Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Research Training Program in Self- and Family Management

The purpose of this training program, funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), is to prepare nurse researchers to contribute to the science of personalized self- and family management of chronic conditions, the risk for their development, and associated symptoms. Trainees work with faculty from YSN and across Yale University who are making significant contributions to personalized self- and family management research. The aims of the training program are to:

  1. Recruit a diverse cadre of highly qualified pre- and postdoctoral trainees who are committed to scientific careers and who will conduct research that (a) increases understanding of the biological, behavioral, and social-environmental factors and mechanisms that predict and explain self- and family management of chronic conditions and symptoms, and (b) will result in personalized self- and family management interventions to improve outcomes for people at-risk for chronic conditions and those who are living with chronic conditions, especially vulnerable populations;
  2. Prepare trainees for successful and productive scientific careers that will build the science of personalized self- and family management to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations living with or at high risk for chronic conditions; and
  3. Develop professional competencies for building and sustaining programs of research that advance personalized self- and family management interventions to improve health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations who live with or at high risk for chronic conditions.

Predoctoral Training

The predoctoral program is designed to provide the aspiring nurse researcher with the theoretical knowledge necessary for a program of research in personalized self-management of patients with chronic conditions and people at risk for developing these conditions or related symptoms; the methodological skills to support the development of a research career; and experience in interdisciplinary team research. At the end of the training program, the trainee will be able to: (1) design and conduct interdisciplinary research related to personalized self- and family management of patients with chronic conditions, people at risk for developing these conditions, or those with related symptoms; (2) disseminate research findings to interdisciplinary audiences; and (3) contribute to the knowledge base for personalized self- and family management of people with chronic conditions and people at risk for developing these conditions or related symptoms.

The program builds on the current nursing Ph.D. program by adding substantive conceptual and methodological course work specific to personalized self- and family management of chronic conditions, research experience with program faculty conducting research in the field of self- and family management, and the opportunity for in-depth study in an interdisciplinary cognate area related to self- and family management. Mentoring by program faculty is a core element of the training program. The mentors will work closely with the trainee to guide the trainee’s development of an individualized training plan with development of specific goals (that take the trainee’s past training and experience into account) and a timeline. Other responsibilities of the mentors are to guide the trainee in the development of research proposals and protocols (especially NRSAs); to teach advanced research techniques; to address issues related to study design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of data; to assist in the preparation of abstracts, presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications; to monitor progress and guide the trainee’s career development; and to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and encourage the development of collaborative projects. Each trainee will be supported for two to three years, which should allow the trainee to complete the majority of course work and preliminary examinations. We expect that during this time, trainees will submit applications for individual NRSA or other support to complete their degree requirements.

For further information, contact the program director, Margaret Grey, at margaret.grey@yale.edu.

Note: We are not accepting applications at this time. Updates to the application process will be posted on the Research page of the School of Nursing website.

Postdoctoral Training

The postdoctoral training program prepares the investigator to conduct more complex studies that involve an interdisciplinary perspective on self- and family management and the need for sophisticated analytic techniques. The focus of postdoctoral trainees’ work will be on advancing their skills to become independent researchers capable of in-depth study of problems related to self- and family management. At the end of the two-year fellowship, we expect the trainee to have secured a position as a researcher (usually in a research-intensive academic setting) and to have submitted a grant application or obtained support to continue progress toward a successful, independent research career (e.g., K award).

Candidates for the postdoctoral training program may include doctorally prepared faculty members, clinical researchers, and recent graduates from Ph.D. programs in nursing or related disciplines. Candidates must articulate a research idea that is consistent with the training program and have an appropriate faculty mentor match.

Traineeships will be awarded for two years, with the second year awarded based on progress in the first year, to allow in-depth experience in ongoing faculty research, immersion in the field, and development of a proposal for extramural funding.

Interdisciplinary mentorship is central to the training and career development activities of the postdoctoral training program. With guidance from the mentors, the trainee will prepare a written training plan individualized according to past training experience and designed to advance the trainee’s development toward an independent, successful research career. An important aspect of the training is professional development. It is the responsibility of the mentor to discuss career goals and to provide guidance to achieve those goals. Postdoctoral training is both an apprenticeship and a partnership. As an apprentice, the trainee receives additional training in research technical skills, but is transitioning to a career as an independent practicing scientist. As such, the trainee works closely with a mentor (or mentors). The trainee may collaborate on a project with the mentor (e.g., function as partner/member of the team, participating in discussion about the direction of the project and implementing a plan) or take the lead on an independent project under the guidance of the mentor.

Postdoctoral training applications are due March 1. For further information, contact the program director, Margaret Grey, at margaret.grey@yale.edu.

Note: We are not accepting applications at this time. Updates to the application process will be posted on the Research page of the School of Nursing website.