Description

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 

MUSC NIMH T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

Traumatic Stress Across the Lifespan | 2027–2028

The National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center (NCVC) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking applications for its NIMH-funded T32 postdoctoral research training program, Basic & Translational Research Training in Traumatic Stress Across the Lifespan (T32MH018869). This program is in its 39th year of funding. We anticipate selecting at least one T32 fellow for 2027–2028. The NCVC offers training for entry-level and experienced clinical and translational scientists pursuing independent research careers in traumatic stress, with a particular emphasis on civilian trauma and its impact on mental health. Stipends follow NIH levels based on years since degree completion and include an additional $10,000 supplement. Applicants must have a strong commitment to a career in clinical/translational trauma-related mental health research and a doctoral degree in psychology, medicine, social work, public health, or a similar field.

Fellows receive mentorship, coursework, seminars, mental health treatment training experiences, and research training to conduct interdisciplinary, translational research on the mental health impact of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) across the lifespan. Each fellow has a primary faculty mentor and a co-mentor in a complementary area, jointly identified by the fellow and training faculty based on training needs. Mentors include PhDs and MDs with expertise in developmental psychopathology, neuroscience, substance use disorders, digital health, HIV risk reduction, treatment effectiveness, and implementation science. Major extramurally funded (e.g., NIH, NIJ, PCORI, various foundation) projects examine exposure to PTEs (e.g., child maltreatment, sexual and other interpersonal violence, mass violence incidents, and traumatic grief), risk of PTSD and related mental disorders, and resilience. Other projects focus on treatment and prevention intervention development, randomized clinical trials, and implementation and dissemination of effective treatments into practice.

The NCVC also hosts the Building Resilience through Innovative Interventions to Promote Growth and Health after Trauma Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (BRIGHT Center), an NIH-funded center that supports early-stage investigators conducting research to improve access to and quality of care after trauma. The Office for Victims of Crime-funded National Mass Violence Center strengthens the nation’s capacity to serve victims and survivors through research, planning, training, technology, and collaboration. Its research includes large-scale epidemiological studies of mental health and resilience following mass violence and evaluation of self-help apps to support recovery.

The MUSC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is a strong academic department that consistently ranks among the top 10-15 Departments of Psychiatry nationally for NIH funding. NCVC faculty include 20 engaging professionals who are enthusiastic participants in fellowship training. Faculty specializing in traumatic stress research from other MUSC colleges (e.g., Nursing), Departments (e.g., Neuroscience), and Psychiatry Divisions and Programs (e.g., Addiction Sciences, Brain Stimulation Lab) also serve as mentors. Applicants can review NCVC and affiliated faculty research interests at: https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/psychiatry/divisions-and-programs/divisions/ncvrtc/faculty.

Charleston is a beautiful, historic, oceanside city with beaches, boating, fishing, golf, and other outdoor amenities. A strong commitment to historic and environmental preservation makes it a wonderful place to live and work. Charleston has repeatedly been named the No. 1 City in the U.S. and Canada by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards.

Applications must include: a) a ONE-PAGE letter outlining your interest in the fellowship, goals for advanced research training in traumatic stress, and long-term career goals; b) an updated CV; c) at least one preprint or reprint demonstrating your research proficiency; and d) names and contact information for three individuals who may serve as references for your research and work. Letters of recommendation are not required at this stage but may be requested later. Applicants are encouraged to review current NIMH research priorities when considering their research interests and training goals:

 https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports/index.shtml. T32 applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents (per NIH policy).

A recorded 2025 informational session about the fellowship and application process is available here:

https://canva.link/jrno6sgdt1x77i6 

Please submit applications via REDCap BY 8:00 p.m. EST on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026.

Application link: https://redcap.musc.edu/surveys/?s=X3LKM3K3YH7CMC7W