T32 Training Program

Postdoctoral Training

Program Duration

T32 Postdoctoral fellows receive an initial 12-months of support. Renewal for an additional 12-months of support (2 year program length) is on a non-competitive basis and determined by program compliance, participation, and research progress.

Resources Provided

T32 postdoctoral fellows receive the following financial support. Please note that all resources detailed are for the 2023 Program Year:

1. Stipend towards salary totaling ~$54,540 with associated benefits contribution
2. $500 annual stipend towards scientific conference travel
3. $2,500 annual stipend towards child care

Eligibility Criteria

1. The proposed research project must fall within the research priorities of the NICHD. While the most applicable NICHD branches are Developmental Biology and Structural Variation and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, other branches may apply.
2. Postdocs currently participating in a training program (i.e. IRACDA) are discouraged fro applying due to conflicts with resources provided.
3. US citizenship or permanent residency status is required for NIH-funded positions
4. International postdocs are encouraged to apply for UCSC-funded positions

Selection Process

1. Applications are reviewed on an annual basis following the close of the application deadline.
2. Application materials are provided to an independent, External Selection Committee (ESC) who score each application on the basis of research; mentoring; outreach; and letters of recommendation.
3. Scored applications are provided to the IBSC by the ESC with the IBSC communicating application outcomes directly to applicants and their prospective mentors.

Program Requirements

1. Formal Biannual Mentor/Trainee Meeting and IDP Review
   1. Trainees meet with their mentor every 6 months to formally review their progress.
   2. Trainees work with their mentor to co-develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) detailing career goals and their associated planned activities to reach stated goals.
2. Annual Evaluation Survey and Research Progress Report
   1. Trainees complete an annual survey providing feedback on their training program, self-evaluation, and mentor-evaluation.
   2. Trainees complete an annual form detailing the progress made on their research over the past 12 months.
3. Coursework
   1. Postdoctoral trainees are required to complete the following courses (during Postdoctoral training):
      1. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
      2. Rigor and Reproducibility (R&R)
   2. Postdoctoral trainees may audit the following courses:
      1. Grant Writing (CHEM 230)
      2. Equity Minded Mentoring (offered through CITL)
4. Stem Cell Club
   1. Trainees attend Stem Cell Club on a monthly basis for presentations given by internal and external speakers.
   2. Trainees present their research at least once during their training program.
5. Research Review Day
   1. Trainees and mentors attend an annual Research Review Day (typically in November) where trainees present their research in short presentation format; participate in career development seminars; and review/discuss program components.
6. Leadership/Management Training
   1. Trainees participate in one leadership or management workshop to facilitate enhanced preparation for leadership roles and managing a laboratory.
   2. Trainees can propose a novel activity that is relevant to their field of study.
7. Scientific Article for Lay-Audience
   1. Trainees complete and submit a general-interest article design for a lay-audience, addressing the significance of their research to facilitate improved scientific communication and awareness of their research by the general public.
   2. Trainees can propose a novel venue in which to publish their article.
8. Grant/Fellowship Application
   1. Following completion of the Grant Writing workshop, Trainees are required to develop and submit one (1) grant or fellowship application during their training.
   2. Trainees are highly encouraged to apply for additional external funding (see below).
9. Mentor Training
   1. All trainee mentors are required to take at least one mentorship training course annually.

External Funding

1. Trainees are highly encouraged to apply for additional external funding throughout the course of their T32 training program.
2. In support of this objective, trainees are required to attend a Grant Writing workshop.

Non-Required Career Development Opportunities

The IBSC organizes and participates in additional workshops, courses, and activities to provide specialized training that can be considered for inclusion in and IDP:

1. CITL Pedagogy workshop
2. DEI workshops
3. Internship/shadowing with UCSC Industry Alliances & Technology Commercialization (IATC) Office
4. Internship/shadowing with biotech/pharmaceutical company
5. Summer Entrepreneurship Academy (SEA)

Industry Visitation

Trainees are provided opportunity to spend a day visiting a biotech, pharmaceutical, or other for-profit entity as part of their training. Trainees are encouraged to suggest novel organizations relevant to their IDP and career goals. The following companies have agreed to participate: