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Substance Use Postdoctoral Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Substance Use Postdoctoral information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$28.5K

$67.2K

$95K

How much do substance use postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use postdoctoral in Seattle, WA is $67,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,800.00 and $75,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substance use postdoctoral?

A Substance Use Postdoctoral position is a research-focused role for individuals who have recently earned a doctoral degree in fields like psychology, public health, or neuroscience. These professionals engage in advanced research on substance use, addiction, prevention, and treatment under the mentorship of senior scientists. Their work may involve clinical trials, epidemiological studies, or laboratory research, and often includes publishing scientific findings and seeking grant funding. The goal is to gain specialized expertise and prepare for independent research or academic careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substance use postdoctoral researcher?

To thrive as a Substance Use Postdoctoral researcher, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, public health, or a related field, along with expertise in substance use research methodologies. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS, SAS, or R), research ethics, and grant writing is often required. Strong critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative skills help you excel in interdisciplinary research teams and disseminate findings. These competencies ensure rigorous research, successful funding, and impactful contributions to the field of substance use prevention and treatment.

What types of research projects and collaborations can a substance use postdoctoral fellow expect to be involved in?

As a Substance Use Postdoctoral fellow, you can expect to work on a diverse range of research projects, which may include clinical trials, epidemiological studies, or intervention development focused on substance use disorders. Collaboration is common with multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, physicians, social workers, and statisticians. Fellows often contribute to grant writing, data analysis, and manuscript preparation, while also having opportunities to mentor graduate students or junior researchers. This collaborative environment not only advances research goals but also helps you build a strong professional network and develop new skills.

What is the difference between Substance Use Postdoctoral vs Substance Abuse Counselor?

AspectSubstance Use PostdoctoralSubstance Abuse Counselor
Required CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), postdoctoral trainingHigh school diploma or bachelor's degree, certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch settings, academic institutions, clinicsRehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, healthcare organizationsSubstance abuse treatment facilities, mental health agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding advanced research roles, career pathsSeeking direct client treatment roles, certification info

In summary, Substance Use Postdoctoral roles focus on research, advanced training, and academic work, requiring a doctoral degree and postdoctoral experience. Substance Abuse Counselors primarily provide direct client care in treatment settings, often with certification but less formal education. Both roles are essential in the substance use industry but serve different functions and career stages.

What job categories do people searching Substance Use Postdoctoral jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Substance Use Postdoctoral jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Substance Use Postdoctoral job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,168 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Postdoctoral Position, Department of Psychology, University of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site


University of Washington
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

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$68K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description
The Acculturation, Diversity, and Psychopathology Team (ADAPT; Principal Investigator: Priscilla Lui) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar. The NIH-funded position focuses on the effects of personally relevant stress and coping on alcohol and cannabis use.
Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in psychology or a relevant discipline by the start date of the position. Consideration for the position will be given to applicants with research interests and a publication record in human participant research related to mental health and health disparities. The ideal candidate will have a record or promising evidence of a productive and innovative research program, independence in tackling issues relevant to alcohol and substance use in health disparity populations, and interest in pursuing an academic and research-oriented career.
Primary responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Scholar will be to contribute to data management and analysis, and academic and community dissemination. There will be opportunities to develop independent projects that align with the research interests of ADAPT. Other responsibilities will involve supervising graduate students in clinical psychology, and psychology undergraduate students and research staff. The Postdoctoral Scholar also may receive research mentorship, consultation, and seminar opportunities from collaborating experts in psychology and psychiatry at the University of Washington. The Postdoctoral Scholar will be supported in their career development and submission of grant applications.
This is a full-time (100% FTE), 12-month/year position, with an initial appointment for one year and the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding availability. The preferred start date is July 1, 2026. Salary for this position starts at $68,460/year ($5,705/month) with benefits, and is commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Qualifications
  • Doctorate or confirmation of receipt of doctoral degree in psychology or relevant social science disciplines (e.g., human development and family studies, public health);
  • Interests and research backgrounds in multicultural psychology and health disparities;
  • Strong and culturally centered theoretical, methodological, and quantitative skills;
  • Established productivity in writing and publishing empirical research articles; and,
  • Experience in recruiting and working collaboratively with socially marginalized groups, particularly the Black and African American community.

Application Instructions
To apply for full consideration, please submit the following via Interfolio:
  • Letter of intent highlighting professional background, research interests, qualifications for this position, career goals, and prior history and/or leadership roles in promoting representation and diverse perspectives;
  • Curriculum vitae;
  • 2-3 representative publications (preferably as lead author);
  • Contact information of 2-3 references.

Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2026; applications are accepted until the position is filled. Any questions should be directed to the lab director, Priscilla Lui.


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