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Substance Use Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Substance Use Postdoctoral information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do substance use postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for substance use postdoctoral in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Substance Use Postdoctoral position?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Substance Use Postdoctoral researcher, and why are they important?

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.
More about Substance Use Postdoctoral jobs
What cities are hiring for Substance Use Postdoctoral jobs? Cities with the most Substance Use Postdoctoral job openings:
What states have the most Substance Use Postdoctoral jobs? States with the most job openings for Substance Use Postdoctoral jobs include:
Infographic showing various Substance Use Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Behavioral Science

Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Behavioral Science

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conduct innovative, rigorous, grant funded research on substance use/substance use disorder using behavioral science research methods.

  • Contribute to undergraduate teaching in the Lewis Honors College and behaviorally oriented training of UK medical students, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars through mentorship programs, courses, workshops, and supervised research.

  • Engage in broader research and training initiatives across all Colleges of the University of Kentucky, including grant consultation, dynamic speaker series, pilot project competitions, and outreach to the lay public.


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Behavioral Science
Requisition Number
FE04823
Working Title
Department Name
7H150:BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Type of Position
Faculty
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Tenure Track Status
Tenure Track
Required Education
PhD or equivalent
Required Related Experience
Dependent on career stage
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Job Summary
The Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky is are seeking applicants for a tenure track, open rank Regular Title Series, full time (12 month) position. We seek individuals with a dynamic, productive research agenda that focuses on substance use/substance use disorder using behavioral science research methods. The Department of Behavioral Science is a highly productive, collegial, and collaborative basic science research and training department in the College of Medicine.
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 undergraduate teaching in the Lewis Honors College, behaviorally oriented training of UK medical students and research training of UK graduate students and postdoctoral scholars associated with the Department of Behavioral Science, including mentorship programs, courses, workshops, and supervised research. Faculty members also are expected to engage in broader research and training initiatives across all 16 Colleges of the University of Kentucky, including Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Public Health, Pharmacy, Nursing, Communication and Information Sciences, Health Sciences, etc. These initiatives include grant consultation and review; a dynamic speaker series and other enriching events like our annual Substance Use Research Event; pilot project competitions; and outreach to the lay public. Several Centers at the University of Kentucky support SUD-related research, including the UK Cannabis Center, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research (CDAR), and the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET).
The ideal candidate will be an early-career applicant (e.g., Assistant Professor level) with NIH-funded research or a strong promise of such funding; maintain a focus on substance use/substance use disorder; 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, pharmacy, etc.) and/or others. 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 250,000 residents, offers a high quality of life, affordability and a well educated population.
Along with application, applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter. Applications will be reviewed immediately, and the positions will remain open until filled.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Research productivity and excellence, training and education capacity; leadership skills; collaborative orientation.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Ph.D. or equivalent and experience in clinical and translational addiction research, such as intervention development and/or health equity in substance use disorders is strongly desired. Candidates with research expertise in the fields of psychology, sociology, behavioral pharmacology, epidemiology and/or addiction medicine are preferred.
Deadline to Apply
Open Until Filled
Yes
Our University Community
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.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865