Applications are now being accepted for traineeships that we anticipate will be available on July 1, 2008 in a multidisciplinary research training program on psychosocial issues and service systems for persons living with HIV/AIDS that has been established since 1989 with funds provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (T32 MH 19127).

This is a behavioral health sciences predoctoral training program involving public health, public policy, sociology, psychology, psychiatry, anthropology, medicine, social welfare, and other related disciplines.  (A postdoctoral training component has also been established.) The program is sponsored by the Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, School of Public Affairs (SPA), Department of Sociology, the Center for African American Studies, the Center for HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment Services (CHIPTS), and the AIDS Institute. Students who have completed their second year of graduate studies (or more) or will complete a master’s level program and proceed to their Ph.D. or equivalent by June 30, 2008, are encouraged to apply.  Applicants should contact the Director by email and describe their background, the reasons for their interest in the program, and attach a copy of their CV. They should also indicate their willingness to allow the Director and the Faculty Advisory Committee access to their department personnel record. The NIMH/NIH require that applicants be U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents.

Trainees receive their Ph.D. in their core discipline and participate in a training seminar, work with a scientific mentor(s) on ongoing HIV/AIDS research projects, undertake formal coursework in the behavioral health sciences and in ethical issues and issues of scientific responsibility, and agree to undertake a Ph.D. thesis in an HIV-relevant area.

Stipends will be for two years (one-year appointment renewable if performance is satisfactory and the grant is renewed) at $20,772 per year and, if approved and funded by the NIMH/NIH, for a third year.  NIMH/NIH will also provide for the cost of tuition, fees, and health insurance at this rate: 100% of all costs up to $3000 and 60% of costs above $3000. Trainees will also receive an additional $1500 per year supplement from the Graduate Division and may receive office space. Job placement assistance is provided when the Ph.D. is completed.