Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, Psychology

External Applicants: 

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

• Navigate to the "My Experience" application page.

• Locate the "Resume/CV" document upload section at the bottom of the page.

• Use the "Select Files" button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note: The "My Experience" page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

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Job Description Summary

The Department of Psychology at Wake Forest University invite applications for a two-year post-doctoral research fellowship beginning in August 2026. We are seeking a thoughtful, detail-oriented, and intellectually motivated individual to play a central role in implementing and disseminating innovative research on clarifying the personality and character trait predictors of people committed to relational pluralism (i.e., engaging in meaningful worldview differences). The position is funded by a research grant from the Templeton Religion Trust. The candidate will work primarily with Drs. Eranda Jayawickreme (Psychology & Program for Leadership and Character) and R. Michael Furr (Psychology).
Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate and professional education. The University is ranked among the top thirty national universities by U.S. News and World Report. The University and Department of Psychology have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty, staff, and students and to the development of a multicultural educational environment that affirms the value of cultural diversity and inclusion. The University has a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world, as indicated by the motto “pro humanitate” (for humanity). For quick facts about the University, go to http://www.wfu.edu/visitors/quickfacts.html.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit:
1. A cover letter
2. Curriculum vita (CV)
3. Research statement and writing sample
The applicant should also arrange for at least three signed confidential letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Dr. Eranda Jayawickreme at jayawide@wfu.edu. Applications will be processed from March 15th, 2026, until the position is filled. For additional information, please contact Eranda Jayawickreme at jayawide@wfu.edu

Job Description

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions:

• Will have the opportunity to clarify the personality and character trait predictors of people committed to relational pluralism by coordinating and running empirical studies as described in the funded grant application.
• Conduct statistical analyses, prepare manuscripts for publication, work with and supervise undergraduate and graduate student researchers, and participate in interdisciplinary discussion groups.
• Participate in international conferences on character and personality and have opportunities to develop collaborations with other scholars in the field.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong commitment to honesty, scientific integrity, intellectual virtue, advancing human welfare, benevolence, universalism, diversity and inclusion as core values.
• Strong methodological experience in designing, implementing, and analyzing intensive longitudinal studies (e.g., ESM, diary studies etc.) and studies examining personality structure (e.g., studies examining personality profiles).  
• Have a research program focused on personality and/or character traits.
   

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Evidence of strong empirical research and excellent quantitative skills is required, and familiarity with research on personality and character traits (e.g., open-mindedness, intellectual humility, empathy) or related concepts is preferred. 

Accountabilities:

• Responsible for own work.

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing, communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers: and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions:

• No environmental conditions

Additional Job Description

Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.  

 

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.