Postdoctoral Fellowship in Population Mental Health

Office of Intramural Training & Education; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities invites applications for a full-time postdoctoral fellowship in population mental health. The Population Mental Health Lab, within the NIH Division of Intramural Research, studies anxiety, depression, and well-being across diverse U.S. populations.

Fellows will design studies, perform analyses, and co-author publications, with access to primary and large secondary datasets, mentorship, grant-writing training, and conference travel.

Qualifications

• PhD in social or behavioral science, biostatistics, epidemiology, or a related field.
• Candidates should have no more than five years of relevant research experience since their doctoral degree.
• Strong quantitative research expertise and advanced statistical analysis skills; experience with qualitative methods is a plus.
• Interest in population mental health and health disparities and ability to develop independent research questions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement research studies in population mental health.
• Conduct advanced data analyses and interpret findings.
• Lead and collaborate on publications and disseminate results.
• Work with primary data and large secondary datasets; develop independent research projects.
• Pursue career development opportunities, grant proposals, and professional development at NIH.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Statistical methods

Research design

Qualitative research (bonus)

Education

PhD in social/behavioral sciences, biostatistics, epidemiology, or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Population Mental Health

Organization

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Bethesda, MD and surrounding area

Scientific focus area

Epidemiology,Social and Behavioral Sciences,Health Disparities,Clinical Research

We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral fellow to join the Population Mental Health Lab. The lab is housed in the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Division of Intramural Research.

About the position

The mission of the Population Mental Health Lab is to advance research on the complex and interrelated factors that influence anxiety, depression, and overall psychological well-being across diverse populations in the United States. The lab also aims to develop and evaluate effective strategies to improve population mental health and well-being and reduce mental health disparities.

The fellow will contribute to the design and implementation of research studies, conduct advanced data analyses, and lead and collaborate on the publication of study findings. The fellow will have opportunities to work with both primary data and large secondary datasets and to contribute to ongoing research projects. Additionally, the fellow will develop independent research questions and projects related to population mental health and health disparities.

The fellow will receive multidisciplinary training and mentorship at the NIH, with an emphasis on developing an independent program of research. The successful applicant will receive support in developing a K-series or similar career development grant proposal during the fellowship and will have opportunities to apply for relevant internal funding mechanisms, such as the NIMHD Coleman Award. The fellow will also be encouraged to participate in grant‑writing courses, professional development activities, and other training opportunities available at the NIH. Additional opportunities will include participation in in‑person speaker series, webinars, seminars, and other scientific activities. Travel support will be available for the fellow to attend up to two scientific conferences per year to present research findings, engage with the broader scientific community, and develop professional networks.

Applicants must have completed a PhD in social or behavioral science, biostatistics, epidemiology, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Candidates should have no more than five years of relevant research experience since receiving their most recent doctoral degree.

Applicants must also have demonstrated experience or a strong interest in developing expertise in population mental health and health disparities.

Candidates should possess strong quantitative research expertise and advanced statistical analysis skills. Experience with qualitative research methods is a plus.