The Psychedelic Medicine Research Training Program was developed and launched in September 2020 to provide support, training, mentorship, and research funding necessary for junior scientists to establish independent careers studying psychedelic and psychedelic-inspired treatments. To ensure longevity and sustainability of the field, the program will maintain a focus on establishing new, independent, governmentally funded careers in research on psychedelic-inspired treatment approaches.

Under the leadership of Stephen Ross, MD, center associate director and program director, Tanya C. Sippy, MD, PhD, program associate director, and Michael P. Bogenschutz, MD, center director, the program provides partial-to-full salary and benefits for postdoctoral researchers for up to five years and support for a mentored research project.

The first year of each trainee’s participation includes identifying a primary mentor, developing and presenting a research project proposal, and initiating study startup activities. The remaining (up to) four years are devoted to data collection, analysis, and presentation, as well as career development activities, including submission of a K- or R- series grant application to the National Institutes of Health. Throughout participation, all trainees will be required to attend and participate in weekly seminars led by the program directors, submit progress reports, regularly attend scientific and public conferences, and continue to progress toward scientific independence. Each trainee presents a project proposal, data summary, and final presentation within the weekly seminar series. Continuation in the program beyond three years is based on satisfactory progress in career development as well as continued need for support.

Research Training Curriculum

Preclinical studies currently seek to probe the mechanism of psychedelic-induced change in animal models of psychiatric disorders. Clinical studies span a variety of drugs and treatments, such as the use of psilocybin for the treatment of alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder, and the use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders, among others.

Trainees, under the mentorship of affiliated faculty, are encouraged to apply their skills to design their own studies at the molecular, behavioral, or human level, contributing significantly to a small, but growing body of research regarding psychedelic and psychedelic-inspired treatments of psychiatric disease.

Application Process

Qualified candidates for the Psychedelic Medicine Research Training Program have received a PhD with or without an MD or clinical training (i.e., residency) within the past four years for junior faculty positions and within the past two years for postdoctoral positions. Applicants should submit their CV along with a statement of interest to CPMResearchTraining@NYULangone.org. Questions about this program can also be directed to that email address.