Post Doctoral Scholar
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 4 January 2026
Department Overview
About OHSULink www.ohsu.eduOHSU's singular focus on improving health starts with Oregonians and has global impact. We are the only academic health center in Oregon, but we're also nationally distinct as a university dedicated solely to advancing health sciences. This allows us to concentrate resources on research to prevent and cure disease, on education that prepares physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals to succeed in an evolving health care environment, and on patient care that incorporates the latest knowledge and discoveries. We have 18,000 employees and secure competitive research funding of more than $400 million a year. As a public organization, we provide community outreach and services for Oregon's most vulnerable populations. OHSU’s stated mission to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation and leadership in health care, education and research.
About OHSU Doernbecher Children’s HospitalLink https://www.ohsu.edu/doernbecherWith a strong tradition of teamwork, diversity and interdisciplinary care, we believe all children deserve the best. At Doernbecher, we built a hospital around that belief. It’s why we have more specialists in children’s health than anywhere else in the state. We offer the newest and most advanced treatments available, along with innovative collaborations and research opportunities. As Oregon’s only academic health center, we strive to offer the best medical care to every child across Oregon, Southwest Washington and beyond.
About The Institute on Development and Disability (IDD)Link https://www.ohsu.edu/institute-on-development-and-disability/about-us
The Institute on Development and Disability within the Department of Pediatrics at OHSU works with patients, families, clinicians, researchers and many other professionals to meet the goal of improving the lives of people with disabilities. We perform research and care to support every patient, from premature babies to older adults, facing changes in life due to the onset of disabling conditions. With more than 100 years of practice, we understand how to best meet the needs of our patients and their families in Oregon and beyond.
About Portland and OregonLink https://www.travelportland.comBisected by the Willamette River, Portland is a vibrant city nestled among green woods and waterways. Only 90 minutes from the spectacular Oregon coast or towering Mount Hood, Portland offers the rare accessibility of snow-to-surf. Portland embraces cyclists, hikers, brewpubs, dogs, climbers, artisan coffee shops, book readers, foodies, professional soccer and basketball fans, award-winning wineries, concertgoers and paddle boarders. It’s no wonder Portland constantly ranks as one of America’s favorite lifestyle cities.
Function/Duties of Position
The behavioral pediatrics postdoctoral position emphasizes consultation and treatment activities within a pediatric setting. Clinical activities will focus on behavioral pediatrics and integrated primary care. Behavioral pediatrics addresses the well child gap between general pediatric care and mental health services. Training will emphasize collaboration and clinical consultation within general pediatrics clinics, training of pediatric residents, and outpatient treatment emphasizing common behavior problems that present in outpatient pediatric medical settings (e.g., bedtime problems, tantrums, noncompliance, mealtime and feeding difficulties, delayed toilet training), behavior problems with a biological component (e.g., soiling), and biological/medical problems with a significant behavioral component (e.g., enuresis, tics). Opportunities for inpatient (medical) consultation and provision of traditional mental health services may be available.
The postdoctoral fellow will have access to a multitude of career development opportunities through the IDD, Department of Pediatrics, and OHSU, including a full range of didactic offerings. Further, opportunities to offer community based trainings to parents and service providers are available.
Required Qualifications
- PhD/PsyD in Psychology from an APA-Accredited Program.
- Completion of APA-accredited doctoral internship.
- Residency contract approved by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners.
- Child development, psychosocial contributors to behavioral health, behavioral intervention, family-based intervention, effective communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Clinical Psychology.
- Hospital based care experience.
- Assessment and behavioral treatment of youth experience.
- Evaluation and treatment protocols for enuresis, Encopresis, tic disorders, chronic health conditions, behavioral health integration into pediatric primary care experience.
Additional Details
Upload cover letter and resume AND in addition, send two letters of reference to Janet Tanney at tanney@ohsu.edu.
Please be sure to include months and years (MM/YYYY format) to the resume for jobs/work experience.
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.
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Frequently asked questions
Portland's academic health scene is robust but specialized roles like Post Doctoral Scholars in behavioral pediatrics face moderate competition due to niche expertise. Oregon Health & Science University attracts many applicants, balancing demand for advanced pediatric behavioral health professionals with the city's growing research community.
Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners approval is essential for practicing psychologists here. While the postdoctoral position requires a residency contract, additional certifications in pediatric behavioral interventions or integrated primary care psychology can improve your candidacy within Oregon's healthcare system.
Emphasizing expertise in family-based behavioral interventions, effective communication, and experience with pediatric behavioral health challenges like enuresis or tic disorders can distinguish candidates. Familiarity with hospital-based care and collaborative consultation within pediatric clinics is highly sought after.
This position uniquely blends clinical consultation in pediatric primary care with behavioral treatment, focusing on bridging gaps between general pediatrics and mental health. Unlike pure research roles, it involves direct patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and training pediatric residents, creating a dynamic clinical-educational environment.
OHSU offers access to extensive research funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community outreach programs. The role integrates clinical work with opportunities for career development, including didactic training and community-based education, fostering growth in pediatric behavioral health within a leading academic health center.
Absolutely, OHSU stands out as Oregon's sole academic health center with a dedicated pediatric focus. This setting exposes scholars to a wide range of pediatric behavioral challenges, integrated primary care models, and innovations in child health, unmatched in regional academic institutions.
In Portland, Post Doctoral Scholars in behavioral pediatrics typically earn between $55,000 and $65,000 annually, influenced by clinical experience and specialized skills. OHSU's competitive salaries align with local academic health centers, reflecting Oregon's cost of living and healthcare market standards.
OHSU is centrally located near downtown Portland with accessible public transit options and bike-friendly routes. However, traffic patterns around the Willamette River bridges can cause delays during peak hours, so planning commutes with flexible hours or transit use can enhance punctuality.
OHSU emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, fostering a collaborative workplace culture. Scholars are encouraged to integrate cultural competence in care and research, aligning with Oregon's progressive healthcare values and the university's mission to serve vulnerable populations.
The role offers involvement in cutting-edge studies on behavioral interventions for developmental disabilities, integration of mental health in pediatric primary care, and chronic health condition management. Scholars can contribute to translational research aimed at improving patient outcomes across Oregon and beyond.