Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Happiness & Well-Being Lab
Start Date: ASAP (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
Lab Director: Dr. Victor Kaufman
Affiliation: Happiness & Well-Being Lab (Summit Research Foundation), affiliated with the UCLA Marriage & Close Relationships Lab
About the Position
The Happiness & Well-Being Lab, directed by Dr. Victor Kaufman and funded by the Summit Research Foundation, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team advancing research on topics relating to close relationships (with romantic partners, friends, and family) and happiness and well-being. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects while developing independent research ideas within the domains of relationship science and well-being science.
More specifically, the fellow will work closely with Dr. Kaufman and other lab members on designing empirical studies, analyzing large datasets, preparing manuscripts for publication. The fellow will also take a central role in disseminating research findings through conference presentations, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaborations, helping to shape the broader conversation on the science of relationships and well-being.
This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary that will be commensurate with experience. To learn more about the lab, please visit our website: https://marriage.psych.ucla.edu/affiliated-lab/ Funding is committed for one year, with the possibility of re-appointment for a second-year contingent upon a successful review and availability of funding.
Location: Los Angeles, CA (hybrid/remote flexibility may be discussed)
Key responsibilities:
o Conduct collaborative research with lab members and lab affiliates to produce peer-reviewed publications
o Collect and analyze data on projects with topics relating to close relationships and/or well-being
o Mentor and oversee undergraduate research assistants
o Present findings at workshops, seminars, and conferences
o Assist in lab management and administration
Qualifications:
o Ph.D. in Social Psychology or a related field by the start date
o Strong research record in relationship science and/or well-being science
o Excellent writing skills
o Proficiency in data analyses
o Proficiency in several statistical software programs (e.g., R, SPSS, MPlus)
o Experience with advanced analytic technics (e.g., latent profile analyses)
o Strong organizational, verbal and presentation skills
o Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
o Exceptional multitasking and time management skills to meet deadlines
o Professional demeanor with excellent interpersonal communication skills
Application Requirements
Please submit the following as a single compiled PDF to happinessandsocialwellbeinglab@gmail.com (subject line: Postdoc Application – [Your Name]):
o Cover letter (max 1 page), including the contact information for 2–4 references
o Curriculum Vitae
o Statement of Research (max 2 pages)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Early applications are encouraged.
Contact Information
For inquiries about the position, please contact:
Hasagani Tissera
Email: hasagani.tissera@gmail.com