Postdoctoral training in developmental psychopathology

Overview and Background

The Institute of Child Development offers NIMH-funded postdoctoral training via a T32 Institutional Training Grant. The grant supports one two-year postdoctoral traineeship during 2020-2022.

Specialized training is available in:

  • neuroimaging and in multi-level (genetic, neurobiological, behavioral and experiential) basic, translational, and clinical research in the development of cognitive and emotional processes that are dysregulated in mental disorders;
  • longitudinal research that charts the emergence and change in emotional and behavioral problems of children who are at high risk of developing mental disorders in order to facilitate identification, prevention, intervention and treatment; and
  • developing and testing better preventive interventions for children at high risk for developing psychopathology.

Preference is given to applicants trained in psychopathology who need additional training in psychobiology/neuroscience, or the reverse.

Training

The training program is directed by Dr. Dante Cicchetti, one of the founders of the field of developmental psychopathology, and is led by a group of internationally recognized faculty members with expertise in various sub-disciplines of developmental science, including child clinical psychology, developmental behavioral neuroscience/developmental psychobiology, socioemotional development, cognitive development, pediatrics, and prevention/intervention science. Each applicant must identify a primary mentor from among these faculty in their application to the program. Trainees are also welcome to work with and/or collaborate with multiple mentors from among the training faculty.

ICD internal training faculty for the 2020-2022 fellowship include:

External training faculty include:

The core of the postdoctoral program is the research training. Trainees plan and execute their research studies with a primary mentor. Between 75 and 80 percent of the trainee’s time is spent in research. The research experience consists of both collaborative work with mentor(s) and independent research.

Course work is minimal (no more than one per semester) for the postdoctoral trainees and tailored according to which type of cross-training they need. They will attend lab and reading group meetings. Postdoctoral trainees will take our grant writing seminar and will write an R21, R01, or K01 grant during their time in the program.

In addition, each trainee is expected to attend sessions of the biennial “Minnesota Symposia on Child Psychology,” Dr. Cicchetti’s Journal Club, and weekly colloquia, without regard to subject matter. Postdoctoral trainees are expected to present their work at the weekly colloquia at least once per year. Attendance at annual meetings of relevant professional societies is encouraged and supported by the training grant.

Setting

The Institute of Child development holds a unique position as an internationally known, premier center of research in developmental science and the application of the science to improving the quality of human life. It was founded in 1925 with the goal of fostering the welfare of our nation’s children. Throughout its long history, the Institute has always been a leader in the field. It was a seminal site in the establishment of developmental psychopathology as a subfield and that focus has continued and strengthened in the decades since. The Institute also has led the field in integrating developmental psychobiology/neuroscience research into the study of normative and atypical development. There is growing interest in genetics, gene expression, and epigenetics. In addition, the Institute has led the field in multidisciplinary and translational research.

Eligibility

Preference is given to applicants trained in psychopathology who need additional training in psychobiology/neuroscience, or the reverse. Preferred qualifications include:

  • training and research productivity in behavioral/psychological/social sciences;
  • strengths in statistical methods; and
  • promise as a research scholar.

Flexible start date, but expected to be August 2020. A two-year commitment is required. The NIMH stipend will be commensurate with experience and consistent with University of Minnesota postdoctoral stipends. Doctoral degree must be completed by time of appointment. Applicant must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Applying

Submit curriculum vitae, statement of research interest(s) including with whom you want to work, graduate transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a sample of published or in press theoretical or empirical work via email to Dr. Dante Cicchetti, Training Grant Director: cicchett@umn.edu.

Application deadline is March 1, 2020. Positions open until filled. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contact

Inquiries may be directed to Karlyn Wegmann, assistant to Dr. Cicchetti, at wegm0001@umn.edu.