Research Fellow in Global Mental Health Implementation Science

Research Fellow in Global Mental Health Implementation Science

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is expected to start in January 2027. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply by November 1, 2026.

Position

Details

Title

Title Research Fellow in Global Mental Health Implementation Science

School

School Harvard Medical School

Department/Area

Department/Area GHSM Mental Health for All Lab

Position Description

We invite applicants for a postdoctoral research fellow position in the Mental Health for All Lab ( MHFAL ) at the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the MHFAL lab is focused on the generation of knowledge and its effective utilization with the goal of contributing to the reduction of the global burden of suffering from mental health problems through novel approaches such as digital technology or task-sharing for scale-up of proven interventions.

We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates who are interested in these or related fields, particularly those who may bring a new technology or perspective to bear on the work in the lab.

The central focus for this position will involve supporting the scientific and research activities for studies aimed at leveraging innovative digital technologies for scaling up proven psychosocial interventions across underserved settings in the United States and globally. These research efforts involve participating in the development, evaluation, and implementation of task-shared mental health services in primary care settings and other community settings in the United States and globally. Specifically, this position will involve leading the development of study protocols, overseeing the implementation of study procedures, and engaging with key stakeholders to ensure the success of the project activities.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. John Naslund to develop an independent research project within the scope of the lab’s research focus on implementation science and mental health services research. In addition to carrying out mental health implementation research, the successful candidate will be expected to apply for fellowship funding, contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, present research findings at conferences and scientific meetings, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed, and otherwise contribute to overall lab operations in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• (1) Develop and implement an independent research project that extends and complements the work of the lab; write and submit proposals to fund the research; secure and maintain IRB and regulatory approvals; conduct analysis, publish findings, and disseminate research findings through presentations at conferences and scientific meetings;
• (2) act as scientific liaison for day-to-day oversight of research activities between Harvard Medical School and the project sites and collaborators, including conducting and leading data analyses across the study components; ability to manage virtual meetings and frequent travel to the project sites is required;
• (3) design intervention materials, training content, and data collection instruments; and lead the implementation of study protocols; monitor data collection and quality in the field;
• (4) support capacity building within the team at Harvard Medical School and at the project sites through presenting work to local stakeholders and research collaborators, providing guidance and mentorship to research staff involved in different aspects of the research project, and engaging stakeholders at the study sites and surrounding communities in dissemination of the project findings.

Location

This position is based in Boston, MA and involves frequent travel to field sites in the U.S. and internationally.

Application deadline

11/1/2026

Duration

This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Salary and Benefits

This position is represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting compensation and working conditions.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, ScD, etc.) in area such as biostatistics/bioinformatics, implementation science, medicine, health economics, social work, sociology, clinical psychology, or epidemiology or related fields.
• Expertise in research design and data analysis, including any of the following: clinical trials, implementation science, economic evaluation, digital health, statistical analysis for clinical trials, or big data analysis.
• Demonstrated track record engaging in fieldwork, involving meeting with stakeholders including study participants, clinicians, community members, and researchers.
• Experience working in or collaborating with researchers in community settings, and in particular, in underserved and low-resource areas.
• Ability to travel for international fieldwork.
• Current knowledge of serious mental illness, mental health problems and service interventions to address these disorders in low-resource settings.

Additional Qualifications

• Previous training in clinical mental health fields, such as clinical psychology, psychiatry, or school psychology (preferred)
• Ability to travel internationally
• If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.

Special Instructions

Include a cover letter in which you describe your interest in the lab and initial ideas for new research directions or projects you could undertake in the lab. Also describe your suitability for the position, specifically referring to the qualifications listed above.

Contact Information

Laura Bond, Senior Project Manager
Mental Health for All Lab
HMS Global Health and Social Medicine
641 Huntington Avenue
Boston MA 02115

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * When (month and year) was your doctoral degree granted or expected to be granted? Which University granted your PhD degree and in which academic field was your PhD granted?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you currently appointed at a college or university in a professorial, instructor, or lecturer role?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please list the digital tools and methods with which you have experience.

  (Open Ended Question)