Postdoctoral Fellow, Training Program in Mental Health Research

Harvard University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Training Program in Mental Health Policy, based at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Health Care Policy. This NIH NRSA-supported fellowship offers advanced training in mental health services and policy research for individuals with a doctoral degree.

Fellows are US citizens or permanent residents, enter for a one-year term with potential renewal, and work with a primary Harvard mentor on topics such as organization,

Qualifications

• Ph.D., MD or other relevant doctoral degree in related fields.
• US citizens or permanent residents eligible for this fellowship.
• One-year term with potential renewal contingent on funding.
• Strong background in health policy research.

Responsibilities

• Participate in mental health policy and services research training.
• Be paired with a primary mentor at Harvard.
• Prepare and submit required application materials by deadline.

Skills

Mental health policy

Quantitative analysis

Policy research

Education

PhD/MD or equivalent doctorate

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow, Training Program in Mental Health Research

Title Postdoctoral Fellow, Training Program in Mental Health Research

School

School Harvard Medical School

Department/Area

Department/Area Department of Health Care Policy (T32)

Position Description

The Harvard Training Program in Mental Health Policy, based at Harvard Medical School’s Department of Health Care Policy and affiliated with Harvard’s interfaculty PhD Program in Health Policy, offers advanced training in mental health services and policy research to individuals who have completed all requirements for PhD, MD, or other relevant doctoral degrees in economics, political science, statistics, sociology, psychology, social work, psychiatry, public health, or other related fields.

The program’s goal is to train future leaders in mental health policy and services research. This training is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health under the National Research Service Award programs. Only US citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this fellowship.

Fellows accepted for enrollment enter the program for a period of one year, with a second year contingent on funding, and will be paired with a primary mentor at Harvard. Training emphases include the organization, financing, utilization, quality, and political analysis of mental health care. The program provides experience in a well-funded research environment with excellent opportunities for faculty collaboration and publication.

For more information, please see: Training Program in Mental Health Policy | Health Care Policy

• Statement of Purpose (up to two double-spaced pages)
• Three letters of recommendation
  • Recommendations from individuals inside or outside of the health policy/services research field are welcome
• Optional: up to two other selected materials, such as copies of representative writing samples

Expected Dates

Application deadline is Monday, November 16th, 2026. All materials, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted by this date.

Start date is expected to be on or around July 1st, 2027

Duration: this is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with strong possibility of renewal contingent on funding

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D., MD or other relevant doctoral degree in economics, political science, statistics, sociology, psychology, social work, psychiatry, public health, or other related fields.

Additional Qualifications

Per NIH / NRSA policy, only US citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this fellowship.

Contact Information

Haiden Huskamp, PhD, Henry J. Kaiser Professor of Health Care Policy

Salary Range

This is a benefits-eligible, stipend/fellowship position. Stipend rates are set in accordance with NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award levels. More information on Harvard postdoc benefits can be found at: https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/.

With this appointment, fellows are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting their compensation and working conditions.

Minimum Number of References Required

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Maximum Number of References Allowed 3

Keywords

mental health policy, mental health services, health care policy

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives.

Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

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