The Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science and Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center are offering a two-year research fellowship in clinical psychedelic science to begin in September of 2025. This position will also involve working on multiple research projects in this area of science and the chance to develop an independent project in psychedelic science. The postdoc experience is flexible and depends upon their career goals in combination with the opportunities available at the institute.
We offer a supportive and cooperative workspace and mentoring. This opportunity opens doors to work with top-tier professionals in the field and to contribute to pioneering research in psychedelic science. As a key player on our team, you will actively participate in developing psychedelic therapy procedures and delve into evaluating their safety, effectiveness, and potential healing mechanisms as well as studying psychedelics more broadly.
Portland Psychotherapy also offers clinically-focused postdoctoral fellowships described here.
Our team is multicultural and antiracist. Our diversity includes staff who identify as Asian, Latinx, mixed-race, LGBTQ, first generation immigrants, first generation college students, and others. We are particularly interested in expanding the diversity of our staff to further our antiracism and social justice goals.
Example topics of investigation the postdoc could be involved in:
- We are currently finishing a clinical trial of MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder and the postdoc will be helping papers emerging from that dataset. The postdoc will have a chance to help us initiate a second trial on this topic during their tenure.
- We will be in the midst of a trial of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for chronic pelvic pain when the postdoc starts.
- Self-transcendence in relation to psychedelic experience
- The role of affective science in relation to shame, self-criticism, and psychedelics
- Difficulties with Psychedelic Integration
- Longitudinal outcomes from a psilocybin training retreat for therapists
- Studying the implementation of state legal psilocybin services in Oregon and Colorado in collaboration the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus
The candidate’s work will include:
- Analyzing data and writing papers related to psychological and behavioral processes of change in MDMA-AT based on our about to be completed clinical trial.
- Supporting other team members through collaboration
- Using and learning statistical software to support analysis alongside statistical consultants
- Traveling to national and international conferences to present on our findings and learn. Funding provided.
- Project management in support of ongoing projects
- Training in psychedelic-assisted therapy
- Assisting in grant applications
- The development of an independent project in psychedelic science
Team
The current research team consists of the investigators listed below, two research coordinators, multiple study therapists, assessors, study physicians, as well as other support staff. We are collaborative, supportive, and use open science principles.
Postdocs attend weekly team meetings as well as weekly individual meetings with a research mentor. Research staff are typically part of multiple projects teams that work collaboratively together to complete projects.
Jason Luoma, Ph.D. is CEO and senior scientist at Portland Psychotherapy in Portland, OR and the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science. His research focuses on shame, self-stigma, connection, self-transcendence, and the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychedelic assisted therapy. He is currently principal investigator on a clinical of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety disorder that is one of the first trials of MDMA-assisted therapy in the Pacific Northwest and a co-investigator on ongoing trials of other classic psychedelics. He is an internationally recognized trainer in ACT, former chair of the ACT training committee, and past president of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. He has over 80 publications including co-authoring two books: Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Values in Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Helping Clients Explore Values, Increase Psychological Flexibility, and Live a More Meaningful Life. His work on shame and compassion can be read at www.actwithcompassion.com.
Brian Pilecki, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and is a licensed psilocybin facilitator. He practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation. He is an active researcher and has published on topics such as anxiety disorders, mindfulness, psychedelics, and the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy and is co-author of the book ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety: Creating Effective, Innovative, and Values-Based Exposures Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Kati Lear, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and associate investigator at Portland Psychotherapy. Her clinical work and research focus on the treatment of clinical issues characterized by high levels of shame and self-criticism (social anxiety, trauma and PTSD, depression). She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Portland Psychotherapy, where she developed her clinical skills in ACT and compassion-focused techniques from Jason Luoma, PhD and Jenna LeJeune, PhD and conducted empirical research on interpersonal processes related to shame and self-criticism in Dr. Luoma’s lab. Her current research focuses on shame and self-criticism, self-compassion, and MDMA-assisted therapy as a potential treatment for social anxiety disorder.
Outside collaborations
We are engaged in collaborations with researchers in psychedelic science across the world including at Oregon Health Sciences University, The Arctic University of Norway, Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic Science, Researched Abuse, Diversion and Addiction-Related Surveillance (RADARS) System, University of Colorado, Oregon Research Institute, and others.
