Research Fellow in Global Mental Health Implementation Science

Research Fellow in Global Mental Health Implementation Science

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.

A key focus for this position will involve supporting the scientific and research activities for studies focused on leveraging innovative digital technologies for scaling up proven psychosocial interventions across underserved settings globally, with emphasis in India and the United States. 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, with particular focus on serious mental illness, including schizophrenia disorders and bipolar disorder.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. John Naslund to implement a project in India focused on using digital technology to support the implementation of proven interventions aimed at promoting the functioning and recovery among individuals living with serious mental illness and their families. The successful candidate will be expected to travel regularly to the project sites, engage in fieldwork, and work collaboratively with a large group of project stakeholders and investigators. 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 include developing and implementing an independent research project that extends and complements the work of the lab; writing and submitting proposals to fund the research; securing and maintaining IRB and regulatory approvals; conducting analysis, publishing findings, and disseminating research findings through presentations at conferences and scientific meetings; acting 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; designing intervention materials, training content, and data collection instruments; and leading the implementation of study protocols; monitoring data collection and quality in the field; and supporting 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.

This position is based in Boston, MA and involves frequent travel to field sites in the U.S. and internationally. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply by August 31, 2026.

Basic qualifications include a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in areas 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 include clinical, professional, or research experience within disaster response/humanitarian settings in the United States or elsewhere (preferred) Ability to travel between the USA and India. 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.

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. Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io

Salary Range: This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 3

Keywords: Digital health, mental health research, health equity, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, India, USA

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.