This 2-3 year postdoctoral training program is funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The broad aim of this program is to train a diverse future generation of clinical and basic researchers in a translational, multidisciplinary approach to sleep and circadian science. Specifically, we will emphasize the multi-dimensional nature of sleep and circadian health and its importance to health disparities. We will focus on the mechanisms through which sleep and circadian rhythms influence health; identify causes and consequences of poor sleep health in relation to physical, mental, and cognitive health outcomes; and evaluate novel sleep and circadian interventions. We will address these questions in the context of health disparities associated with race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and other personal characteristics.
Specific topics of interest include Sleep health disparities; Biological, psychological, social, and environmental mechanisms linking sleep and rhythms to health; Development and evaluation of sleep and circadian interventions to improve health; and Basic mechanisms of sleep and circadian rhythms.
Qualifications or Expectations:
- The Program is intended for MD physician-scientists, and PhD graduates of psychology, epidemiology, nursing, neuroscience and other sleep-related disciplines. The postdoctoral program offers specialized training and advanced research skills. The program aims to facilitate the progression of trainees to faculty or equivalent positions as independent investigators.
Opportunities Available:
- Our training grant provides funds for travel to professional meetings and other training-related expenses.
- The Center for Postdoctoral Affairs in the Health Sciences provides a variety of programs and opportunities to ensure that your postdoctoral experience is enriching intellectually and also prepares you for transition to a successful independent career.
- You are encouraged to participate in preparation and publication of your research findings, to attend any research related meetings established by your mentor(s), and to present your research scholarship at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science Research Day (November of each year) and the Department of Psychiatry Research Day (held annually in June) as well as at scientific meetings.
- You will have access to the professional development activities offered by the Department of Psychiatry and the Office of Academic Career Development in the School of Medicine.
Duties or Responsibilities:
- Career development planning with mentor.
- Didactic coursework, including seminars, statistics, experimental design, and responsible conduct of research, is also part of the training.
- Phase 1: Integration into the mentor's lab, working on ongoing projects, and starting data analysis and scholarly reviews.
- Phase 2: Focuses on data collection, analysis, submitting abstracts, publishing manuscripts, and applying for funding and faculty positions.
- The training progresses through two phases of mentored research:
- The ultimate goal is to transition to an independent research, faculty, or scientist career over two- three years.
Application Instructions:
Submit a request for information via this form: https://pitt.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tnYAJqZ6Ga4my1 (also available on the website)