Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Addictions at the Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions (CASAA)

 

The Center on Alcohol, Substance use, and Addictions (CASAA) invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship focused on alcohol, opioids, and chronic pain. The fellowship provides an opportunity to work on projects related to mindfulness-based interventions for alcohol and opioid use disorders, culturally centered implementation strategies for improving screening and brief interventions for American Indian/Alaska Native clients with chronic pain and opioid use disorder, as well as other topics related to addiction and addictive behaviors. Fellows will be involved in all stages of the research process, from recruitment to data analysis and dissemination. Additionally, fellows will have the chance to develop and enhance skills in research design, grant writing, advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses, intervention development, and research dissemination.

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 (PI and training program director), Cassandra Boness, Joshua Grubbs, Margo Hurlocker, Megan Kirouac, Matison McCool, Matthew Pearson, Dylan Richards, Frank Schwebel, Jane Ellen Smith, and Kamilla Venner. More information on their research interests can be found on their respective web pages.

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-24-104.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. Applications received by January 15, 2025 will be given best consideration.