Training & Job Opportunities

The HBPL conducts cutting-edge research in human psychopharmacology of drug abuse. We offer training opportunities at several levels. Our trainees learn both the theoretical background of currently ongoing clinical research studies through readings, journal club and seminars, and the applied skillsets relevant to our research. Trainees learn about:

All training and employment inquiries should be directed to Dr. Harriet de Wit.

High school students from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) may do one-year internships in our lab to learn about human psychopharmacology of drug abuse. Typically, students will be assigned to a member of the laboratory, either a senior graduate student or a post-doctoral fellow, and during their weekly visits to the laboratory they will participate in the running and analysis of a specific study. The student will have regular meetings with Dr. de Wit.

Undergraduates and medical students from the University of Chicago or other institutions can obtain experience in the laboratory, either on a volunteer basis or for course credit. They will work closely with a graduate student or post-doctoral fellow, and will be supervised by Dr. de Wit. For course credit, the student will be expected to complete a project, usually over the course of an academic term, and write a quality scientific report summarizing their findings. Training opportunities are available both as summer internship programs and during the academic year.

Graduate students may conduct their masters or doctoral research in the laboratory, under supervision of Dr. de Wit. Graduate students must be accepted into the graduate program either through the Department of Psychology or the Division of Biological Sciences. Students should also contact their degree-granting Department or Committee for permission to conduct research in the HBPL. Several graduate students have completed their PhDs in the HBPL. Financial support (stipend and tuition) may be available through the currently active Training Grant from NIDA.

Individuals who have completed their PhD or MD degree may qualify for a two-year post-doctoral fellowship, under supervision of Dr. de Wit. Two sources of support are available for post-doctoral trainees: the Committee on Clinical Pharmacology's Fellowship Program, and NIDA's Training Grant in Neuropharmacology of Drug Abuse. Trainees participate in currently funded projects and assist in the design of new related studies.

Previous and current recipients of training grants