The BHRL is comprised of psychologists, post-doctoral psychology fellows, psychology externs, and research staff working together to gain a better understanding of Veterans' views and experiences related to their post-deployment health concerns. We hope to apply this knowledge to develop evidence-based behavioral health interventions to improve Veterans' overall quality of life and optimize health outcomes. The BHRL offers fellowships in two tracks: the Research Track and the Clinical-Research Track.

1. Behavioral Medicine and Post-Deployment Health — Research Track

   This fellowship is designed for individuals seeking the skills and training to become an independent investigator in the field of behavioral medicine. The fellow works in Dr. Lisa McAndrew's Behavioral Health Research Laboratory (BHRL) conducting research with Veterans suffering from chronic medical conditions including chronic pain, Gulf War Illness, medically unexplained illnesses (such as chronic multisymptom illness [CMI] and long-COVID), symptoms related to military and environmental exposures, and other complex health conditions. The lab's current studies focus on understanding Veterans' views of their health and developing innovative patient-centered behavioral interventions to improve quality of life and health outcomes. Current quantitative research aims include evaluating different models of care delivery for Veterans with chronic illness to address barriers impacting care; assessing effectiveness of a health coaching intervention on managing complex pain symptoms; and examining the mechanisms of change in an intervention designed to reduce suicidality in Veterans with chronic pain and suicidal ideation. In addition, qualitative research includes examination of how and for whom the studied interventions are effective; we are also coding patient-provider communication during session to identify elements of communication that result in improved adherence to recommendations and health outcomes.

   Fellows devote the majority of their time to research-related activities including writing manuscripts for submission in peer reviewed journals, presenting findings at national conferences, preparing grant applications, and leading the development and implementation of research studies. A smaller portion of time is spent providing clinical interventions and assessments as part of randomized clinical trials. The fellow also provides crisis intervention as needed as a member of the BHRL distress response team and the WRIISC mental health team.

2. Behavioral Medicine and Post-Deployment Health — Clinical-Research Track

   This fellowship is designed for individuals seeking the skills and training to become an independent psychologist with expertise in health psychology and behavioral health. The fellow works in Dr. Lisa McAndrew's Behavioral Health Research Laboratory (BHRL) conducting research with Veterans suffering from chronic medical conditions including chronic pain, Gulf War Illness, medically unexplained illnesses (such as chronic multisymptom illness [CMI] and long-COVID), symptoms related to military and environmental exposures, and other complex health conditions. The lab's current studies focus on understanding Veterans' views of their health and developing innovative patient-centered behavioral interventions to improve quality of life and health outcomes. Areas of special focus include behavioral treatment for chronic pain and CMI, suicide treatment/prevention for Veterans with chronic pain, evaluating different models of care delivery for Veterans with chronic illness, and patient-provider communication.

   Clinical-research fellows devote the majority of their time providing behavioral health interventions for Veterans with chronic pain and complex symptoms as part of clinical research studies.The fellow also provides crisis intervention as needed as a member of the BHRL distress response team and the WRIISC mental health team, and may participate in psychological assessment as part of comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluations. A smaller portion of time is spent on research activities such as writing manuscripts for submission in peer reviewed journals, presenting data at national conferences, or developing/implementing a small research or a quality improvement project.

   To request additional information about these fellowships, please contact Lisa.McAndrew@VA.gov.

The CPL at the WRIISC and Airborne Hazards Burn Pits Center of Excellence (AHBPCE) provides diagnostic cardiopulmonary services (i.e., cardiopulmonary, pulmonary function and bronchoprovocation testing) in an outpatient setting and conducts a broad program of human cardiopulmonary research. Our research program investigates mechanisms of dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise intolerance in the context of environmental and occupational exposures. We focus primarily on the coupling of external (pulmonary) and internal (cellular) respiration to understand pathophysiology. The CPL invites applicants to apply for a Fellowship position:

1. Fellowship in Cardiopulmonary Physiology

   The goal of our Fellowship is to develop outstanding scientists and equip them with the requisite skills and expertise to study difficult-to-diagnose post-deployment health conditions affecting the cardiopulmonary systems. Our lab is currently focused on studying distal airway mechanics and function, pulmonary circulation during exercise, blood-based bioenergetics and imaging approaches (CT and fMRI) to dyspnea and fatigue.

   For additional information, please contact Dr. Falvo at Michael.Falvo@VA.gov.

The Mental Health Research and Program Development Unit conducts clinically oriented research within the mental health service of VANJHCS. The current program of research focuses on high-priority areas in Veteran mental health, including health psychology, suicide prevention, and use of technology to improve access to care. The mental health research unit is comprised of psychologists, post-doctoral psychology fellows, social workers, basic research scientists, and research staff.

Current and recent projects have focused on neurocognitive assessment, mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and telehealth-based treatments. These areas of research are being applied to improve assessment and treatment of depressive disorders, health-related psychological disorders, and suicide. Opportunities are offered within these programs to receive training in evidence-based intervention and neurocognitive assessment. Research training will cover a range of quantitative methods, such as clinical trial evaluation, predictive modelling, and computational modeling. Training can also be provided in qualitative methods for assessing intervention response and patient perspectives.

The Mental Health Research and Program Development Unit offers fellowships in two tracks: the Research Track and the Clinical Track.

