NIMH Postdoctoral Training
Program in Neurobehavioral Sciences

Human behavior is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Social, cultural, psychological, genetic and a host of other variables influence behavior.  This NIMH-sponsored training program is based onthe conviction that study of the biological roots of behavior is indispensable for achieving an understanding of human behavior and in the search for the causes and the cures of psychiatric and neurological illness. In order for researchers to contribute effectively to achieving such an understanding, they must have not only detailed, multidisciplinary technical training in laboratory research, but should also have a broad view of the major conceptual issues in basic neural science and its relation to mental and brain diseases. The mission of this program, therefore, is two-fold. The primary goal is to train postdoctoral fellows to carry out original and important research in the neurobiology of behavior in a multidisciplinary setting. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the mechanisms that underlie the various means by which behavior can change or be modified.  A second goal is to acquaint trainees with the major issues in psychiatric and neurological diseases, in order to provide a clinical context to the basic science problems that they investigate in the laboratory.

This training program is designed to train fellows to take a broad view of the important theoretical issues in neural science and to become proficient in a variety of experimental techniques. This training prepares them for research in a setting in which collaboration between investigators with different expertise is the norm. Trainees are encouraged to develop a flexible approach to research, which will allow them to readily adopt new methodologies as they become available.

The training staff listed below all take part in training postdoctoral students in tutorials, formal course work, and/or research. The areas of their research are listed below, divided into the three major subtypes of plasticity: (1) development; (2) behavioral plasticity;(3) alterations of brain and behavior due to disease processes. The research-interests of many investigators cover more than one of the three areas. In such cases the individual is listed under their prime area of interest, but with reference to their area of secondary interest. All of the research projects described below are open to participation by postdoctoral trainees.

Scientists wishing to pursue postdoctoral studies should apply directly either to the head of one of the laboratories or to the Acting Director (see address below), provide a curriculum vitae and three letters of reference.

Development

To Apply, Contact:

Navieta Ramasami
Administrative Assistant to René Hen
Center for Neurobiology and Behavior
New York State Psychiatric Institute
1051 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10032

212-543-5239
ramasam@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu