Assistant Professor-Psychologist
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Department Overview
The Division of Bariatric Surgery specializes in weight-loss surgery, medical weight loss, nutrition and lifestyle adjustment. The surgery team includes experienced bariatric nurse practitioners, certified bariatricians, clinical dieticians, nurses, psychologist, and support staff, all specially trained in caring for obese patients and coordinated to assist with multidisciplinary care. Procedures offered include Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Duodenal Switch Procedures, Single Anastomosis Dueodeno-Illeal bypass, and Revisional Bariatric Surgery. Surgeons within the program also conduct ongoing research in the field of bariatrics, following patients long-term from pre- to post-surgery.
Function/Duties of Position
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated licensed Psychologist to join the Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Management program within the Division of Bariatric Surgery and the Department of Surgery. The ideal candidate will have expertise in health psychology/behavioral medicine, and preferably experience working with bariatric surgery patients and medical weight management programs. This role will be key in supporting patients in their path to bariatric surgery and assisting in the development and accreditation of our growing medical weight management program, which provides a holistic curriculum aimed at providing long-term weight management support.
Clinical: This position will entail the delivery of behavioral health services to patients in the ambulatory clinic setting. The Division Head will assign clinical duties based on patient needs. Duties include psychological assessment, outpatient psychotherapy, and active participation in interdisciplinary care teams.
Education: OHSU is a teaching facility, and this position may include supporting the educational mission of the Division of Bariatric Surgery (e.g., lectures to residents, fellows, and faculty). Future opportunities may also include involvement in the training of clinical psychology students.
Administration: Administrative and other duties may be assigned based on division needs and areas of expertise and interest, including opportunities to participate and to serve on institutional committees.
Required Qualifications
PhD, EdD or PsyD, Graduate from an APA approved Psychology Program
Licensed or eligible for Psychology licensure in Oregon (must possess Oregon license at time of hire)
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience practicing in an academic health facility is preferred
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.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
This position uniquely blends psychological expertise with medical weight management, focusing on behavioral support for bariatric patients. Unlike typical psychology roles, it involves integrated care with surgical teams, long-term patient follow-up, and specialized health psychology techniques tailored to obesity treatment.
Academic health facilities offer growth through research collaboration, teaching opportunities, and interdisciplinary project leadership. At OHSU, involvement in bariatric surgery programs and clinical training can expand expertise, enhance your professional profile, and open doors to leadership roles in behavioral medicine.
Key skills include proficiency in health psychology, behavioral medicine, psychological assessment, and outpatient therapy. Experience with bariatric patient care and interdisciplinary teamwork is crucial, alongside licensure in Oregon and familiarity with local healthcare regulations and patient demographics.
Yes, candidates must hold or be eligible for an Oregon psychology license before hire. The state mandates completion of an APA-approved program and passing specific exams. Maintaining licensure includes continuing education tailored to state healthcare standards.
OHSU emphasizes a culturally competent workforce and actively promotes diversity. Its affirmative action policies ensure equal opportunity, encouraging applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to contribute to an inclusive academic and clinical environment.
Portland's healthcare sector shows growing demand for specialized psychologists in bariatrics due to increasing obesity rates. While qualified professionals are sought, competition exists among candidates with academic and clinical experience, especially those licensed in Oregon and skilled in interdisciplinary care.
In Portland, Assistant Professor-Psychologists in healthcare academia typically earn between $85,000 and $120,000 annually. Salaries vary based on experience, licensure status, and clinical expertise, aligning with Oregon’s competitive compensation for psychology faculty in medical settings.
Yes, the role integrates educational duties such as delivering lectures to residents and fellows, mentoring clinical psychology students, and contributing to the academic mission alongside clinical practice and research activities.
OHSU offers a unique focus on bariatric surgery within its psychology faculty, combining clinical behavioral health with surgical patient care. This interdisciplinary approach and access to cutting-edge medical research distinguish it from traditional psychology assistant professor roles.
Portland’s community values holistic health and wellness, encouraging psychologists to adopt integrative approaches combining lifestyle, nutrition, and behavioral health. The city’s collaborative healthcare atmosphere supports multidisciplinary teams addressing obesity with personalized patient care.