Physician Research Postdoctoral Fellowship
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
Pittsburgh, PA 15240
https://www.va.gov/pittsburgh-health-care/
Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment
Overview: The Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS) is recruiting physicians, clinical psychologists, nurses, and other associated health clinicians for a 2-year clinical research fellowship program. The primary goal of the fellowship program is to train MD, PhD (and other) postdoctoral fellows to become leaders in Precision Mental Health Care research—including basic and clinical sciences, and health services research with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness and impact of evidence-based treatments for Veterans with mental illness. Within the broad scope of Precision Mental Health Care, our MIRECC focuses on research that targets: 1) identification, validation and incorporation of putative biomarkers/other measures of disease, disorders and problems for incorporation in evidence-based care, 2) development of interventions, tools, treatment algorithms, and decision aids, to influence treatment choice, treatment planning, and program management integral to Precision Mental Health Care, and 3) the incorporation of implementation science in the translation of Precision Mental Health Care research to practice. The long-term mission of MIRECC-funded research and training is to improve the mental and physical health, quality of life, and outcomes of health care services for Veterans with mental illness.
Program Description: This interdisciplinary program aims to train physicians, clinical psychologists, nurses, social workers, and other associated health graduates to become outstanding clinical researchers in high priority areas of mental health. Individualized, mentored research and clinical training are combined with a state-of-the-science curriculum that emphasizes research methods, statistics, epidemiology, mental health systems, quality improvement methods, education, and service delivery that center on the whole person. Training in professional skills includes manuscript preparation, grant writing, project management, networking, and the responsible conduct of research. Sites across the national network of VA Advanced Fellowship training sites are linked electronically for didactic, academic, and research efforts.
Fellows devote the majority of their time to Veteran-centered research and education activities and 25% to direct Veteran clinical care. In collaboration with their mentors, fellows will develop and implement a research project, publish, and present findings, participate in grant writing, and utilize the latest technology for educational activities and clinical service delivery. MD applicants must have completed ACGME-accredited residency training, be board eligible or board certified, and have an active, unrestricted U.S. license to practice. The VA funds fellows’ stipends in amounts based on previously completed ACGME accredited residency training.
Faculty: Fellows will have a mentorship team that often includes a mentor from the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) in addition to VAPHS. Based on research focus, Pitt/VA investigators not listed can participate on mentorship teams as appropriate. Research must be conducted primarily at the VA. Available research mentors (and interests) from VAPHS (bolded) and the University of Pittsburgh include:
- Howard Aizenstein, MD (neuroimaging, late-life mood disorders)
- Michelle Bertocci, PhD (bipolar disorder)
- Adam Bramoweth, PhD (sleep, implementation science)
- Meryl Butters, PhD (late-life cognition, dementia)
- Daniel Buysse, MD (sleep interventions, neurobiology of sleep)
- Matthew Chinman, PhD (implementation science, peer support)
- Fabio Ferrarelli, MD, PhD (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, SMI)
- Zachary Freyberg, MD, PhD (basic science of psychiatric disorders)
- Ariel Gildengers, MD (late-life bipolar disorder)
- Gretchen Haas, PhD (suicide, schizophrenia/psychotic disorders)
- Brant Hasler, PhD (sleep, circadian rhythm, SUD)
- Heeyoung Lee, PhD (schizophrenia, clinical trials)
- Faith Luyster, PhD (sleep, e-health, medical comorbidities)
- Vishwajit Nimgaonkar, MD (genetics, yoga for SMI)
- Tae Woo (Ted) Park, MD (co-occurring addiction/mental health)
- Konasale Prasad, MD (neuroimaging, genetics, schizophrenia)
- Armando Rotondi, PhD (e-health, SMI, patient engagement)
- Greg Siegle, PhD (neuroimaging, affective disorders)
- Isabella Soreca, MD (sleep, circadian interventions)
- Stuart Steinhauer, PhD (psychophysiology, psychosis)
- Robert Sweet, MD (neurobiology of psychosis)
- Katalin Szanto, MD (late-life suicide)
Application Due Date: Review of applications will start December 1, 2025 with an application deadline of December 15, 2025. Interviews can be held virtually or in-person.
How to Apply: Interested psychologists, physicians, and associated health trainees who meet the eligibility requirements should send a cover letter, CV, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation to Gretchen L. Haas, PhD (gretchen.haas@va.gov) and Sara Chapman, MS, OT/L (PA) (sara.chapman@va.gov). The cover letter should specify the reasons for your interest in our MIRECC Fellowship training program, a brief overview of your previous clinical and research experiences, investigators you are interested in working with, and how you see this program promoting your professional and career goals.
Click here for more information about the fellowship and the VISN 4 MIRECC.
Updated 9/10/2025
