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Research Training Opportunities

T32 Postdoctoral Research Training Program – Starting Summer 2026 at UNC Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities

The Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina (UNC-CIDD) is seeking fellows for our Postdoctoral Research Training Program in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and co-directed by Ben Philpot and Mark Shen, this program emphasizes research training in both the biological basis and clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Continuously funded since 2001 (T32HD040127), it was one of the first programs in the U.S. to bring together multi-disciplinary postdocs to accelerate translational research on NDDs. The UNC-CIDD T32 program has trained over 65 postdoctoral fellows to date, many of whom have subsequently obtained NIH K-awards, Simons Foundation, Burroughs Wellcome, or other prestigious junior faculty awards, and started their independent labs at R1 universities.

The goal of UNC-CIDD’s T32 Postdoctoral Research Training Program is to develop researchers with expertise in both the biological basis and clinical manifestations of NDDs. This broad-based and integrated perspective enables researchers to better relate across disciplines and maximizes the potential for major research advances in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of NDDs.

T32 fellows will participate in integrated training in biological and behavioral research in NDDs (e.g., autism, fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Dup15q syndrome, Down syndrome, Rett syndrome, Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), schizophrenia, ADHD, language disability) while studying both clinical and basic sciences (e.g., neuroscience, neurology, genetics, cell biology and physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, allied health sciences, developmental psychology, and psychiatry).

The program provides a variety of opportunities including: (1) mentored research training in specific methods, NDDs, and underlying pathogenic mechanisms; (2) courses, seminars, and lectures that integrate the study of clinical NDDs, developmental processes, mechanisms of disease, and research methods; and (3) clinical experiences to complement translational research opportunities.

This program has an anticipated start date of July 1. The annual stipend for each trainee follows NIH guidelines based on years of experience.

Note: the T32 program is designed as a two-year program: the second year of funding is contingent upon competitive renewal of the training grant.

Meet Our Program Directors and Current T32 Postdoctoral Fellows

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Degree Requirement

Postdoctoral trainees must have received, by the start of the T32 appointment, a Ph.D. (from a basic science or clinical research program), M.D., or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Documentation by an authorized official of the degree-granting institution is acceptable, certifying all degree requirements have been met prior to the training start date. Eligible doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to: D.D.S., D.M.D., D.C., D.O., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.D., Dr. P.H., D.N.Sc., D.P.T., Pharm.D., N.D., D.S.W., Psy.D.

Trainees are required to engage in their research training on a full-time basis, devoting at least 40 hours per week to the program. For trainees in clinical fields, these hours must be focused on the proposed research training, and any clinical duties should contribute directly to the research training outcomes (e.g., peer-reviewed publications).

Citizenship

NIH requires that to be appointed to a training position supported by an NIH NRSA / T32 research training grant, an individual must be either: (a) a citizen of the U.S.; (b) a noncitizen national (individuals born in territories of the U.S. (e.g., Puerto Rico, American Samoa and Swains Island)); or (c) an individual who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Permanent Resident Card I-551 (green card) or other legal verification of such status). Individuals on temporary or student visas are unfortunately not eligible for NIH NRSA / T32 funding.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are currently being accepted and will be considered on a rolling basis. The priority deadline was January 15th, and we will continue accepting applications until all positions are filled. Those considering submitting applications after the priority deadline should contact the program directors ASAP to ask if positions are still available.

  1. Check eligibility (degree and citizenship) requirements and program weblinks below.
  2. Review our directory of training grant faculty who are eligible to mentor a T32 fellow and sponsor an application. Identify a faculty member(s) who agrees to serve as your mentor (or co-mentors), and establish that they are willing to work on an application with you.
  3. Email the Program Directors, Ben Philpot and Mark Shen (copying the Program Coordinator Angela Cousin) with (a) your CV; (b) your proposed mentors; and (c) whether you meet the eligibility requirements.
  4. Develop a research plan together with the mentor (or co-mentors) to be submitted with the application.
  5. Apply via the UNC HR website for the Post-Doc Trainee Position.
  6. Applications should include: CV; cover letter; research plan; and three letters of recommendation sent via email.

Email or mail letters of recommendation to:
Drs. Ben Philpot & Mark Shen
c/o Program Coordinator Angela Cousin (angela.cousin@cidd.unc.edu)
UNC Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
101 Renee Lynne Court, CB 7255
Carrboro, NC 27510

RESOURCES

For more information, contact the T32 Program Coordinator, Angela Cousin