Postdoctoral Fellowship

We have completed recruitment for our postdoctoral fellowship for 2025-2026. We expect to open applications for July 2026 in mid-September 2025.

The NIMH T32 postdoctoral fellowship, "Multidisciplinary Training Program in Digital Mental Health," at the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies (CBITs) offers a uniquely valuable opportunity in digital mental health research. The program emphasizes:

  • Mentorship from leading investigators in both psychological science and human-computer interaction (HCI)
  • Collaboration with a cohort of postdoctoral fellows with backgrounds in psychological science and HCI
  • Leadership of self-directed research projects with multidisciplinary teams
  • Development as a leader in digital mental health research

This fellowship focuses on the use of technology to support mental health, with an emphasis on equity, bringing together fellows from:

  • Psychological science (psychology, psychiatry and behavioral science)
  • HCI (computer science, communication, engineering, design and human factors)

The primary objective of this fellowship is to prepare the individual for an academically oriented career in fields relevant to technology and mental health. 

Program Leadership

The program is co-led by two distinguished experts:

  • David Mohr, PhD: Expert in the use of technology and psychological approaches for the treatment of mental health conditions
  • Darren Gergle, PhD: Leader in HCI as applied to medical settings with expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods

CBITs provides a unique scientific home for interdisciplinary scholars, with experts in psychology, HCI, computer science, biostatistics, implementation science and health disparities. The center's mission is to design, evaluate and sustainably implement digital mental health solutions in the context of real-world care settings, with an emphasis on extending services to underserved communities.

Fellowship Experience

Fellows work in complementary lines of research focused on digital mental health. This work will include:

  • Collaboration with specialists across multiple related disciplines
  • Leadership roles in overseeing individual research projects
  • Mentorship from core CBITs faculty and affiliated faculty
  • Access to research data for publications
  • Preparation for an academically oriented career in fields relevant to technology and mental health

While we welcome applicants with all research interests related to digital mental health, our current mentorship capacity includes:

Clinical Focus Areas

  • Suicide prevention
  • Nonsuicidal self-injury
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Adult and adolescent depression and anxiety
  • Single-session interventions
  • Community-engaged implementation work

HCI Focus Areas

  • Design of messaging interventions
  • Chatbot development
  • Artificial intelligence applications

Eligibility & Application Details

We currently have at least one position open for a fellow in HCI or clinical science. Appointments are for one year, renewable for a second year.

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • U.S. citizenship or have permanent resident status (NIMH requirement)
  • Strong record of peer-reviewed publications
  • Experience in digital mental health research

Required Materials:

  • CV
  • Statement of research interests and goals
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Optional: You may also include any relevant preprints.

Application Submission:

Northwestern University does not made decisions related to fellowships or scholarships based on any category protected by the law. The University is committed to complying with all applicable laws. The University believes different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds are critical to building a dynamic community and student body, and as such encourages all qualified applicants to apply.