Fellowships: Stress and Trauma Research

NIMH-Sponsored Postdoctoral Fellowships: Boston, MA

The National Center for PTSD and the VA Boston Healthcare System announces the availability of up to two NIMH-supported postdoctoral fellowships to begin September 1, 2013. The fellowships have a two-year term and are designed to train psychologists in the scientific study of stress, trauma, and PTSD. Fellows will work in the two Boston divisions of the National Center (Behavioral Science and Women's Health Sciences), both of which are affiliated with Boston University School of Medicine.

A primary objective of the fellowships is to prepare individuals for academically-oriented careers in clinical psychology, but compatible applicants with non-clinical interests will be considered. A major focus will be the scientific study of stress, trauma, and PTSD that includes opportunity to: (a) participate in ongoing research projects conducted by staff investigators, (b) initiate independent research projects, (c) prepare applications to federal and other funding agencies for research support, (d) conduct secondary analyses on existing data sets, and (e) provide direct clinical services to PTSD patients under the guidance of a clinical supervisor.

A senior staff investigator will typically serve as primary mentor for each fellow, but additional collaborations are encouraged. Our 19+ staff investigators bring expertise in a variety of research topics involving both veterans and civilians. These include: (a) cognitive-behavioral treatment methods; (b) health-related aspects of trauma and PTSD; (c) gender-related stress and gender correlates of PTSD; (d) development and validation of assessment instruments; (e) study of violence in intimate relationships; (f) trauma-related aspects of personality and personality disorder; and (g) psychophysiological and neurobiological study of emotion and emotional processing.

Doctoral staff in both Behavioral Science and Women's Health Sciences divisions are affiliated with Boston University School of Medicine where academic appointments are arranged for postdoctoral fellows. The two divisions offer outstanding resources that include technical support personnel, well-equipped psychophysiology and cognitive research laboratories, advanced computing facilities, and a broad range of professional expertise.

The working atmosphere at the National Center for PTSD is collaborative and supportive. Past postdoctoral fellows have launched successful independent careers in both universities and academic medical settings. The salary and benefits package is competitive, and supplemental funds are provided to support further coursework and other educational opportunities, conference attendance, and travel.

How to Apply

Priority will be given to individuals applying by December 31, 2012, but applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Application should include a personal statement of professional goals and interests, a curriculum vita, and three letters of reference. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must have completed all requirements for the PhD prior to starting the program. Graduate training in clinical psychology is preferred, but applications are welcome from candidates in related fields.

Contact Information

Denise Sloan, PhD
National Center for PTSD (116B-2),
VA Boston Healthcare System
150 South Huntington Avenue,
Boston, MA, 02130
Phone: (857) 364-4143
Email: denise.sloan@va.gov

The VA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.