1. Mental Health Research and Program Development Unit — Research Track

   The research track fellowship will emphasize training focused on accomplishing key goals for a career in research. Training will include carrying out research with existing data sets with the aim of translating this work into scientific presentations and publications. Research training will also be provided through participation with ongoing projects. In addition, trainees will be supported in developing and carrying out early phases of research within their area of interest. To support the trainee in their research development, ample mentoring opportunities will be available from our team of researchers, all of whom have active current projects, previously collected data, and new projects under development.

2. Mental Health Research and Program Development Unit — Clinical Track

   The clinical track fellowship will emphasize clinical duties within these projects. Opportunities will also be available from other VANJHCS mental health services, with clinical work on areas ranging from trauma to coping with chronic pain. In addition, the clinical track will involve assessment training that is part of the general WRIISC program. A smaller portion of time will be devoted to research training, such as assisting with manuscript preparation, presentations, and data analysis.

   For additional information, please contact Dr. Interian at Alejandro.Interian@va.gov.

In addition to fellowships that are offered by the various WRIISC research laboratories, it is possible that a candidate may co-create a fellowship with WRIISC clinicians. This requires that the candidate's fellowship goals can be met within the scope of the clinical work performed by WRIISC clinicians.

In the past we have had clinical fellows design their fellowships around developing expertise in the areas of neuropsychological evaluation of Veterans with CMI, medical assessment of Veterans with medically unexplained post-deployment health concerns, and evaluation of environmental exposure concerns related to deployment and military service.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Lisa McAndrew at Lisa.Mcandrew@va.gov, or Dr. Fiona Graff, FionaA.Graff@va.gov.

The Cardiorespiratory Physiology Laboratory (CPL) is offering placements in its Research Internship Program to qualified students. The internship provides students an opportunity to work with WRIISC researchers and clinicians in an environment dedicated to the post-deployment health of Veterans. The WRIISC is housed within the VA NJ Health Care System where we have cutting-edge research laboratories. The WRIISC research program is expansive, and faculty pursues a variety of interests ranging from human physiology to behavioral health to health care delivery. We encourage you to look through the faculty profiles and active research projects, and to contact investigators directly for more detailed information.

The Internship Program is designed to be flexible and there is no predefined length to an internship. If students are seeking course credit, formal arrangements with the college/university are possible. Interns are expected to work out the details of their internship experience with their supervising faculty mentor (i.e., hours/week, duration, responsibilities, and expected outcome/products).

All interns are expected to fully engage in a wide variety of WRIISC research activities such as didactic trainings and journal clubs. Interns are also engaged in our Clinical Program whereby each intern must shadow at least one Veteran completing a comprehensive clinical evaluation during the internship. At the culmination of the internship, the intern will present a summary of their work and/or project to WRIISC staff and colleagues.

For questions or additional details regarding the WRIISC Research Internship Program, please contact the Internship Director, Dr. Michael Falvo (800-248-8005; Michael.Falvo@VA.gov).

Prospective candidates must be enrolled as a student at least half-time in an accredited college or university at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Prospective candidates must submit the following to the Internship Director via email:

• A curriculum vitae or resume, with the names/contact information of two references
• A description of your current program of study and status (i.e. year in school, major, relevant courses completed)
• A cover letter describing your research interests, goals for the internship, and faculty with whom you would like to work
• Transcript

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and qualified applicants will be interviewed via phone, video conference, and/or on-site. Individual faculty members select their own interns and serve as the Primary Faculty Supervisor; however, an intern may work with multiple faculty should there be a shared interest or joint project. At the present time, the WRIISC Research Internship Program is an unpaid internship.

As this internship is at a federal facility, selected interns must complete a formal background check and perform online research trainings in order to participate in research activities. Please be aware that this process may take several months to complete. We therefore encourage applicants to contact the WRIISC well ahead of their preferred internship start date.

The Behavioral Health Research Lab (BHRL) is offering placements in its Psychology Externship Program to qualified students who are interested in clinical research, health psychology, and Veterans' health. The externship program is a 2-day per week placement. The BHRL develops and tests behavioral health interventions to help Veterans better manage complex post-deployment health concerns including chronic pain, Gulf War Illness, medically unexplained illnesses (such as chronic multisymptom illness [CMI] and long-COVID), symptoms related to military and environmental exposures, and other complex health conditions.

As part of the BHRL, externs will develop both research and clinical skills relevant to advanced study in clinical, counseling, or health psychology. Research experiences include exposure to study protocols and research procedures such as assisting with study recruitment, screening, and enrollment. Interested externs may also have the opportunity to participate in a small data analysis project. Clinical experiences include learning to deliver behavioral health interventions within a clinical research study, as well as additional clinical opportunities when available in our center. Externs participate in a regular didactic program offering training in a range of topics relevant to Veterans' health, clinical research, behavioral health, and professional development and may also attend select internal trainings, as appropriate. Our program aims to provide a collaborative, positive, and productive culture to support externs in their training goals.

For questions or additional details regarding the BHRL's Psychology Externship Program at the WRIISC, please contact Dr. Fiona Graff (800-248-8005; FionaA.Graff@va.gov).

Prospective candidates must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology and have completed at least one full year of graduate training.

The BHRL Psychology Externship Program is not currently accepting applications for the upcoming academic year but may resume for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please check back and/or contact us with any questions.

Interview and selection process follows the NYNJADOT timeline and guidelines.

As this externship is at a federal facility, selected externs must complete a formal background check and perform online research trainings in order to participate in research activities.