The Family Institute at Northwestern University is accepting applications for our two-year research postdoctoral fellowship focused on basic and applied couple research and/or intimate partner violence research and implementation science. The fellow will be mentored by Dr. Erika Lawrence and other research faculty.
The postdoctoral fellow may work on one or more of the following projects, depending on their interests:
- Basic research study examining the impact of unemployment on couple functioning
- Basic research examining physiological indicators of dyadic stress and support transactions
- Evaluating the mechanisms of change in a group intervention targeting perpetrators of intimate partner violence
- Examining barriers and facilitators to implementation of group interventions in community and corrections settings
- Building academic-community partnerships to facilitate implementation of effective group interventions
Fellows are encouraged to incorporate their own research interests and questions into existing and proposed research projects during their fellowship. Time will be spent on grant writing, data analyses, and manuscript publication. Emphasis is placed on enhancing the postdoctoral fellow’s skills in becoming an implementation scientist and in grant writing and publications.
The fellow will be part of a cohort of postdoctoral fellows who participate in weekly didactic seminars. The fellow will also maintain a small clinical practice including individual, couple or family therapy with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Hours accumulated during the fellowship can be used toward licensure. The fellow also receives weekly individual and group supervision.
Important Information and Dates
- One fellow is accepted to the program every other year.
- Application review will begin on February 15, 2025.
- Interviews for selected candidates will be held in December over Zoom.
- Fellowship positions start on August 29, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
Preferred applicants will have completed a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology, or marriage and family therapy.
Application Materials
- Cover Letter: Explain why you are applying for this fellowship and how you feel it fits in with your career plans.
- Statement of Research Interests
- Curriculum Vita
For additional information about the application process or the fellowship, please contact Dr. Lisa Gordon, Director of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, at lgordon@family-institute.org or Dr. Erika Lawrence, Director of Translational Science and grant PI at elawrence@family-institute.org.
The Clinical Research Postdoctoral Fellowship is jointly sponsored by The Family Institute through a generous endowment from Holly and John Madigan. Holly Madigan (1940-2020) served on The Family Institute’s Board of Directors from 1990 through 2015. The Family Institute is honored that Holly’s legacy lives on through her service as board chair and lifetime trustee, roles which were crucial in allowing the organization to fulfill its mission. She will be remembered by her generosity of spirit and insightful leadership.
The Organization
Through research, education, and clinical services, The Family Institute at Northwestern University is one of the nation’s leading relationship-based behavioral health organizations committed to strengthening and healing children and adolescents, couples, families, and individuals. When you join The Family Institute, you join a team of over 277 collaborators comprised of researchers, educators, clinicians, graduate students, and administrators across four service sites, all focused on advancing the world of behavioral health.
Education
One-hour weekly Didactics Seminars taught by innovators in the fields of individual, couple, and family therapy. Topics include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Interpersonal Violence, High Conflict Divorce, Working with Stepfamilies, The Four-Session Evaluation for Couple Therapy, and Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) with Families.
Weekly consultation groups with members of the staff practice and faculty. Examples of centering themes of consultation groups include Couples Therapy, Transition to Parenthood, Queer People, Identities and Relationships, Substance Use and Addictive Behavior, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Monthly Grand Rounds which blend research with clinical practice. Grand Rounds presenters, including Fellows, review research that guides clinical application and/or cite clinical case material to illustrate a protocol originating from research.
Monthly Clinical Research Interest Group Meetings where staff and students join to present ongoing research, share research-related opportunities, and support the career aspirations of scholars.
Physical and Mental Requirements
- Must be able to compose written reports clearly and effectively
- Must be able to be in a stationary position due to attention to computer screen
- The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
- The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer) to perform work-related duties
- Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner
- Must be able to determine solutions to problems
- Must be able to operate successfully while handling multiple projects
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Family Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.
If you are a candidate with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application, please direct your inquiries to hr@family-institute.org.
Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate’s applicable work experience, key skills and qualifications, as well as internal and external market considerations. The pay range for this full-time exempt position is $58,660.00/year. The Family Institute provides competitive benefits, including health, a 403(b) retirement savings plan, generous time off, and professional development. For a more inclusive list of benefits, please visit our Careers page.