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 goal of these predoctoral fellowships is to train graduate students interested in the fields of demography and economics of aging through the development of basic methodological tools, applied research, policy-making and analysis, and professional development.

We are seeking predoctoral fellows who can begin their appointment in Spring or Summer 2024, with priority for candidates who can start in Spring Quarter (April 1, 2024). Applications for this round of review are due March 8, 2024.

You can access the NIA T32 program application here. 

To learn more about the NIA T32 predoctoral affiliates program, click 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 Post-mortem Seminar which takes place on Thursday afternoons on Zoom from 12:30-1:30 pm and 1:30-2:00 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, which include the annual seminars on Rigor and Reproducibility in Research and Responsible Conduct of Research. 
• Participate in one demography/aging related course throughout the year (for fellows who have not yet completed coursework)
• Submit at least one aging-related paper for publication or presentation at a national conference each year. There are funds available to support travel to a conference.
• 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 trainee reporting requirements.

All trainees and affiliates benefit from additional training in measurement with the optional Certificate in Survey Research. This certificate requires a core course in survey research methodology, along with two additional courses related to sampling design, or applications. Trainees and affiliates will also have access to events and training opportunities through the NIA-funded Center on Health Aging Behaviors and Longitudinal Investigations (CHABLIS).

Terms and Eligibility

Demography and Economics of Aging fellowships are for a period of one year, with a possibility of renewal for a second year. Funded fellows must have US citizenship or be a US permanent resident and must be in residence at the University of Chicago for the academic year for which they are offered a traineeship. For 2023-24, fellowships pay a stipend of $27,144 plus funds for tuition, fees, and training related expenses. Students should discuss with their primary division/school how they may use these funds in combination with their current stipend.

Applicants must be PhD candidates at the University of Chicago in their second year of training or later and with an expressed interest in demography or economics of aging. Previous research in the demography or economics of aging is not necessary; however, a future commitment is. Interested students in their first year of graduate school are ineligible for the funded fellowship but are encouraged to apply to the training affiliates program.

Our current and past predoctoral fellows 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, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, and Sociology.

Predoctoral Application Requirements

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

1. 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.
2. CV
3. Unofficial transcript
4. One letter of recommendation from a faculty member
5. List two people from the potential mentor list with whom you are interested in working.

Apply by Friday, March 8, 2024 for a start date of April 1, 2024. Please note that you may also apply to be a student affiliate using this same application; however, you must submit all of the materials listed above to be considered for a fellowship position.

Contacts

Please contact CHeSS Director of Training Programs and Communications Fahad Sajid, PhD with any questions.  You may also contact program director David Meltzer, MD, PhD.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, the University of Chicago considers students, employees, applicants for admission or employment, and those seeking access to University programs on the basis of individual merit. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972). For additional information regarding the University of Chicago’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct, please click here.