FILLED FOR 2024-2025
The Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center and Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science is offering a two-year research fellowship in clinical psychedelic science to be begin in late summer of 2024. The position will support of our ongoing trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (https://portlandmdmatherapy.com/the-study/) and a just launching trial of a classic psychedelic. This position will also involve working on multiple other projects and the chance to develop an independent project in psychedelic science.
We also offer clinically-focused postdoctoral fellowships described here.
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’ll 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.
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 seeking to expand the diversity of our staff to further our antiracism and social justice goals.
Example topics of investigation:
1. Processes of change in MDMA-Assisted Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder [this the main topic of focus for this two-year period]
2. Self-transcendence in relation to psychedelic experience
3. Practice-based research network research on psilocybin services in Oregon
4. Processes of change in MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD
5. The role of affective science in relation to shame, self-criticism, and psychedelics
The candidate’s work will include:
- Analyzing data and writing papers related to psychological and behavioral processes of change in MDMA-AT as we will be moving into the publication phase for our 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
- Potentially being trained 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, one research assistant, multiple study therapists, assessors, study physicians, as well as other support staff. We are collaborative, supportive, and use open science principles.
Jason Luoma, Ph.D. is CEO and senior investigator at Portland Psychotherapy in Portland, OR, a unique social enterprise that funds scientific research. 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 newer trial on a classic psychedelic. 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 practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation and incorporates them into his therapy with clients. 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. At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is also involved in research in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health problems.
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 more recently, 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, Oregon Research Institute, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Science, 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. We hope to be approved to provide MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD by the time the postdoc arrives so they can be trained in that modality. 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.
Also, free of charge, fellows can attend any of the dozens of training events that Portland Psychotherapy hosts every year, led by leading experts in ACT, psychedelic assisted therapy, diversity/equity/inclusion, and many other topics. We also host a monthly multi-site didactic series focused on diversity, equity, cultural competency, and antiracism with opportunities to network and build community. You can read more here about our activities and commitment to foster diversity, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion in our staff and local community.
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 $60,000 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 24, 2024. 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. We have just formed the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science to host this body of work and services. 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 14 years.
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.