Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities
NIA Training Program Support This program emphasizes research methods appropriate to the study of aging, especially the conduct of research in applied settings from a multidisciplinary perspective. It examines the substantive and theoretical issues pertaining to determinants of successful aging. Its goal is to develop researchers who will contribute to the theoretical and empirical knowledge base for determining policy and programs that could enhance the well-being of older adults. The major training occurs through involvement in ongoing research of faculty at the School of Social Work, the academic departments, and research centers of the University. In addition, there are ongoing research seminars for fellows and associated faculty, opportunities for supervision in the writing of articles for publication, and where appropriate, enrollment in courses such as the Institute for Social Research's summer program in survey research and quantitative and qualitative methods (ICPSR). This NIA-funded postdoctoral training program at the University of Michigan School of Social Work will have one opening beginning between May 1, 2010 and Sept 1, 2010. The positions will be available for 12 months with the possible extension of a second year. This stipend is commensurate with experience, based on levels mandated by NIH ($37,368-$51,552) with the potential for a subsidy.
NIA Training Objectives The current (2006-2011) program emphasizes: research methods appropriate to the study of aging and the aged, including survey research, secondary data analysis, longitudinal analysis, qualitative methods, and evaluation research; the substantive, theoretical, and methodological issues in examining the determinants of successful aging (including physical, psychological, social, religious and spiritual, socioeconomic, racial (ethnic and cultural diversity); a multidisciplinary focus; and conduct of scientific research in applied settings.
Its goal is to develop researchers who will contribute to the theoretical and empirical knowledge base for determining policies and programs that can enhance the well-being of aging individuals. Faculty are associated with the Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science, joined by other faculty from the Departments of Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Public Health, Nursing, and the Institute for Social Research.
NIA Training Program and Responsibilities of Fellows A program of one-two years is tailored for each fellow. Core components are work with faculty mentors on a research project and a multidisciplinary seminar on issues in implementing, conducting and generating advances in applied research on aging. Supervision in writing for publication is also stressed. A seminar typically meets weekly during the Fall term and periodically during the Winter term. All fellows are expected to be active participants in this seminar. Social science courses relevant to the social processes of aging and the social functioning of the aged, social work courses on services for older adults, and courses on gerontological research methods, with a focus on the conduct of survey research, secondary analysis of archived data, longitudinal analysis, quantitative methods, and evaluation research are also available.
Fellows are expected to devote full-time to their postdoctoral training studies during the entire period of their appointment. During any appointment period, fellows may not accept any employment or supplementation without obtaining permission in advance from the co-directors of the program. Relevant employment that averages out to a 25% level across each annual fellowship appointment period is assumed to be the maximum level appropriate to the full-time commitment to the training program required by Federal regulations.
Qualifications
Applicants are sought whose doctoral training and experience demonstrate excellence in key areas and
commitment to study and engage in applied research on the needs of the elderly. Those with Social Work doctorates should also provide evidence of conceptual
expertise relevant to needs of the elderly, including knowledge of current treatment strategies,
delivery systems, or policies. Those with social science doctorates should also provide evidence
of conceptual knowledge in their discipline with potential for application to the needs of the
elderly and skills in research.
Application Procedures
Submit a vita, a statement describing how your research interests and future career goals fit into this training program, graduate transcripts, and samples of published and unpublished theoretical and/or empirical work. Have three letters of reference sent that provide information on research promise and knowledge and skills relevant to aging and the aged.
Application deadline: Rolling admissions will begin January 15, 2010. Fellowships may begin between May 1, 2010 and September 1, 2010.
To express an interest before applying, please contact: Professor Ruth E. Dunkle, The University of Michigan, School of Social Work Building, 1080 S. University, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1106.
For more information contact Professor Ruth Dunkle (redunkle@umich.edu; 734-763-6575).