Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities

The University of North Carolina, Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities (UNC-CIDD) is seeking fellows for our postdoctoral research training program in neurodevelopmental disorders. Funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), this program emphasizes research training in both the biological basis and clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders. Continuously funded by NIH for the past 20 years, it was one of the first programs in the U.S. to focus on bringing together multi-disciplinary postdocs to accelerate translational research on neurodevelopmental disorders. The UNC-CIDD T32 program has trained over 60 post-doctoral fellows to date, many of whom have subsequently obtained NIH K-awards (or other prestigious junior faculty awards) and started their independent labs at R1 universities.

View information on the Program Directors and Current T32 Post-Doctoral Research Trainees

PROGRAM PURPOSE

The purpose of UNC-CIDD’s T32 Post-Doctoral Research Training Program is to train 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

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, Angelman syndrome, Dup15q syndrome, Down syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC), Schizophrenia, ADHD) 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 each fellow follows NIH guidelines depending on experience. This program has an anticipated start date of July 1, 2024.

This program provides a variety of opportunities including:
(1) mentored research training in specific methods, disorders, and underlying pathogenic mechanisms;
(2) courses, seminars, and lectures that integrate the study of clinical disorders, developmental processes, mechanisms of disease, and research methods; and
(3) clinical experiences to complement previous levels of clinical knowledge and skills.

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, 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 that will result in peer-reviewed publications.

Degree requirement. Postdoctoral trainees must have received, as of the beginning date of the NRSA appointment, a Ph.D. (from either basic science or clinical research programs), 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.

Citizenship. NIH requires that to be appointed to a training position supported by an NIH 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 territories of the United States (e.g., American Samoa and Swains Island). Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.

Applications from underrepresented minorities are encouraged.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications for the training period starting July 2024 were due on January 15th 2024. Applications are now closed, and the selections have been made for this year’s cycle.

For next year’s cycle (training starting July 2025), the applications will open in late 2024.

HOW TO APPLY

• All applicants should contact the program directors (Ben Philpot, bphilpot@med.unc.edu or Mark Shen, mark_shen@med.unc.edu) before preparing the application.


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  Get instructions from the Program Coordinator (see below), and then contact one of the training grant faculty to confirm mentorship.
  (listing of investigators)
  
  


• Develop a research plan together with the mentor to be submitted with the application.


• Apply via the Human Resources web listing of the Post-Doc Position


• Applications should include: Curriculum Vitae; Cover Letter; Three letters of recommendation in signed, sealed envelopes or may be sent via email.

Email or Mail Letters of Recommendation to:
Drs. Ben Philpot & Mark Shen
c/o Program Coordinator Angela Cousin (angela.cousin@cidd.unc.edu)

UNC Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
101 Renee Lynne Court, CB 7255
Carrboro, NC 27510

More Information
Please contact: Program Coordinator at angela.cousin@cidd.unc.edu