Alcohol Research Training

The Developmental Alcohol Research Training (DART) program at the University of Pittsburgh, directed by Gale A. Richardson, PhD, and Brooke S. G. Molina, PhD, approaches training in alcohol use research from a developmental perspective, focusing on gestation to adulthood. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our program.

Training involves active participation on research projects with mentors, including the development of an alcohol-themed research project led by the trainee with mentor oversight. Upon entry into the DART program, postdoctoral fellows define, in collaboration with their mentors and the Program Directors, a plan to accomplish key areas for training (e.g., conceptual knowledge in a target area of interest, specific methodologic skills, targeted manuscripts, data collection) that can be completed within two years. Fellows may develop an application for research funding, depending on their training goals.

View of Oakland of the Cathedral of Learning
View of Oakland and the Cathedral of Learning

Trainees attend courses and workshops on alcohol use and substance use disorders, developmental psychopathology, epidemiology, and biostatistics, the required Department of Psychiatry Career and Research Development Seminar(CARDS), and the cross-departmental Seminar on Addictions Research (SOAR). The DART program faculty are committed to training researchers to become independent investigators with the skills and tools for collaborative, multidisciplinary research in developmental studies of alcohol use and alcohol use disorder.


Program length

Initial one-year appointment, with an opportunity for a second-year renewal with satisfactory progress. A third year of support is occasionally provided contingent on progress, goals, and funding availability.


Who should apply?

Two types of postdoctoral fellows may apply: 

  1. Individuals with a PhD who are trained in fields such as psychology, epidemiology, or sociology. This type of applicant has demonstrated research skills and wishes to apply them to the alcohol field.
  2. Individuals with an MD or other clinical degree with varying levels of research training. This type of applicant may take individual courses or pursue a MPH degree to further their research skills.


How many spots are available?

Three postdoctoral stipends may be available each year, depending on funding.


How do I apply?

Please contact the Program Directors: