Current Postdoctoral Openings
We anticipate posting updated information on application dates and deadlines in the near future. The UC Davis MIND Institute’s interdisciplinary Autism Research Training Program (ARTP) is planning for a potential cohort of up to six NIH-funded postdoctoral positions (restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents) in interdisciplinary autism research. Positions are expected to be two years in duration, contingent upon successful review after the first year. Stipend levels would follow NIH guidelines.
Applicants are required to have one of the ARTP faculty who have agreed to mentor them during this two-year program. A list of potential mentors can be found on the training program faculty page.
Additional program and application details will be posted to this page as they become available.
Background
This program brings together experts in behavioral and biological sciences to support interdisciplinary, autism-focused research. Trainees build core skills across multiple areas of autism-related knowledge. Participants gain these skills through one-on-one mentorship, hands-on involvement in ongoing interdisciplinary research projects, a structured core curriculum, and participation in conferences, lecture series, and other training opportunities.
Qualifications
Appropriate candidates will have either a doctorate in biomedical or behavioral science or an M.D. and be committed to a career in autism research. Individuals from all backgrounds and regions of the United States are encouraged to apply. Please note that applicants must have completed all work for their doctoral degrees before starting the training program.
Postdoctoral Training Program Application Process
The goal of this program is to prepare interdisciplinary scientists for careers in autism research. To apply, please gather the documents listed below and submit them together with your completed application. The program is administered under Kirschstein-NRSA guidelines.
1. Identify a Primary Mentor and Obtain a Letter of Commitment
Before applying, you must secure a commitment from a faculty member in the training program who agrees to serve as your primary mentor. This mentor should determine that your background, skills, and research interests are a strong match for their expertise and ongoing work. Applicants are encouraged to contact potential mentors in advance to discuss their interests and confirm alignment before submitting an application. Once a primary mentor has been identified, please include a brief letter of commitment from the mentor with your application materials.
2. Submit a Letter of Interest
Applicants must submit a letter of interest (no more than two pages) addressed to the program directors, Marjorie Solomon, Stephen Noctor, and Christine Wu Nordahl describing their interest in the program.
The letter should include:
- A description of the applicant’s long-term professional goals and a brief overview of the research they plan to pursue in collaboration with their mentor.
- A description of their learning goals, including disciplinary strengths and areas in which additional training is desired.
- A summary of their research background and experience, including any work related to autism. While applicants must demonstrate a strong research foundation, prior experience specifically in autism research is not required.
3. Submit a Current Curriculum Vitae
Applicants must include an up-to-date curriculum vitae with their application. The CV should list all educational and professional experience and include contact information for the applicant and their references. Applicants may also choose to include information about gender and membership in a historically underrepresented group.
4. Provide a Sample of Written Work
Applicants must include a sample of their own written work with the application. This may be a first-author publication, a manuscript submitted for publication, a research paper written for a course, or a similar scholarly document.
5. Submit Letters of Recommendations
Applicants must request and ensure submission of three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to their potential for an independent research career. Letters may be uploaded directly to the application or sent via email to ovwrisley@health.ucdavis.edu, with the applicant’s name included in the subject line.