Research Fellowship in Biological Psychiatry
and
Neuroscience

Overview
The UCSD Fellowship in Biological Psychiatry and Neuroscience is a 2-year training program for research-oriented psychiatrists, psychologists, and basic neuroscientists. During this time, Fellows develop a research project under the close supervision of one of the highly productive members of the UCSD Department of Psychiatry, or another investigator in the La Jolla (UCSD/Salk/Scripps) research community. Progress in the research program is monitored not only by the primary research advisor, but by feedback from members of the Fellowship Advisory Committee, who review the Fellows' training proposals in a format based on NIH peer review. Fellows also participate in a wide range of educational experiences related to their area of interest and career development. These training opportunities range from academic areas such as research ethics and statistical methods to practical subjects such as grant writing, structuring and practicing research presentations, and the peer review of manuscripts. The strength of this program since its inception in 1986 is demonstrated by the impressive research output of the Fellows, their presentations at national and international meetings, publication of research articles, and successful competition for research funds. The majority of our graduates continue research training, and many have obtained independent funding and have emerged as outstanding independent investigators.

"The Biological Psychiatry Fellowship at UCSD greatly enhanced my research career by providing a multidisciplinary forum for developing optimal methods in research projects as well as providing excellent grant writing guidance."

Susan F. Tapert, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, UCSD 

Eligibility and Application Process
Applicants may be in the process of finishing their doctoral degree when they apply to the program, but must complete all requirements for their degree before joining the Fellowship. Most of the successful applicants to our program hold a PhD degree, either as their sole advanced degree, or from an MD-PhD combined-degree program. However, we also encourage applications from MD’s who do not hold a PhD, but who have a strong commitment to training in research directed toward establishing an academic career. Fellows holding an MD degree typically have completed their clinical training in psychiatry and begin the program in their PGY-V year. The Fellowship strongly encourages applicants from minorities under-represented in academic medicine.

The deadline for application to the Fellowship for the upcoming fiscal year is February 15; however, exceptions may be made on a case by case basis. Many Fellows begin in July of their appointment year, but positions can be filled as openings arise. The minimum salary is NIH postdoctoral scale, but supplementation is frequently available and is negotiated with individual research mentors. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Interested parties should contact the Fellowship Director, Martin Paulus, MD, by electronic mail: mpaulus@ucsd.edu.