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UCSF IRACDA Mission

Since its inception in 2007, the UCSF IRACDA (Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award) Program has cultivated a dynamic community of biomedical scientists representing a broad range of research interests. The program prepares Scholars to pursue independent academic careers while strengthening the collaborative partnership between UCSF and San Francisco State University (SFSU) in research, training, teaching, and mentoring.

Scholars conduct cutting-edge research under the guidance of UCSF faculty Research Mentors and benefit from UCSF’s state-of-the-art research facilities. At SFSU, Scholars develop their teaching and pedagogical skills under the mentorship of experienced faculty Teaching Mentors.

IRACDA Scholars also share their passion for developing the next generation of scientists by mentoring SFSU students in the laboratory, engaging with the SFSU academic community, and presenting research seminars on both campuses.

Program Overview

Year 1: Program Funded

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Arrive at UCSF. 

Establish research project.

SFSU orientation & teaching workshop.

Year 2: Program Funded

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Mentored Teaching Experience at SFSU.

Mentor a student in the summer.

Prepare a grant.

Year 3: Program Funded

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Identify and apply to extramural funding.

Prepare a manuscript.

Formal grant writing workshop.

Year 4: Independent or PI Funded

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Funded by K Award or PI funding.

Begin the search for a faculty position.

Mock interview at SFSU. (Optional)

The UCSF IRACDA Scholars Program is an NIH/NIGMS-sponsored K12 program that provides a four-year career development opportunity for postdoctoral scholars. The program provides salary and benefits support during Years 1–3, along with funding for research supplies and professional travel during all four years.

IRACDA Scholars enhance their postdoctoral training through program-sponsored monthly academic and career development workshops designed to network, build skills, and prepare them for successful academic careers. Scholars also have opportunities to present their research and connect with the IRACDA community at the program’s annual retreat.

Each spring, Scholars participate in an Individual Development Plan (IDP) meeting with Program Leadership to reflect on their progress, discuss professional goals, and receive personalized guidance to support the next steps in their career development.