NIMH T32 Postdoctoral Mental Health, Earlier Fellowship Program Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) Northwestern University

We are currently accepting applications for Post-Doctoral Fellows to join a new NIMH funded T32. This training program is entitled Mental Health, Earlier (NU-MHE): Transdiagnostic, Transdisciplinary, Translational Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms of Psychopathology (PIs Stewart Shankman PhD & Laurie Wakschlag, PhD).  NU-MHE is housed in the Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) at Northwestern University, a University-wide institute of over 200 developmentally-oriented scholars with innovative collaborative and training platforms focused on neurodevelopmental mechanisms of health. 

The NU-MHE T32 fellowship provides a novel transdisciplinary approach designed to launch the next generation of neurodevelopmentally-oriented mental health researchers poised to accelerate the pace of clinical translation. NU-MHE is specifically designed to bring together personally- and disciplinarily- diverse trainees (including both PhD and MD scholars) and mentors as a paradigm for advancing cutting-edge translational mental health research. 

The foundational core of NU-MHE’s training is the characterization of neurodevelopmental mechanisms of psychopathology within lifespan and environmental contexts. This neurodevelopmental emphasis will be complemented with training across three intersecting spheres: (1) Applied computational and other advanced data science methods; (2) intervention and prevention/implementation research and strategies; and (3) the intersection of mental and pediatric health. Each fellow will select one of these spheres as an area of concentration for more in-depth training, along with their core training in neurodevelopmental mechanisms of psychopathology.  Fellows will develop a mentoring team comprised of (a) a mentor in neurodevelopmental/environmental mechanisms of psychopathology and (b) a mentor in their chosen sphere of concentration. 

Several positions are available for up to two-year appointments. The successful applicant must have completed the PhD and/or MD plus advanced research training prior to the start of the position and must have US citizenship or permanent resident status. We are committed to creating a diverse group of trainees and welcome applicants from across under-represented racial and ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Required Materials Include:

  1. Graduate transcripts
  2. Three letters of reference
  3. Current CV with list of publications and any grant support (including in-press or under review manuscripts)
  4. 1-2 page research narrative, including (a) research background, (b) research questions the applicant hopes to address on the fellowship and (c) potential mentors to oversee research (selected from list of mentors on our website). The research narrative should address how the applicant’s research aligns with NIMH’s strategic plan and goals.
  5. 1-2 page career development objectives that describe applicant’s long term objectives and how background, experience, and training have prepared the candidate for a clinical research career in neurodevelopmental mechanisms of psychopathology. These objectives can include (as applicable) considerations of collaborative/team science orientation, diversity, and public health implications of your work. Please note the MHE-T32 intersectional sphere(s) (i.e., [1] Applied computational and other advanced data science methods; [2] intervention and prevention/implementation research and strategies; and [3] the intersection of mental and pediatric health) that most relate to applicant’s training goals.  Any unique circumstances, qualifications or experiences may be described in this section.

To submit your application materials, go to: https://competitions.fsm.northwestern.edu/grants/MHE-T32Postdoc

Applications will be accepted until positions are filled, but for fullest consideration, please submit your application by June 1.

Please visit https://devsci.northwestern.edu/t32-mental-health-grant for more information about the NU-MHE training project and to see the faculty mentor profiles. For more information or with questions, please contact Center Associate Director, Jessica Horowitz, PhD. jessica.horowitz@northwestern.edu

Eligibility criteria by start of fellowship:

• Completion of research or clinical PhD and/or MD degree (MD must have research degree – e.g., PhD, MSCI, MPH – or other advanced research training)

• Advanced research training in fields such as: developmental psychopathology, developmental cognitive neuroscience, social determinants of mental health, mental health prevention and treatment and/or mental health disparities, or related fields 

• US Citizenship or permanent resident status

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.