Qualifications
The ideal candidates will have:
- Doctorate or equivalent degree within the last two years in clinical or counseling psychology, behavior change, clinical science, social psychology or related field
- A track record of peer-reviewed publication
- Strong writing skills
- Data analytic skills
- Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills
- A kind disposition
Desirable qualifications include:
- Experience working with blood-based biomarker and physiological data
- Coding skills (primarily in R or comparable)
- Experience writing NIH grants
Purpose of the Fellowship
The goal of the fellowship is to support people who are interested in a career in psychedelic science to help them transition to academic positions or soft money funded projects in academic medical centers or industry.
Clinical opportunities
The postdoctoral fellow has the opportunity to spend up to 20-30% of their time providing clinical services under supervision. They will receive training in providing psychedelic consultation and integration and may have the opportunity to be a therapist on a clinical trial involving a psychedelic. They will receive at least one hour/week of clinical supervision toward licensure over the two-year period, which should result in licensure in Oregon and which may also be adequate for licensure in other states. The postdoc could also have the opportunity to supervise practicum students.
There are many didactic opportunities built into the Fellowship. We run a weekly didactic series for trainees and new staff that is focused on honing therapeutic skills within different modalities (e.g., ACT, Emotion-Focused Therapy) with an emphasis on deliberate practice. Portland Psychotherapy runs a monthly didactic series focused on diversity, equity, cultural competency, and antiracism for all staff. You can read more here about our activities and commitment to foster diversity, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion in our staff and local community. In addition to these ongoing trainings, fellows can attend any of the other training events that Portland Psychotherapy hosts every year, led by leading experts in ACT, psychedelic assisted therapy, diversity/equity/inclusion, and many other topics free of charge.
Minimum requirements: Doctorate or equivalent degree within the last two years in clinical or counseling psychology, behavior change, clinical science, social psychology or related field. This is a full-time position (i.e., 40 hours per week). Portland Psychotherapy strives to provide its staff with a high level of flexibility and autonomy and supports its employees in developing a sustainable work-life balance. The schedule is reasonably flexible and involves a hybrid (i.e., on site plus remote) work schedule.
Portland Psychotherapy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an affirming and inclusive environment for all employees. Persons from historically disadvantaged populations including gender, sexual, and racial minorities are encouraged to apply.
Salary for the fellow is $65,000 in year one with an increase in year two. Depending upon interest and funding, it may be possible for a fellow to stay for a third year.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- Employee retirement plan with 3% match
- Life and long-term disability insurance
- Malpractice insurance
- Stipend for professional education
- Supervision toward licensure
- Dedicated stipend for training related to anti-racist practice, diversity, equity and inclusion
- Free attendance of any of our many workshops and classes we offer through our continuing education and internal training programs
- Ability to bring your well-behaved animal companion to work
Deadline for applications: January 10, 2025. If you are interested in applying, email your curriculum vitae and a cover letter to: humanresources@portlandpsychotherapy.com. Also, have three letters of reference that are emailed directly by the writers to the email address above.
More about the site:
Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center has a growing body of clinical research studies, basic research studies, and clinical services related to psychedelic and psychedelic science. Our research is funded primarily through profits from the evidence-based mental health services we provide to our community and the training services we provide to other professionals. Our current clinical trial on MDMA-AT is funded solely through our internal revenue stream, which will be turned toward other projects once the current project ends. We have been supporting postdoctoral fellows for 16 years.
The Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science (PIPS) was formed in 2024 to pull together all of our work on psychedelics under one integrated umbrella. At PIPS, we take a comprehensive and integrative approach to psychedelic science. Our work encompasses three key areas: research, clinical services, and professional training. This unique model allows us to rapidly translate research findings into practical therapeutic techniques, ensuring that our services are always at the cutting edge of the field. We believe that this synergy fosters a rich learning environment for professionals and sets a high standard for treatment efficacy.
Portland Psychotherapy is based on a social enterprise model that attempts to contribute to the social good in four areas:
- Our local community– through providing clinical services (including a reduced fee), psychotherapy training and workshops, supervision of trainees, and support for local therapists
- The wider community– through contributing to scientific research and scholarship, dissemination of innovations, and participation in national and international organizations
- Employees– providing an excellent place to work with high quality of life for employees
- The natural environment– through managing our environmental footprint in sustainable ways that minimize our negative impact on the planet
All profits generated at Portland Psychotherapy are used to fund our local and wider community social good efforts. More information about our unique business model can be found here. A listing of our scientific publications can be found here.
Portland Psychotherapy has local, national, and international reputation as being a leading center for evidence-based therapy, especially acceptance and commitment therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, training, and research. Our center is housed in a beautifully restored 1889 Victorian home in the vibrant N. Williams corridor area of Portland which provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for clients and staff alike. For more information about our building please see our website.