Postdoctoral Fellowship Position, Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medicine

Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry is seeking three full-time Psychology postdoctoral fellows to join the clinical team for 2 years at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain (CADB) at the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Westchester Behavioral Health Center in White Plains, New York. Appointments will be made for one year, with a second-year reappointment expected. The overall emphasis of the fellowship is to train clinical psychologists to provide innovative assessments and efficacious therapeutic interventions to individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families. In consultation with members of the CADB faculty, fellows will develop a tailored plan to address their specific training goals.

CADB Clinical Track (two positions available): Clinical fellows will play an active role in diagnosing and treating individuals with suspected or diagnosed ASD. They will work with patients across the lifespan, from toddlers to adults. Responsibilities include providing direct clinical services such as psychological assessments, individual and family therapy, and group-based interventions (e.g., PEERS®, Secret Agent Society [SAS], Girls Night Out [GNO]). Fellows will receive specialized training in diagnostic tools, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). They will also have the opportunity to join the CADB Early Intervention program, which involves delivering Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs), such as the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM). Clinical work in the Early Intervention program includes supporting toddlers in a classroom setting, participating in individual caregiver coaching sessions, and supporting caregivers through psychoeducational group sessions. Fellows may also participate in the CADB Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) team, a multidisciplinary consultation service for autistic patients in inpatient psychiatric units on campus. Additionally, fellows will have opportunities to supervise psychology technicians and trainees and may engage in research projects led by CADB faculty.

CADB Research Track (one position available): Fellows interested in being considered for the research track should indicate this in their cover letter. The research track consists of similar clinical opportunities as listed above but also includes dedicated time for various research activities. Through several multi-site studies, the research fellow will conduct evaluations of toddlers, including those with genetic markers for developmental delays. The research fellow will also assist with clinical database management (REDCap) and is expected to develop research project(s), including papers, posters and/or talks, utilizing CADB’s large database. There are opportunities to mentor research assistants in these activities.

The ideal candidates for these positions will have a strong background in the application of diagnostic assessments and evidence-based intervention approaches for individuals with ASD. The fellows will be expected to work well with families and effectively collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary team.

Application Due Date: December 13, 2024

Start Date: September 1, 2025, earlier start dates can be accommodated if the fellow already has their doctoral degree conferred.

Minimum Stipend: $61,008

Maximum Stipend: $61,008

Minimum Requirements: Applicants must have a doctoral degree in Psychology from an APA-accredited program and possess or be eligible for a New York state limited permit, minus the supervision hours.

To Apply: Qualified candidates are invited to submit a statement of professional interest specifying career goals and clinical goals for the fellowship, curriculum vitae, and at least two letters of recommendation. Candidates should indicate in their statement of interest if they would like to be considered for the Clinical Track, Research Track, or for either position.

Applicants should e-mail all application materials to CADB’s Psychology Training Director, Amy Lemelman, Ph.D. at arl2017@med.cornell.edu.

Founded in 1898 and affiliated with what is now NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) since 1927, Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) is among the top-ranked clinical and medical research centers in the country. The NewYork-Presbyterian/Westchester Behavioral Health Center is a 260-bed facility renowned for the range and quality of its inpatient and outpatient specialty programs, as well as its general psychiatric services. The program has been named a “Planetree Designated Patient-Centered Hospital” – the first behavioral health hospital in the U.S. and one of only 16 hospitals worldwide to receive this distinction. We are consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best psychiatric programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Diversity is one of Weill Cornell Medicine’s core values and is essential to achieving excellence in patient care, research, and education. We welcome applications from candidates who share our commitment to fostering a culture of fairness, equity, and belonging. Weill Cornell Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information