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Postdoctoral Training Opportunity - NIMH T32 Postdoctoral Mental Health, Earlier Fellowship Program; Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci)

The Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences (DevSci) at Northwestern University is currently accepting applications for postdoctoral trainees to join a new NIMH funded T32 (pending funding confirmation).  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 trainee 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 and environmental mechanisms of psychopathology and (b) a mentor in their chosen sphere of concentration.

Several positions are available for up to two-year appointments pending final funding approval by NIMH. 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. NU-MHE is committed to creating a diverse group of trainees and welcome applicants from across under-represented racial and ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Admission will be rolling, but for fullest consideration please submit materials by Monday, March 15. The preferred start date is July 1.

Please visit the DevSci website for more information about the NU-MHE training project and to see the faculty mentor profiles. For more information or with questions, please email Center Associate Director, Jessica Horowitz, PhD at 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

Submit your application materials here.

Required Materials

  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)
  4. 1-2 page research narrative, including background, research questions hoped to address on the fellowship and possible mentors
  5. 1-2 page career development objectives that describe long term objectives and how background, experience, and training has prepared the candidate for a clinical research career in neurodevelopmental mechanisms of psychopathology, including (as applicable) considerations of collaborative/team science orientation, diversity, and public health implications of your work. Any unique circumstances, qualifications or experiences may be described in this section.

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.