Opening for Postdoctoral Research Scholar for SUMMER OR FALL 2025
T32 Program on Biobehavioral Issues in Mental and Physical Health
Department of Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles

Program Goal

The primary goal of our program is to train research scientists in the development and use of basic theories and research in psychology to elucidate issues in mental and physical health. The focus of the program is on research training in the integration of biological, psychological, social, and cultural levels of analysis to study mental health in relation to physical health. Quantitative methods, diversity science, biological mechanisms, and translational science, including research with clinical populations, are training strengths of the program. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/research-priorities/rdoc/index.shtml Persons from underrepresented groups, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Program Structure

One scholar will be appointed for one year beginning July to September 2025. A postdoctoral scholar enters the program with a designated primary and secondary faculty mentor. Individualized plans of supervised research (IDPs), involvement in labs, and appropriate coursework are designed by each trainee with mentors and approved by training directors.  

Faculty  

The program is led by Profs Chris Dunkel Schetter (Director), Julie Bower (Co-Director) and Annette Stanton (Co-Director). Nearly 20 faculty in psychology and other departments and schools at UCLA serve as faculty mentors in the program. These individuals have expertise in the following areas: Biological processes in mental and physical health; Psychoneuroimmunology; Stress, coping, and social support processes; Ethnic, racial, cultural, and socioeconomic factors in mental and physical health; Maternal and child health; Adjustment to cancer, and more.  See website for full list of program faculty and their areas of research expertise: https://health.psych.ucla.edu/fellowships/. You may consult Director Dunkel Schetter regarding currently available primary and secondary mentors.

Requirements

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in any area of psychology. In order to qualify for this federally-funded grant, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, or possess a visa permitting permanent residence in the U.S. Applicants are not eligible if they have received 3 years of prior PHS support.

Stipend 

Stipend levels are set by the NIMH and depend on years of post-doctoral experience and are supplemented to bring up to current university requirements.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a brief letter describing: (1) their academic background; (2) area/s of interest and possible mentors; (3) proposed objectives for the fellowship. A curriculum vitae and selected prints/reprints should be included. Applicants should also arrange for three letters of reference to be sent directly to the email address below. All correspondence should be addressed to:

Chris Dunkel Schetter
Distinguished Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry
UCLA Department of Psychology
dunkel@psych.ucla.edu

We review applications and conduct ZOOM or in-person interviews to make final decisions. Postdoctoral offers are made on the basis of the strength of the applicant, fit with the program, and maintenance of trainees among the faculty mentors. Deadline for applications is December 15, 2024.

For more information, please visit our website: https://nimht32-biobehavioral-fellowship.psych.ucla.edu/about-the-program/