Postdoctoral Training

Program Purpose

To develop researchers with expertise in both the biological basis and clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders. This broad-based and integrated perspective enables researchers to better relate across disciplines and maximizes the potential for major research advances in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders.

Post-Doctoral Research Training Program

This program provides a variety of opportunities including:

mentored research training in specific methods, disorders, and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms;
courses, seminars, and lectures that integrate the study of clinical disorders, normal developmental processes, mechanisms of disease, and research methods; and
clinical experiences to complement previous levels of clinical knowledge and skills.

Over a two year period, fellows will participate in integrated training in biological and behavioral research in neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, fragile X syndrome, Turner syndrome, VeloCardioFacial Syndrome, and Neurofibromatosis) while studying clinical and basic science areas (e.g., genetics, cell biology and physiology, pharmacology, allied health sciences, neurology, biochemistry, psychology, and psychiatry).

The stipend for the training grant positions ranges from $36,996 to $51,036 depending on experience.

This program is funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (EKSNICHD), with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2009.

Applicant Qualifications

Ph.D. (from either basic science or clinical research programs) and M.D. (e.g., physicians in residency training) level trainees are encouraged to apply.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Trainees are required to pursue their research training on a full-time basis, devoting at least 40 hours per week to the program. Within the 40 hours per week training period, research trainees in clinical areas must devote their time to the proposed research training and must confine clinical duties to those that are an integral part of the research training experience.

Citizenship. To be appointed to a training position supported by an NRSA research training grant, an individual must be a citizen or noncitizen national of the United States or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or must be in possession of other legal verification of such status). Noncitizen nationals are generally persons born in outlying possessions of the United States (e.g., American Samoa and Swains Island). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Postdoctoral Trainees. Postdoctoral trainees must have received, as of the beginning date of the NRSA appointment, a Ph.D., M.D. or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Eligible doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to, the following: D.D.S., D.M.D., D.O., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.D., Dr. P.H., D.N.Sc., D. Pharm., D.S.W., and Psy.D. Documentation by an authorized official of the degree-granting institution certifying all degree requirements have been met prior to the beginning date of training is acceptable.

To Apply

Deadline to submit applications is April 1, 2009, or until all positions filled.
Applicants should submit the following items to Heather McCutchen.

Post-Doctoral Application Form
Curriculum Vitae
Three letters of recommendation in signed, sealed envelopes
A Personal Statement
One letter of support from potential mentor in the NDRC program. Please contact the potential mentor to discuss your research interests. (listing of investigators)
Optional: If you choose, you may also submit up to three papers, abstracts, or publications.

Mail application to:
Dr. Joseph Piven
c/o Heather McCutchen
UNC Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Center
130 Mason Farm Road
4123 Bioinformatics Building
CB #3366, UNC - Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3366

More Information

Please contact: Heather McCutchen ( heather.mccutchen@cidd.unc.edu) at 919-843-8641

The University of North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer. Members of underrepresented racial/ethnic groups are encouraged to apply.