The Specialized Training Program in the Demography and Economics of Aging at the University of Chicago, funded by the National Institute of Aging (T32 AG000243), trains graduate students interested in the fields of demography and economics of aging through the development of basic and applied research and policy-making and analysis. The affiliate program was created to increase collaboration and training among students who would not otherwise qualify for support from the program’s fellowships. Predoctoral affiliates actively participate in the training program by enrolling in relevant classes, working with mentors, and attending the weekly Demography Workshop and Postmortem Seminar.

CHeSS is currently accepting applications for student affiliates for the 2023-2024 academic year.  Launch the online application form here. 

Program Activities

• Meet with primary mentor at least two times per month during the training program and participate in an ongoing research project in aging at the University of Chicago.
• Attend the weekly Demography Workshop and Postmortem Seminar which takes place on Thursday afternoons from 12:30-1:50 pm and 2:00-2:30 pm respectively.
• Attend additional workshops on campus when the presentation is aging related.  A list of required workshops will be provided at the beginning of each quarter.
• Participate in one demography/aging related course throughout the year (for fellows who have not yet completed coursework)
• Complete required training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).
• Submit quarterly learning plans, which include updates on activities, relevant workshops attended, and gains in your research projects. Trainees are responsible for ensuring that their primary mentor has provided comments and an electronic signature on each learning plan.
• Abide by all NIH/NRSA reporting requirements.

Affiliates benefit from 1) early guidance in the development of research ideas and areas of specialty; 2) training and support in manuscript development, conference presentations and grant applications; and 3) direction in pursuing aging related courses and training. Moreover, training affiliates better position themselves for future pre or postdoctoral fellowships.

Additionally, all trainees and affiliates benefit from: formal affiliation with the Aging Action Research Network at NORC at the University of Chicago, an active research environment in the study of demography and aging; participation in a community of graduate student and postdoctoral level scholars; training in the practice of research on aging; training in the responsible conduct of research; and additional mentorship with University of Chicago faculty.

Funding

Predoctoral affiliates do not receive any funding from the NIA T32 award.

Terms and Eligibility

1. Applicants must be PhD candidates at the University of Chicago who have an expressed interest in the demography and economics of aging. While previous research on aging is not necessary, a future commitment is.
2. There is no citizenship requirement to be a part of the affiliate program.
3. PhD students may apply to be an affiliate at any stage in their training, including during their first or second year of their PhD program.
4. Trainees must be in residence at the University of Chicago for the academic year for which they are offered a student affiliate position.
5. Individuals from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Our current and past predoctoral affiliates have come from a variety of departments at the University of Chicago, including: Booth School of Business, Comparative Human Development, Economics, Harris School of Public Policy, History, Public Health Sciences, School of Social Service Administration, and Sociology.

Predoctoral Affiliate Application Process

Applicants must submit the following materials through the online application portal to be considered for student affiliate positions. Include your first and last name in the file name for each document you submit.

1. CV
2. A statement of your research interests. There is no page limit for the statement of research interests, but we encourage all applicants to provide enough information for the Committee on Demographic Training to make a thoughtful decision with respect to applicants’ interests, experience, and aspirations. Applications are generally 3-5 pages; however, successful applicants have submitted statements that range in length and scope.

Contacts

Please contact CHeSS Assistant Director of Training Programs and Communications​, Joshua Santiago, at joshua.santiago@bsd.uchicago.edu. You may also contact program directors Linda Waite, PhD or David Meltzer, MD, PhD.

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