The Madigan Clinical Research Fellowship at The Family Institute at Northwestern University

The Family Institute at Northwestern University is accepting applications for our two-year research postdoctoral fellowship focused on basic and applied couple research and/or intimate partner violence research. The fellow will be mentored by Dr. Erika Lawrence and other research faculty.

The postdoctoral fellow may work on one or more of the following projects, depending on their interests:

  1. Basic research study examining the impact of unemployment on couple functioning
  2. Basic research examining physiological indicators of dyadic stress and support transactions
  3. Evaluating the mechanisms of change in a group intervention targeting perpetrators of intimate partner violence
  4. Examining barriers and facilitators to implementation of group interventions in community and corrections settings
  5. Building academic-community partnerships to facilitate implementation of effective group interventions

Fellows are encouraged to incorporate their own research interests and questions into existing and proposed research projects during their fellowship. Time will be spent on grant writing, data analyses, and manuscript publication. Emphasis is placed on enhancing the postdoctoral fellow’s skills in becoming an implementation scientist and in grant writing and publications.

The fellow will be part of a cohort of postdoctoral fellows who participate in weekly didactic seminars. The fellow will also maintain a small clinical practice including individual, couple or family therapy with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Hours accumulated during the fellowship can be used toward licensure. The fellow also receives weekly individual and group supervision.

Important Information and Dates

  • One fellow is accepted to the program every other year.
  • Application review will begin on December 1st.
  • Interviews for selected candidates will be held in December over Zoom.
  • Fellowship positions start on August 29th, 2025.
  • The stipend is $58,660 plus benefits in Year 1.

Eligibility Requirements

Preferred applicants will have completed a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology, or marriage and family therapy.

Application Materials

  • Cover Letter: Explain why you are applying for this fellowship and how you feel it fits in with your career plans.
  • Statement of Research Interests
  • Curriculum Vita
  • Three Letters of Recommendation: At least two letters must be from individuals who have direct, evaluative knowledge of your research experience. At least one letter must address your clinical skills. (One recommender may address both research and clinical skills.) Letters may be sent separately.

Application materials may either be sent in one email to Kristen Catuara, Assistant Director of Administration, Education Programs at kcatura@family-institute.org. or uploaded with the application.

To access the application, click here.

For additional information about the application process or the fellowship, please contact Dr. Lisa Gordon, Director of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, at lgordon@family-institute.org or Dr. Erika Lawrence, Director of Translational Science and grant PI at elawrence@family-institute.org.

The Clinical Research Postdoctoral Fellowship is jointly sponsored by The Family Institute through a generous endowment from Holly and John Madigan.

Holly Madigan (1940-2020) served on The Family Institute’s Board of Directors from 1990 through 2015. The Family Institute is honored that Holly’s legacy lives on through her service as board chair and lifetime trustee, roles which were crucial in allowing the organization to fulfill its mission. She will be remembered by her generosity of spirit and insightful leadership.

Access to The Family Institute Staff & Clinics

As a Research Fellow, you will have access to The Family Institute's staff practice and its Bette D. Harris Family & Child Clinic, which provides more than 90,000 therapy sessions to more than 7,500 individuals, couples and families from all walks of life annually.

We Provide Benefits to all Fellows

The fellowship position offers teaching opportunities, mentorship and career development as well as the following benefits:

  • Paid holidays
  • 20 days of paid time off
  • Health insurance
  • Paid professional liability insurance