Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness but a mental state in which engineers can effectively cope with stress, realize their potential, and contribute to society.

Looking to contribute to research on mental health in engineering?

The University of Kentucky’s Pigman College of Engineering seeks a postdoctoral scholar to support the establishment of an NSF-funded Engineering Wellness Center (EWC). The EWC is a collaborative initiative that integrates mental health and well-being into engineering education through research-informed programming, student support, and culture change efforts. Co-advised by Dr. Sarah Wilson (Chemical Engineering) and Dr. Joseph Hammer (Counseling Psychology), the scholar will lead research on the impact of wellness initiatives and help develop scalable interventions and training materials that promote student well-being across the college. The postdoctoral scholar will work onsite in Lexington, Kentucky and will directly engage with students through the Engineering Wellness Center.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct original research on the impact of engineering wellness interventions using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to co-create workshops and materials that enhance student well-being and belonging.
  • Translate findings into evidence-informed practices and contribute to scholarship through publications and presentations.
  • Support the integration of wellness strategies across engineering courses, co-curricular spaces, and campus systems.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to grant reporting and future funding proposals.

To apply for this position, we ask that prospective applicants submit the following materials:

  • A current CV
  • A 1–2 page cover letter that addresses:
    • Your research interests and how they align with the goals of the EWC
    • Relevant experience with student mental health, well-being, or systems-level change in education
    • Your interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and working across fields such as engineering, counseling psychology, and higher education
    • What you hope to gain from the postdoctoral experience and how it connects to your long-term goals
  • A list of two references, including their names, titles, affiliations, and contact information

We will begin review of applications on June 8th, 2025. Qualified applicants will be invited for a zoom interview in mid-June.

Please email your application materials to Dr. Sarah Wilson (s.wilson@uky.edu) and Dr. Joseph Hammer (joe.hammer@uky.edu).

You can read more about the project and other work in the Wilson Group here.