Overview
The UCSF IRACDA Scholars Program provides up to three years of salary support in accordance with current NIH guidelines. Scholars are expected to pursue independent funding—such as an NIH NRSA, private fellowship, or NIH K award—by the end of their three years of IRACDA salary support as an important step toward developing an independent research career.
In addition to their mentored research at UCSF, Scholars gain experience in teaching and research mentoring through our partnership with San Francisco State University (SFSU). Scholars receive pedagogical training and mentored teaching experience with SFSU faculty and mentor SFSU students in research at UCSF.
Monthly workshops organized by UCSF IRACDA Leadership complement Scholars’ research and teaching experiences. In collaboration with UCSF partners, including the Office for Postdoctoral Scholars, these workshops provide training in essential academic skills such as grant writing, mentoring, scientific communication, career planning, and professional development.
Benefits
UCSF IRACDA Scholars receive:
Salary support in accordance with UCSF postdoctoral salary scales
Travel support to attend the annual national IRACDA conference and at least one additional scientific meeting each year
An annual research allowance for research-related expenses
The standard UCSF Postdoctoral Scholar benefits package
Ongoing academic and career development throughout the four-year program
Mentor Selection
Applicants are not required to have secured a UCSF Research Mentor before applying. However, applicants should identify at least three UCSF faculty members whose research aligns with their scientific interests.
Applicants should carefully consider potential mentors and identify faculty with active research programs and strong records of mentoring, publishing, and securing research funding. Applicants are not limited to current or former UCSF IRACDA Research Mentors.
If you have already contacted a prospective UCSF faculty mentor, please indicate this in your application. All Research Mentors must ultimately be approved by the UCSF IRACDA Faculty Advisory Committee.
Application Process
A complete application includes:
A completed online application form
A current CV, including publications
A one-page personal statement
Two letters of recommendation—one from your current research advisor and one from another mentor of your choice
The personal statement should provide insight into your scientific background, research experiences, and engagement with the scientific community. Applicants should also briefly describe their postdoctoral research goals, academic career aspirations, and why the UCSF IRACDA Scholars Program is an important next step in their professional development.
The strongest letters of recommendation provide specific examples of the applicant’s research accomplishments, potential for scientific independence, mentoring and teaching interests, and promise for a future faculty career.
Competitive applicants will be invited to interview via Zoom in mid-May, with final decisions anticipated in late May or early June. Advanced graduate students and current UCSF postdoctoral scholars within their first year of postdoctoral training are encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Hold a doctoral degree before beginning the program
Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing an academic career in biomedical research and teaching
Demonstrate an interest in mentoring, teaching, and engagement with the broader scientific community
Be available for appointment between August 1 and October 1
Ideally have less than one year of postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment
The UCSF IRACDA Program is committed to providing access for all people with disabilities. UCSF will provide reasonable accommodations to any disabled applicant or postdoc in the program upon request.
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