We are not actively recruiting PAMT post-doctoral fellows at this time. If you are interested in a future opening, please contact Carol Masullo (cam83@psu.edu).

Application materials: Post-doctoral applicants will be drawn from graduate programs in the social, behavioral, or health sciences with an emphasis on strong quantitative and statistical training. All post-doctoral applicants will submit (1) a curriculum vitae; (2) a statement of research interests and career objectives, including the names of two prospective mentors selected from the list of affiliated faculty; and (3) two letters of recommendation. Applicants are required to contact prospective mentors to discuss their interests and plans before applying. Together, the two mentors should bring expertise in prevention science, methodology, and substance use research.

To be eligible, applicants for post-doctoral fellowships must anticipate completion of a Ph.D. (or equivalent, e.g., Sci.D.) by the start date of the fellowship. (A prospective fellow must complete this requirement before starting the fellowship.) In accordance with NRSA guidelines, NIH-funded post-doctoral fellows must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The College of Health and Human Development will also support a training fellowship within PAMT for which both U.S. and non-U.S. persons may apply.

Recruitment of post-doctoral applicants is now ongoing. Applicants currently seeking a position are urged to submit materials promptly via the Penn State Careers site. In addition, we encourage doctoral candidates who anticipate completing their degree requirements later or at other times of the year to get in touch with us at any time regarding future opportunities.

Selection of post-doctoral fellows is conducted in stages. First, post-doctoral applications are screened by PAMT staff for eligibility and fit with the program. Applications that pass this initial screening are then reviewed by the post-doctoral selection committee, and the prospective mentors named in the application. The most promising candidates are then invited for interview. Typically these interviews are in-person (with expenses covered), but virtual visits are sometimes necessary. During this visit a candidate will give a presentation; meet with the post-doctoral selection committee, their prospective mentors, current PAMT fellows, and other scientists at the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center; and be provided with information about Penn State and the State College area. Final decisions will be made by the post-doctoral selection committee and Drs. Maggs and Lanza.

Post-doctoral selection criteria include (a) interest in and likelihood of developing an independent research program focusing on the integration of prevention science and quantitative methods in substance use research, evaluated through the applicant’s statement of research interests and reflected in research experience to date; (b) commitment to a research career in an academic or applied research setting, particularly as described in the applicant’s statement of career objectives; (c) aptitude, skill, and productivity in research, as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences; (d) outstanding evaluation by faculty in recommendation letters; and (e) delivery of an excellent presentation during their interview.

All pre-doctoral applicants will submit (1) a curriculum vitae; (2) a statement of research interests and career objectives, including the names of two prospective mentors selected from the list of affiliated faculty; (3) a list of completed and planned coursework; and (4) one letter of recommendation. Applicants are required to contact prospective mentors to discuss their interests and plans before applying.

To be eligible, applicants for pre-doctoral fellowships must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, in accordance with NRSA guidelines. If you are an international graduate student who is interested in the program, please contact Carol Masullo. Applicants must be on track to complete at least two years of graduate study and a Master’s degree by the start of the fellowship. We will consider applicants with at least one year of graduate study at Penn State who have a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from another institution. Applicants will be considered from any Ph.D.-granting department at Penn State that has at least one affiliated faculty member. Applications will be considered once per year, in the Spring semester.

Recruitment of pre-doctoral applicants will begin with a general announcement about the availability of PAMT pre-doctoral fellowships in January.

Selection of pre-doctoral applicants will be conducted by committee in March and applicants will be informed of the committee’s decisions by April 1. Selected pre-doctoral fellows will start their fellowships on July 1.

Selection criteria for pre-doctoral applicants include (a) interest in developing an independent research program focusing on the integration of prevention science and quantitative methods, evaluated through the applicant’s statement of research interests and courses taken; (b) demonstration of excellent academic performance, as indicated by course grades and evaluations by faculty; (c) aptitude, skill, and productivity in research, as demonstrated in peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences; (d) excellent evaluation by faculty in a recommendation letter; and (e) commitment to a research career in an academic or applied research setting, particularly as described in the applicant’s statement of career objectives.

Questions? See Program Information for more information about the program. For specific inquiries please contact Carol Masullo (cam83@psu.edu or 814-867-2297).