Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science

PhD or equivalent (e.g., MD)

N/A

None

We are seeking an Assistant Professor for a tenure track, Regular Title Series, full time (12 months) 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. 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 the most innovative and impactful research and training portfolio. 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 the beautiful, progressive, and accessible city of Lexington. Lexington, with over 325,000 residents, offers a high quality of life, affordability, and a well-educated population.

Faculty members will be expected to conduct innovative, rigorous, grant-funded research and engage in scholarly activities (peer-reviewed publications, presentations, etc.). Faculty members also will 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. Faculty members also are expected to 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).

Please include an updated CV and Cover Letter when applying to this position. Application review will begin October 1, 2026, and will continue until the appropriate candidates are identified.

Research productivity and excellence, training and education capacity; leadership skills; collaborative orientation.

Ph.D. or equivalent (e.g., MD) in Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, Social Sciences, Communication, Health Services Research, Bioinformatics, Health Sciences,

or other related fields.

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.