NIDA T32 Institutional Training Program (T32 DA07287)
“Translational Explorations in Substance Use Disorders”
The drug overdose crisis in the United States presents multifaceted challenges to public health that requires the next generation of scientists to be innovative, rigorous, and curious. This training program is designed to prepare students to become scientific leaders that address all aspects of substance use disorders (SUD).
Benefits: Students receive first-rate training from committed faculty in a diverse program that expedite the transition to independent careers. Training spans translational research arenas, from basic sciences to clinical outcomes, to ensure masterful knowledge of how research programs work together to improve human health outcomes. Students have numerous opportunities to network with invited speakers and present at national conferences to establish the students in their fields and position them to advance their careers. Education outreach programs allow students to champion science in their local community. Furthermore, the Training Program offers additional learning opportunities with peers to create a welcoming, communicative environment that allows the students to flourish.
Program Interests: The training program is interested in 1) establishing new mechanisms underlying SUD (e.g. mechanisms, geno/phenotypes, biobehavioral markers), 2) discovering new therapeutics (e.g. chemical biology, target medications, drug discovery), and 3) ascertaining biosignatures by harnessing bioinformatics (e.g. computation, Modeling toolbox, machine learning). Key topics of interest expand beyond pure SUD research to include research investigating the intersection of SUD with other disorders such as neuroinflammation, neuro-infectious diseases (e.g. HIV, Covid-19, Zika), and pain.
Goal: The goal of the NIDA T32 Training Program is to inspire the pinnacle of scientific excellence, innovation, and efficacy in research, clinical care, education, and commitment to address the public health emergency of SUDs.
Positions Available: Three predoctoral mentee positions are available for immediate appointment. These are 1-year appointments with an opportunity for renewal for a second year of training.
Eligibility: All mentee nominees must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Faculty mentors who are not currently affiliated with the T32 Training Program must be approved and added as a Training Program Faculty Mentor (see Mentor Criteria/Responsibilities below). Inclusion of a co-mentor is encouraged for all mentees.
Training Program/Objectives:
· Train the next generation of scientists dedicated to ultimately alleviating drug misuse and SUD challenges.
· Recruit highly qualified, diverse candidates with an interest in a career in translational SUD biology
· Ensure that mentees acquire expertise in modern concepts and technologies
· Develop mentees’ communication, leadership, interpersonal, and grantsmanship skills
· Assist predoctoral mentees in obtaining prestigious postdoctoral fellowships
· Support mentees in securing funding for an NRSA and/or other grants
· Provide expert assistance with the process of obtaining an independent position [preparing application packets (cover letter, CV, statement of research interest)]
T32 Detailed Benefits to Mentees
· Award of 1-year appointment, with potential for additional 1-year reappointment
· STIPEND at NIH-defined NRSA levels (any supplement to stipend is the responsibility of mentors)
· TUITION Budget (predoctoral students) at 60% of the in-state tuition cost
· RESEARCH AND TRAINING-RELATED EXPENSES of $4,200 (predoctoral students including laboratory supplies, books, and software
· RESEARCH AND TRAINING-RELATED EXPENSES of $11,850 (postdoctoral fellows) including laboratory supplies, books, and software
· TRAVEL Budget of $1,000 to a national conference (pre- and postdoctoral fellows)
· Access to UTMB Center for Addiction Research grants writing expertise and Core support
· (Rodent In Vivo Assessment Core; Cellular and Molecular Signaling Core)
· Host world-renowned scientists for seminars/colloquia/group discussions
· Participate in scientific enrichment and social activities of T32 Team, and the Center for Addiction Research
· Contribute to improving public health through educational events in community
The deadline for application submission is 07/30/2021
Nomination Package Requirements
1. Nominee’s current CURRICULUM VITAE.
2. Mentor and Co-Mentor’s current CURRICULUM VITAE.
3. LETTER OF NOMINATION from the Faculty Mentors that address the nominee’s: educational background, productivity, progress in graduate program to date, proposed research project, potential for project success, and commitment to a career that advances our understanding or treatment of substance use disorders (one page maximum).
Please submit all documentation (in the order shown above) as a single PDF file to:
CAR@utmb.edu
Questions? Please contact; Kirsty Foss; 409-772-3093
Criteria and Responsibilities
Mentor Criteria
· Ongoing research involving SUDs (e.g., mechanisms, therapeutics, biosignatures)
· Active laboratory that stimulates technical, intellectual and professional development of trainees (e.g., active grant funding, strong publications history)
Record of successful PhD graduates that continue in research careers, and direct academic and scientific mentorship to pre- and/or postdoctoral fellows
Mentor Responsibilities
· Supplement mentee’s T32 stipend to UTMB stipend level (if necessary)
· Maintain operational funds and environment to achieve research goals of mentee
· Guide mentee in preparation and submission of NRSA fellowship and/or other grant proposal
· Participate in Translational Addiction Sciences Workgroup, T32-related seminars and courses
· Assess mentoring plan and meet with Evaluation Committee annually (complete Planning and Annual Review: Research and Career Progress form)
· Serve on mentee dissertation committees
· Identify T32 DA07287 on all related presentations (oral, poster, etc.) and publications
· Participate in efforts to recruit pre- and postdoctoral mentees
Mentee Criteria
· Evidence of academic and research excellence, creativity, and motivation (including strong transcripts and research productivity)
· Proposed research project relevant to thematic interests of the training program
· Long-term dedication to advancing the science of SUDs
Mentee Responsibilities
· Develop and submit an individual National Research Service Award (NRSA) fellowship or other grant proposal
· Enroll in and present at Translational NeuroTherapeutics (PHTO 6120) and NeuroAddicts Journal Club (PHTO 6121)
· Present at least one annual conference (e.g., CPDD, Society for Neuroscience)
· Assess mentoring plan and meet with Evaluation Committee annually
· Complete/Update Planning and Annual Review: Research and Career Progress form (every 6 months)
· Actively participate in and support CAR Community Outreach and Educational Events
· Complete the annual evaluation survey on the training program
· Provide contact information and updates on research and career activities when requested
· Identify T32 DA07287 on all related presentations (oral, poster, etc.) and publications
· Participate in efforts to recruit pre- and postdoctoral mentees
