculty from psychology, developmental medicine, psychiatry, neurology, social work, nursing, and applied behavior analysis, as well as colleagues who are autistic and/or caregivers. The Research Scientist will also have a dual appointment in the Center for Healthcare Delivery Science (CHDS) – Delaware Valley. The CHDS includes 20+ investigators across the enterprise that study ways to improve health care, health equity, and health and wellness beyond medicine for youth and their families. The Swank Autism Center has a dedicated Clinical Research Coordinator, and CHDS provides additional research coordination and data analysis resources.

Teaching, training, and mentoring are core values in our division, and these efforts are supported and encouraged. The Swank Autism Center is strongly affiliated with Delaware’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program.

Responsibilities

• Develop a targeted research program in autism, including (but not limited to) current areas of study: healthcare inequities, neuro-affirming care, supporting families who are newly diagnosed or awaiting evaluation, and other areas.
• Build and support research collaborations with other Nemours faculty and/or external partners.
• Provide clinical services as a minor part of this role, which might include autism diagnostic services, individual/group therapy, and/or supervising trainees (e.g., externs, residents, and/or fellows who rotate through the center).

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a PhD in a health-related discipline.
• Must be licensed or license-eligible.
• Demonstrated evidence of collaborative academic productivity and either success in obtaining funding for research or a strong potential to obtain funding for research.
• Demonstrated training and experience conducting research in clinical and/or academic settings with autistic/neurodivergent children, adolescents, and/or young adults, and their families.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Health, life, dental, and vision benefits for Associates and their dependents.
• A comprehensive wellness program.
• CME days and dollars.
• 403(b) with employer match and a 457(b) plan.
• Licensure and dues allowance after hire.
• Tuition reimbursement and tuition discount programs with various Universities for Associates and their dependents.
• Adoption assistance and 6 weeks of Paternity leave.

About Us

Nemours Children's Health is an internationally recognized pediatric health system serving more than 1.7 million patient encounters each year. We deliver care across six states through two freestanding children’s hospitals — Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida — along with a network of more than 80 primary, urgent, and specialty care practices and over 40 hospital partnerships. Backed by the Nemours Foundation and Alfred I. duPont Trust, our $1.7B nonprofit system is dedicated to improving children's health through clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention.

Our Whole Child Health approach focuses equally on prevention and treatment, partnering with communities to help every child thrive. Inclusion and belonging guide our strategy and growth. We are committed to culturally relevant care, reducing health disparities, and fostering an environment where every associate, patient, and family feels supported and valued.

About the Team

At Nemours Children’s, our physicians collaborate across specialties, practices, and hospital settings to deliver care that is among the safest, most compassionate, and most advanced in pediatric medicine. As part of a fully integrated health system with strong academic partnerships, we are focused on achieving exceptional outcomes across every specialty. We continuously measure and improve outcomes to ensure consistent, top-tier care for children and families.

Our culture supports professional growth, collaboration, and innovation while advancing our mission to create the healthiest generations of children. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to creating a strong sense of belonging for patients, families, and team members alike.

About the Location

Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware is a 220-bed, internationally recognized pediatric hospital and the only Level I pediatric trauma center and Level IV NICU in the state. In the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings, Nemours Children’s, Delaware is a Top 10 children’s hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region with eight nationally ranked specialties, including Top 10 in orthopedics and Top 15 in diabetes and endocrinology. A Level I Children’s Surgery Center and three-time Magnet®-recognized organization, Nemours Children’s continues a $130 million campus expansion enhancing cardiology, oncology, maternal fetal medicine, and surgical services.

Wilmington, Delaware offers an ideal blend of historic charm, economic vitality, and East Coast accessibility. Located along the scenic Brandywine River, the city features vibrant cultural districts, acclaimed restaurants, museums, performing arts venues, and miles of parks and trails. Residents enjoy convenient access to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., along with Amtrak service throughout the Northeast Corridor. Wilmington’s strong financial, health care, and life sciences sectors, combined with excellent schools and diverse neighborhoods, make it an attractive place for professionals and families seeking both opportunity and quality of life.