College of Education and Human Development

Institute of Child Development

Employment

Postdoctoral Training in Developmental Psychology

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 traineeships during 2024-2026.

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. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds.

Training

The training program is directed by Megan Gunnar, Regents Professor and fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Education, 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.

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
  • Megan Gunnar, PhD
  • Ka Ip, PhD
  • Melissa Koening, PhD
  • Ann Masten, 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)
  • William Iacono, PhD (Psychology)
  • Suma Jacob, MD, PhD (Psychiatry)
  • 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 sessions of the biennial "Minnesota Symposia on Child Psychology," T32 seminar, attend and present at the Department of Psychology Annual Research Day on May 3rd and weekly colloquia, without regard to subject matter. Postdoctoral trainees are expected to present their work at the weekly colloquia at least once per year. 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.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
  • Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

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 2024 (date is flexible). 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.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Applying

Submit your materials to Bre Krzyzanowski, krzyz008@umn.edu, Director of Student Services:

  1. curriculum vitae
  2. statement of research interest(s) including with whom you want to work
  3. graduate transcripts
  4. three letters of recommendation
  5. a sample of published or in press theoretical or empirical work  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.