To Apply
We are currently accepting applications for our NIMH-funded T32 Mental Health, Earlier (NU-MHE): Transdiagnostic, Transdisciplinary, Translational Postdoctoral 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 150 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. We strongly encourage individuals who are part of BIPOC communities, transgender and non-binary individuals, sexual minorities, individuals with disabilities, and women to apply.
The 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 and environmental mechanisms of psychopathology and (b) a mentor in their chosen sphere of concentration.
Several positions are available for these 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.
We are currently not accepting new applications. We will update the site when we are open the application process for 2025.
For more information or with questions, please contact Center Associate Director, Jessica Horowitz, PhD. jessica.horowitz@northwestern.edu
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The MHE-T32 is dedicated to training fellows that will enhance diversity and equal opportunity in higher education and mental health research. As our healthcare and academic institutions serve increasingly diverse constituencies, it is vital to understand the ways in which differences in gender, class, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, and other identities can both divide us and offer us better ways of thinking and working. The DevSci & MHE T32 faculty encourage applications from diverse applicants and are committed to training fellows to work in an increasingly diverse society by promoting equity and justice for all individuals, actively working to eliminate barriers and obstacles created by institutional discrimination. Engagement in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military service, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression will not be tolerated. NU-MHE has a central objective to advance the health and wellbeing of diverse populations. The importance of respecting and valuing this aspect of diversity permeates interactions and activities throughout the program. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
Eligibility
Applicants must have or will complete the following to be eligible:
- Completion of research or clinical PhD and/or MD degree (MD must also have a research degree – e.g., PhD, MSCI, MPH – or other advanced research training). Candidates who have not yet completed their degree but will have done so prior to the start of the fellowship, must provide official written documentation of completion date from Department or School.
- 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
Required Materials
To submit your application materials, here:
- Graduate transcripts
- A research statement, 1-2 page in length, including:
- Candidates’ scientific background and focus,
- Research project(s) proposed for the duration of the fellowship,
- Candidates should explicitly address how their proposed project(s) align with the NIMH Strategic Objectives and the RDoC Framework.
- 1-2 page career development objectives/training plan that includes a well-developed training plan and a proposed mentoring team:
- Proposed Training Plan and training goals
- Mentoring Team. Applicants are expected to reach out to potential mentors before applying and receive primary mentor’s approval of an applicants’ proposals. Applicants must submit email confirmation of primary mentor’s approval of proposal before an applicants’ materials are considered.
- A description of long-term career objectives and how experience and training will prepare 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 their work.
- Any unique circumstances, qualifications or experiences may be described in this section.
- Current CV with list of publications and any grant support (including in-press or under review)
- Please submit the following via email to the Institute’s Associate Director, Jessica Horowitz, PhD at Jessica.horowitz@northwestern.edu:
- A total of three letters of reference with your “FIRST INITIAL LAST NAME MHE LOR” in the subject line. These letters of reference can be emailed directly from the writer to our Associate Director.
- Confirmation from your NU-MHE Primary Mentor that they have reviewed your proposal and agree to be on your primary mentorship team. Note that a letter of reference from your primary mentor is not necessary.