The Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota offers NIMH-funded postdoctoral training via a T32 Institutional Training Grant. The grant supports two two-year postdoctoral traineeship Fall 2026 through Spring 2028.
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 Professor Jed Elison 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. Post-doctoral trainees may also choose to work with one of the external faculty as their primary mentor, as long as they cross-train with one of the internal ICD faculty.
ICD internal training faculty for the 2024-2026 fellowship include:
- Daniel Berry, EdD
- Stephanie Carlson, PhD
- Jed Elison, PhD
- Damien Fair, PA-C, PhD
- Gail Ferguson, PhD
- Michael Georgieff, MD
- Ka Ip, PhD
- Melissa Koening, PhD
- Charisse Pickron, PhD
- Arthur Reynolds, PhD
- Glenn Roisman, PhD
- Katie Thomas, PhD
- Sylia Wilson, PhD
- Phil Zelazo, PhD
External training faculty include:
- Daheia J. Barr-Anderson PhD (Kinesiology)
- Jeffrey Bishop, PharmD, MS (Pharmacy: Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology)
- Sonya S. Brady, PhD (School of Public Health: Division of Epidemiology & Community Health)
- Kathryn Cullen, MD (Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Juan del Toro, PhD (Psychology)
- Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, PhD, (Psychology)
- Robert Krueger, PhD (Psychology)
- Richard Lee, PhD, (Psychology)
- Monica Luciana, PhD (Psychology)
- Timothy Piehler, PhD (Family Social Science)
- Moin Syed, PhD (Psychology)
- Scott Vrieze, PhD (Psychology)
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, which 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 a 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 the weekly T32 seminar and attend and present at the Department of Psychology Annual Research Day in May and weekly ICD bag lunch colloquia. Attendance at annual meetings of relevant professional societies is encouraged and supported by the training grant.
About ICD
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.
Fellows are expected to begin in August 2026 (date is flexible date). 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 a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Applying
Submit curriculum vitae, statement of research interest(s) including with whom you want to work, graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a sample of published or in press theoretical or empirical work via email to Bre Krzyzanowski, [email protected], Director of Student Services.
Application review will begin April 1. Position open until filled.