Postdoctoral Opportunities at the U of M

National Research Service Award
Mental Health and Adjustment in the Life Course

Posted on 11/01/2004

The University of Minnesota is pleased to announce a postdoctoral position, a National Research Service Award, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, on the psychosocial determinants of mental health and adjustment, with emphasis on childhood, adolescence, and the transition to adulthood. Full-time, 12-month research training is provided. The appointment is for 2 years maximum, subject to review at the end of the first year. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the changing social contexts of development; life course trajectories of mental health and behavioral adaptation; longitudinal assessment and analysis;
at-risk populations; and social policy. A series of core seminars and a research apprenticeship are key program elements.

Trainees will have opportunities to do longitudinal research on the following topics as well as other subjects of their own choosing: early work experience, mental health, and attainment; pathways of transition to adulthood; the joint development of autonomy and intimacy; the sources of competence and resilience in the face of adversity; physical and relational aggression; the life course consequences of victimization; cognitive and emotional factors in decision-making in criminal/delinquent and work behavior; perceptions of criminal sanctions and their efficacy in inhibiting offending; female inmates’ adaptations to prison life as a function of prior life experiences; and trajectories of deviance and reintegration. This interdisciplinary program includes core faculty members from the Department of Sociology (Jeylan Mortimer [Director], Scott Eliason, Candace Kruttschnitt, Karen Lutfey, Ross Macmillan, Christopher Uggen); the Institute of Child Development (Andrew Collins, Nicki Crick, Ann Masten); and the School of Public Health’s doctoral program in Health Services Research, Policy, and Administration (Kathleen Call, Donna McAlpine, Michael Finch). The award supports three predoctoral and one postdoctoral student. Competencies to be developed include solid disciplinary grounding, an interdisciplinary perspective, methodological expertise, and sensitivity to policy issues. U.S. citizens or residents are eligible. In addition to an annual stipend in accordance with NRSA guidelines, the award provides tuition, fees and medical insurance coverage. Postdoctoral candidates, who have received a Ph.D. in a social science discipline or an equivalent terminal degree, such as an M.D., public health, or nursing degree by June 2004, should provide a letter describing current research interests, a complete vita, university transcript, three letters of recommendation, and samples of written work.

For full consideration, send postdoctoral application materials to Professor Jeylan Mortimer at the
Life Course Center
Department of Sociology
1014 Social Sciences Building
267-19th Avenue South
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455
for admittance prior to June 30, 2005. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2004. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

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