Global Mental Health Postdoctoral Fellowship
Entity: Aga Khan University
Location: Pakistan or Kenya
Application Deadline: September 30, 2024
Introduction
The Global Mental Health Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to strengthen capacity for global mental health implementation science in South/Central Asia and/or East Africa. This Fellowship Program is a collaboration between Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute and the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School. It supports post-doctoral research fellows in translating prevention, assessment, and treatment interventions to specific settings and vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Responsibilities
Year 1: Harvard Medical School
During the first year, Fellows will be based at the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. They will:
- Collaborate with Harvard faculty to draft an implementation science research proposal.
- Acquire research skills necessary for conducting the proposed study.
- Prepare for the implementation phase in Year 2.
- Develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with guidance from NIH and Harvard’s Office for Postdoctoral Fellows.
- Engage with a research committee comprising AKU and Harvard faculty for additional support.
- Access Harvard’s research and training resources, including courses, seminars, and conferences.
- Present research proposals, attend symposia, and participate in thematic networks such as early child development or implementation science groups.
Year 2: Aga Khan University
In the second year, Fellows will implement their project at Aga Khan University’s campuses in East Africa or South/Central Asia. Key responsibilities include:
- Executing the research project developed during Year 1 under AKU mentorship.
- Maintaining visiting appointments at Harvard with access to academic and networking opportunities.
- Receiving continued supervision and guidance from both Harvard and AKU mentors.
- Aiming for successful study completion, resulting in at least one peer-reviewed publication.
- Planning and preparing for at least one grant application for new research projects.
Faculty Mentorship
Fellows will benefit from regular (at least monthly) research and progress assessment meetings with their Harvard faculty mentor throughout the two-year fellowship. Additionally, each Fellow will have an AKU mentor identified by AKU program leadership. This dual mentorship model ensures a collaborative relationship between senior faculty at both universities.
Requirements
The Fellowship Program is open to individuals who have:
- Received their PhD or completed their MD with a research thesis degree by December 01, 2024.
- A record of academic achievement, such as prior peer-reviewed publications.
- Demonstrated a commitment to pursuing a career in global mental health research, particularly in service to the regions served by Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Development Network.
Selection Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated based on:
- Commitment to global mental health and implementation science.
- Dedication to addressing the needs of LMICs, especially those served by AKU and AKDN.
- Demonstrated academic excellence and/or relevant knowledge and experience in LMICs.
- Desire to establish a career in the regions served by AKU and AKDN.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit the following as one PDF document titled “[your last name, first initial]_GMH2024” to Dr. Zul Merali, Director, Brain and Mind Institute, at brain&[email protected]:
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Cover letter outlining interest in the fellowship.
- Personal statement (no more than 1,000 words) addressing the candidate’s passion for impactful mental health research in LMICs.
- Writing samples or publication examples (no more than three total).
- Names and contact information of three references.
- Confirmation of completion of an MD with a research thesis degree or award of a PhD by December 01, 2024.
Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2024.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applications from women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.
Aga Khan University adheres to the same equal opportunity employment principles and practices.