Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Addictions at the Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions (CASAA)
The Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions (CASAA) announces two open postdoctoral positions on our NIAAA Institutional Research Training grant, which has been renewed through 2030. The goal of the grant is to prepare future NIH scientists to conduct rigorous alcohol research across a range of areas including evidence-based treatment, mechanisms of behavior change, precision medicine, comorbidity and the individual- and system-level factors related to alcohol use, polysubstance use, and other addictive behaviors, technology-based interventions, and implementation science; and draws on several new conceptual and methodological approaches with the goal of reducing the public health burden of alcohol use disorder.
During the fellowship, you will work with a primary mentor from our core training faculty, while also having a secondary mentor for additional guidance. Primary mentors include: Katie Witkiewitz (Training Director), Frank Schwebel (Associate Training Director), Tara Bautista, Cassandra Boness, Leslie Brick, Joshua Grubbs, Margo Hurlocker, Megan Kirouac, Matison McCool, Colin Mahoney, Matthew Pearson, Jane Ellen Smith, and Kamilla Venner.
The fellowship includes full-time research training, participation in a weekly Addictions seminar, and the development of a training plan with specific competencies to be achieved annually. Outside employment should be limited. The initial appointment is for one year, with the potential for up to three years of support available based on performance and funding availability. Continued support will require you to prepare and successfully submit an NIH grant application with support from CASAA and your mentorship team.
Applicants must meet the following criteria: (1) demonstrated interest in the field of addictions and/or chronic pain, with a preference for alcohol and opioid/opiate research, as evidenced by prior coursework, research, and/or clinical experience; (2) a record of research productivity as evidenced by research presentations and peer-reviewed publications; and (3) a commitment to a career in addictions research as an independent investigator. All fellows must be a United States citizen or a noncitizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment. Individuals who have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence must have a currently valid Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551) or other legal verification of such status.
The fellowship offers funding in accordance with NIH-defined stipend rates (based on years since doctoral degree, see https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-25-105.html.) Additional benefits include health insurance reimbursement, tuition remission, support for professional travel, and support for training- and research-related expenses.
Interested applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a 1-2 page cover letter that addresses their qualifications for and interest in the training program to Katie Witkiewitz, Ph.D., katiew@unm.edu. Positions are available immediately although the latest start date of August 1 2026 will be considered. Applications received by November 15, 2025 will be given best consideration.
