Postdoctoral Fellowship Program – Medical Research Education
Fellowship Coordinator: Helen Gamrod
Magee-Womens Research Institute
204 Craft Avenue, Room B408
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-641-6070
Fax: 412-641-6156
Overview
Magee-Womens Research Institute’s (MWRI) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program prepares individuals for independent and productive careers as research scientists by providing them with the environment necessary for an intensive experience in medical research education. Post-doctoral trainees participate in highly focused research projects that impact one of a number of problems related to reproductive biology, reproductive development, and the health of women and their infants.
Appointments are granted for one year, at the end of which a written progress report and presentation to the Postdoctoral Fellowship Committee are required. At that time, the Committee may choose to approve extension of support for a second year. Applicant candidates cannot be more than four years into a post doctoral position at the time of application. The maximum term for which a trainee may be supported by the program is two years. The appointment involves full-time research, and cannot be a part of a clinical training program.
The training goals of the MWRI Postdoctoral Fellowship include:
- Performing meaningful basic, translational or clinical research that leads to enhancement of scientific knowledge
- Developing effective oral and written communication skillsAcquiring the skills needed for independent research
- Learning skills needed for successful grant writingDeveloping effective oral and written communication skills
- Developing effective teaching skills
- Understanding laboratory management and organization, and
- Incorporating responsible conduct (including ethics, safety and regulatory compliance) into all research activities
Individuals participating in the Program may come from the United States or international institutions. After completing their research education training, many leave MWRI to pursue their professional careers outside the US, while others stay in the US to continue their careers in academic, government, industry, or corporate settings.
Eligibility
Applicants must have an MD, PhD, or equivalent doctorate (eg, ScD, PharmD or DVM) in a field that is relevant to reproductive biology and women’s health. Applicants must be committed to a research career in reproductive sciences. Strong candidates are intelligent, creative, focused, independent, and show a keen interest in developing current as well as new skills through the fellowship training. They are expected to effectively correspond and work with other team members. Candidates should have excellent written and oral communications skills in English. Preference will be given to applicants who are committed to an academic career. .
Application process
A faculty member must initiate the application process; therefore, applicants must identify and contact a faculty member who will serve as a mentor for their medical research education experience. Applicants should review our faculty directory, and find a suitable contact in your area of research interest.
Required application materials
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Cover letter that includes your research interest, short-term goals for fellowship, long-term career goals, and time frame for training
- Short-formatted NIH style application of up to two pages (Arial 11 pt font) that includes the following sections: abstract (250 word limit), significance, innovation and approach, and references (limit of 10, which must be included within the two page limit).
- Letter from the planned mentor, which includes a research plan/project and an explanation of how the fellow will fit with the mentor’s ongoing research program and a proposed funding plan
- Two letters of recommendation, in addition to the mentor's letter, sent directly from the referee to Helen Gamrod.
All application materials should be submitted electronically (as word or PDF documents) to Helen Gamrod. Selected candidates may be interviewed by the MWRI postdoctoral committee.
The deadline for receiving Postdoctoral Fellowship applications is December 31 and June 30 each year. Recipients will be notified within 3-4 month after the application deadline, with the general intent of starting the training on January 1 or July 1. The number of training slots will depend on availability and funds.