Internal Family Systems Fellowship

Exciting Upcoming Fellowship Opportunity!

We're excited to announce that applications are now open for the Richard C. Schwartz Research Fellowship for the 2026–2027 academic year—a unique opportunity to advance clinical research in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out:

Academically Rigorous Setting: Hosted at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, with support from the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion

Competitive Stipend: NIH-aligned postdoctoral fellowship standards, plus research travel and training funds

Clinical Integration: 10 hours/week of supervised clinical practice through CMC's innovative IFS-based programs

Comprehensive Training: Formal IFS clinical training alongside rigorous research experience

Meaningful Impact: Your work will contribute to the emerging empirical foundation and expand the understanding of the effectiveness and safety of this therapeutic approach

What You'll Do

As the selected fellow, you'll have the opportunity to conduct high-quality IFS research addressing critical public health concerns. Applications are particularly encouraged for fellows interested in PTSD, depression, complex PTSD, anxiety, substance use, suicidality, and/or eating disorders.

You'll also have the opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed journals, present at academic conferences, and contribute to the growing evidence base for this innovative therapeutic modality.

Who Should Apply

We're seeking postdoctoral fellows or early-career researchers in psychology, psychiatry, or related fields who are:

Committed to scientific rigor and impartiality

Passionate about clinical research methodologies, including clinical trials

Interested in investigating the mechanisms and efficacy of psychotherapeutic approaches

Fellowship Details

- Duration: Full-time, Late August 2026 – Late August 31, 2027 (possibility to apply for up to one additional year)

- Application Deadline: Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM

- Sponsor: Foundation for Self Leadership