Postdoctoral Fellowships in Implementation Research in Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Treatment
In partnership with the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health, the Center for
Mental Health Policy and Services Research (CMHPSR) at the University of Pennsylvania
Perelman School of Medicine invites applications for one- and two-year post-doctoral
fellowships. This one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary training program at the intersection of
implementation science, public policy, and mental health provides an excellent opportunity for
social scientists to improve their knowledge of implementation science, public mental health
systems, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. The center’s research addresses the
needs of individuals with psychiatric and developmental disabilities across the lifespan, and the
intersection of policy and practice. The fellowships are financially supported by the City of
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health.
The CMHPSR has a longstanding commitment to postdoctoral training, and offers a unique
environment in which to train early-stage investigators. Over the past three decades, faculty have
collaborated closely with community agencies, including Philadelphia’s Departments of Health
and Behavioral Health and the School District of Philadelphia. Through these partnerships, we
have created unique opportunities to embed postdoctoral trainees in the settings in which they
hope to conduct research. Postdoctoral trainees will split their time between the Department of
Behavioral Health and CMHPSR. These placements afford opportunities to learn firsthand about
how public policy and programs are created and implemented, and how to conduct rigorous
research to examine the effects of these policies and practices. The partnership between the
Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Penn provides an excellent environment in
which to gain experience in implementation research, with resources that include a Department
of Behavioral Health center devoted to implementing evidence-based practices, an
implementation science working group, a graduate-level implementation science course, and an
implementation science journal club.
The Center seeks applications from persons with a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree and a
strong commitment to a career in mental health services research and implementation science.
Past applicants have come from both qualitative and quantitative backgrounds in disciplines such
as clinical psychology, school psychology, community psychology, social work, public health
and anthropology. Applications are accepted throughout the year but are encouraged by January
1st for full consideration. Both recent graduates as well as those seeking to enhance their skills in
new areas are welcome to apply. Stipends vary with experience. Interested applicants should
contact Rinad Beidas, PhD, at rbeidas@upenn.edu.
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