Clinical Activities: Neuropsychological assessment (in- and outpatient), consultation and intervention in pediatric oncology, sickle cell, and other hematologic diseases with infants through young adults constitute the clinical experience. These populations present with a wide range of neurological dysfunction (e.g., seizures, stroke) and cognitive difficulties (related to diagnosis and/or treatment) including problems in the areas of attention, executive functioning, memory, visuospatial reasoning, sensory/motor functioning and adjustment that afford fellows with broad-based training. Minor rotations focused on pediatric neurodevelopmental problems (LD, AD/HD) and genetic disorders, acquired/traumatic brain injuries, and epilepsy as well as adult and forensic assessment are available and encouraged at local, collaborating hospitals and clinics.

Required didactics include seminars in neuropsychology/neuroanatomy, medical/clinical psychology and neuro-oncology rounds. Optional training opportunities include rounds in psychology, hematology, oncology, and neuroradiology; multidisciplinary seminars; and observation of biomedical, neuroimaging, and neurosurgical procedures. Training in adult and geriatric neuropsychology is integrated into the didactic curriculum to foster a developmental lifespan perspective.

Research Activities: SJCRH is an internationally recognized leader in research for children with catastrophic illnesses. Participation in research is a central component of training; however, the percentage of time devoted to clinical and research activities is negotiable. Research within the Neuropsychology Division is focused on neurocognitive effects and cognitive remediation of childhood cancer and sickle cell disease through examination of neurocognition, neuroimaging, and genetics. The focus of this research is discovering mechanisms of brain damage and cognitive rehabilitation with the goal of better defining the neurobiological, cognitive, and social consequences of childhood brain damage as well as evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological and behavioral interventions designed to improve patients’ quality of life.  

The Department: The Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences includes 20 faculty psychologists (7 neuropsychologists), 2-6 pediatric psychology fellows, 3 neuropsychology fellows, 13 clinical research associates, and 6 psychological examiners. Additional research initiatives in the department include psychosocial and complementary interventions for distress reduction, coping and adaptive style, and health promotion in children with cancer, sickle cell disease, and HIV. Details of research at SJCRH are available online at: www.stjude.org/sci-rpt.

Stipend/Benefits: The stipend is highly competitive. Benefits include 3 weeks of paid vacation, 8 holidays, a generous professional development account, relocation assistance, paid leave to attend conferences, a free on-campus gym, an on-campus medical clinic and pharmacy for employees, and medical/dental/vision coverage. For several consecutive years, SJCRH has been named one of the top institutions in the Best Places to Work in Academia. Completion of an APA/CPA-accredited doctoral program and internship is required. Candidates must defend their dissertation prior to the commencement of the fellowship. The start date is August 2027. We will have one fellowship position opening in 2027.

Application process: Please send (email preferred) a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, 2 sample neuropsychological reports, 3 letters of recommendation, and graduate transcripts to [email protected] We are an APPCN member program and participate in the APPCN Resident Matching Program. Details can be obtained at http://www.appcn.org. SJCRH is an equal-opportunity employer.

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.