Office of Research Training and Career Development

Overview

The Division of Translational Research (DTR) Office of Research Training and Career Development supports research training at the predoctoral, postdoctoral, and early investigator level to ensure that highly trained research investigators will be available to address research questions pertinent to mental health and mental illness and thereby to reduce the burden of mental and behavioral disorders. Funding opportunities supported by DTR’s research training and career development office include institutional (T32, R25), individual training (F30, F31, F32, R36), and mentored career development (K01, K08, K23, K99/R00) programs.

Areas of Emphasis

The scientific areas supported by the DTR research training office are aligned with those in the various research programs within the broader Division. Specifically, DTR directs, plans, and supports programs of research and research training that translate knowledge from basic science to discover the etiology, pathophysiology, and trajectory of mental disorders and develop effective interventions for children and adults. DTR supports integrative, multidisciplinary research and research training on the following areas:

• Phenotypic characterization and risk factors for psychiatric disorders
• Neurobehavioral mechanisms of psychopathology
• Trajectories of risk and resilience based on the interactive influences of genetics, brain development, environment, and experience
• Design and testing of innovative psychosocial, psychopharmacologic, and somatic treatment interventions

Investigators are urged to review the NIMH Strategic Plan and specific research programs within DTR for information on research areas we support and then contact program staff of the Research Training and Career Development Office for additional information on opportunities for support of their research training and career development.

For a listing of relevant funding opportunity announcements, visit the NIMH page for Research Training, Career Development, and Related Programs.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their applications with NIMH Program Staff, ideally at least 1-2 months prior to the submission of their application, to ascertain that their proposed research is aligned with NIMH funding priorities.

Contacts

Applicants should email their Specific Aims and current NIH Biosketch to DTRtrainingoffice@nih.gov.  An NIMH Program Staff member will reply and provide feedback.

Mark Chavez, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Research Training & Career Development
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7126, MSC 9645
301-443-8942

Anita Bechtholt, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Research Training & Career Development
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 7107, MSC 9645
301-480-8368

Ashley Smith, Ph.D.
Program Officer, Individual Fellowship Opportunities Programs
6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9645
301-496-4406

Kesi Williams, M.P.H.
Program Analyst
6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9645
301-827-8455