Research Fellow in Global Mental Health Implementation Science

Title: Research Fellow in Global Mental Health Implementation Science School: Harvard Medical School Department/Area: GHSM Mental Health for All Lab Position Description: We invite applicants for a postdoctoral research fellow position in the Mental Health for All Lab (MHFAL) at the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the MHFAL lab is focused on the generation of knowledge and its effective utilization with the goal of contributing to the reduction of the global burden of suffering from mental health problems through novel approaches such as digital technology or task-sharing for scale-up of proven interventions. We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates who are interested in these or related fields, particularly those who may bring a new technology or perspective to bear on the work in the lab. The central focus for this position will involve supporting the scientific and research activities for studies aimed at leveraging innovative digital technologies for scaling up proven psychosocial interventions across underserved settings in the United States and globally. These research efforts involve participating in the development, evaluation, and implementation of task-shared mental health services in primary care settings and other community settings in the United States and globally. Specifically, this position will involve leading the development of study protocols, overseeing the implementation of study procedures, and engaging with key stakeholders to ensure the success of the project activities. The successful candidate will work with Dr. John Naslund to develop an independent research project within the scope of the lab's research focus on implementation science and mental health services research. Responsibilities: (1) Develop and implement an independent research project that extends and complements the work of the lab; write and submit proposals to fund the research; secure and maintain IRB and regulatory approvals; conduct analysis, publish findings, and disseminate research findings through presentations at conferences and scientific meetings; (2) act as scientific liaison for day-to-day oversight of research activities between Harvard Medical School and the project sites and collaborators, including conducting and leading data analyses across the study components; ability to manage virtual meetings and frequent travel to the project sites is required; (4) support capacity building within the team at Harvard Medical School and at the project sites through presenting work to local stakeholders and research collaborators, providing guidance and mentorship to research staff involved in different aspects of the research project, and engaging stakeholders at the study sites and surrounding communities in dissemination of the project findings. Location: This position is based in Boston, MA and involves frequent travel to field sites in the U.S. and internationally. Application deadline: 11/1/2026 Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position. This position is expected to start in January 2027. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please apply by November 1, 2026. Basic Qualifications: Doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, ScD, etc.) in area such as biostatistics/bioinformatics, implementation science, medicine, health economics, social work, sociology, clinical psychology, or epidemiology or related fields. Expertise in research design and data analysis, including any of the following: clinical trials, implementation science, economic evaluation, digital health, statistical analysis for clinical trials, or big data analysis. Demonstrated track record engaging in fieldwork, involving meeting with stakeholders including study participants, clinicians, community members, and researchers. Experience working in or collaborating with researchers in community settings, and in particular, in underserved and low-resource areas. Ability to travel for international fieldwork. Current knowledge of serious mental illness, mental health problems and service interventions to address these disorders in low-resource settings. Special Instructions: Include a cover letter in which you describe your interest in the lab and initial ideas for new research directions or projects you could undertake in the lab. Also describe your suitability for the position, specifically referring to the qualifications listed above. Contact Email: Laura_Bond@hms.harvard.edu