Education & Training

The Hecht‐Levi Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics is pleased to invite applications for the Hecht‐Levi Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Bioethics. The admissions committee is seeking a few uniquely qualified postdoctoral applicants to begin this two-year fellowship in September 2019. Applicants with at least some exposure to Bioethics during their education are encouraged to apply, though an extensive background in bioethics is not required. This admissions process is highly competitive, and only a few applicants are accepted into the program each year.

Additionally, for the first time, we are recruiting candidates for the Ruth Faden Scholars Program (described in greater detail below).

Application review will begin December 15, 2018.

The Hecht‐Levi Fellowship is a two-year program of study and experiential learning in bioethics.

The main goal of the Fellowship is to launch the careers of the next generation of bioethics scholars, so the program offers a considerable amount of protected time for research and publication.

AllHecht-LeviFellows participate in weekly seminars or discussions, pursue their own scholarship in bioethics, and collaborate with faculty on selected projects in bioethics. Each Fellow designs an individual program tailored to her or his particular goals, interests, and background.

Hecht-Levi Postdoctoral Fellows have access to a wide range of benefits and activities in multiple schools at Johns Hopkins, including:

  • Weekly seminars, presentations and discussions with leading academic and policy makers
  • Individualized research program
  • Bioethics coursework through the Berman Institute’s Master in Bioethics program
  • Post‐doctoral mentoring in bioethics
  • Professional development training
  • Participation in the Berman Institutes outreach efforts via social media
  • Teaching opportunities (commensurate with experience and background)
  • $55,000 per year, plus health and other benefits
  • A modest discretionary fund for travel to relevant conferences

Applications are only being accepted electronically via Interfolio

Please be prepared to submit the following documents:

  • Cover Letter
  • Personal statement
  • CV
  • Copy of Graduate Transcript(s)
  • Writing Sample
  • Three Letters of Reference

Ruth Faden Scholars Program

We are pleased to announce the Ruth Faden Scholars Program, which will begin in the fall of 2019. Faden Scholars will represent a subgroup of Hecht-Levi postdoctoral fellows who have demonstrated scholarly interests in and potential for leadership in bioethics and public policy. Faden Scholars will participate in a number of activities in addition to those provided by the Hecht-Levi post-doctoral program, including:

  • Leadership training
  • Introduction to directors of other bioethics programs, and networking visits to bioethics programs at other Institutions
  • Opportunities to observe leadership in action at meetings of the Berman Institute Advisory Board and the Association of Bioethics Program Directors
  • Regular meetings with Professor Ruth Faden, founder of the Berman Institute
  • Opportunities for internships in health policy settings with bioethics focus in the Washington, DC area

All Hecht-Levi Fellows are expected to be leaders in their area of scholarship and all have access to mentorship with Dr. Faden. What distinguishes Faden Scholars from other Hecht-Levi post-doctoral fellows is the additional focus of their training on future leadership in the field of bioethics. We will recruit one or two Faden Scholars per year from among eligible Hecht-Levi applicants. No separate application is required. Hecht-Levi applicants interested in applying to be a Faden Scholar should provide an additional short statement outlining their relevant interests and achievements. Specifically, the personal statement should address the following questions:

  • What is the most significant leadership experience you have had in your life (not limited to bioethics leadership) and how has it shaped you?
  • What kinds of leadership experiences do you hope to gain as a Faden Scholar?

For more information on the Hecht-Levi Fellowship or the Faden Scholars programs, please contact the Director of Education Initiatives, Professor Gail Geller, at ggeller@jhu.edu.