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Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science Prevention and Intervention Research in HIV (INSPIRE)


Note:

We are accepting and reviewing applications at this time. Please note, we are awaiting the continuation of funding notice for this training grant.


Description

The INSPIRE (INterdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science Prevention and Intervention REsearch in HIV) T32 postdoctoral training program at Columbia University prepares early-career investigators for independent, high-impact research careers addressing HIV prevention and treatment. Based in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and affiliated with the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, INSPIRE is situated within a rich, interdisciplinary research environment that integrates behavioral, clinical, and biomedical sciences.

Despite advances in HIV treatment and prevention, significant disparities persist, particularly among populations facing mental health challenges, structural inequities, and barriers to care. INSPIRE is designed to train postdoctoral fellows to address these complex, intersecting determinants of HIV-related outcomes through rigorous, innovative research. Fellows receive comprehensive training across key domains, including mental health, sexuality, psychosocial processes, epidemiology, biostatistics, qualitative methods, health promotion, and implementation science.

The program offers 2–3 years of support and enrolls a cohort of six fellows at a time. Training is centered on mentored research, complemented by individualized development plans, didactic coursework, and structured opportunities to build academic, leadership, and grant-writing skills. A distinctive feature of INSPIRE is its interdisciplinary mentorship model, which includes multi-level mentor mapping and access to faculty with diverse methodological and content expertise, supporting fellows in developing cohesive, cross-disciplinary research programs.

With over 35 years of training experience, INSPIRE has a strong track record of preparing fellows for successful research careers. Graduates have produced a substantial body of peer-reviewed publications and have secured competitive funding, with the majority pursuing careers focused on HIV and related health outcomes. INSPIRE is committed to fostering a collaborative and intellectually vibrant training environment that equips fellows to lead innovative research addressing the evolving HIV epidemic.

Application Process

All materials must be uploaded into the application portal: https://educationportal.nyspi.org/

The application includes (and you should have ready to upload):

Stage 1

  1. Curriculum Vitae: make sure to include the following information:
    1. Colleges/Universities attended for undergraduate studies (indicate name, address, date of graduation, degree, honors);
    2. Graduate or Medical School attended (indicate name, address, date of graduation, degree, honors);
    3. Research experience, if applicable;
    4. Research funding received;
    5. Clinical experience with HIV prevention and/or treatment, if applicable;
    6. Publications and presentations.
    7. For M.D.-applicants: name and address of institutions for internship and residency.

Stage 2

  1. Up to 3 peer reviewed published manuscripts by applicant
  2. PhD (or equivalent) diploma or transcript (only if PhD)
  3. medical school diploma or transcript (only if MD)
  4. Official transcripts from each of the colleges and universities you list on your CV.
  5. Personal statement

    Please describe in a typed (double-spaced) statement of approximately 750 words your interest in and preparation for an HIV research/human sexuality fellowship and explain how this training experience would further your career goals. Indicate in your statement which of the available mentors you would be interested in working with (selecting more than one mentor is advised).

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact:

Principal Investigators:
Claude Mellins, PhD
email: cam14@cumc.columbia.edu
Jae Sevelius, PhD
email: js6254@cumc.columbia.edu

Training Director
Justin Knox, PhD
email: Justin.Knox@nyspi.columbia.edu

Program Administrator
Tonya Reid
email: tmr2119@cumc.columbia.edu

Current Fellow
Sabrina R. Cluesman, PhD, LCSW
email: src2208@cumc.columbia.edu