Chicago KUH Interdisciplinary Training Program (TL1): Request for Applications

Chicago KUH FORWARD is pleased to announce its new NIDDK-funded TL1 interdisciplinary training program for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellows in basic, translational, or clinical research in the fields of kidney, benign urologic, and benign hematologic diseases at one of the six Chicago KUH FORWARD partnering institutions: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Loyola University, Northwestern University, Rush University, University of Illinois at Chicago, and University of Chicago.

Objectives

Chicago KUH FORWARD fellowships are designed to address key challenges related to recruitment, advancement and retention of predoctoral and postdoctoral KUH trainees. Through activities of the Administrative, Network, Professional Development, and Training Cores of the Chicago KUH FORWARD program, we will create and implement multidimensional evidence-based interventions to prepare the next generation of research leaders in KUH research.

Fellows will have access to many unique resources and opportunities: cross-disciplinary mentorship; dedicated grant writers groups; facilitated peer mentoring sessions; portal with trainee-driven content and social media tools; opportunities to participate in high school, college and medical school outreach programs; cross-disciplinary seminars, workshops and journal clubs focused on cross-cutting tools; opportunities to present research in progress at outside institutions; and professional and social interactions with trainees, alumni and mentors across institutions.

Chicago KUH FORWARD is committed to identifying and implementing ways to create and support a diverse and inclusive campus community. Scholars from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems. We strongly encourage individuals belonging to groups that have been traditionally underrepresented in biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences (e.g., certain racial, ethnic and gender minorities and individuals with disabilities) to apply to our KUH training program.

Eligibility

The Chicago KUH FORWARD NIH TL1 training program accepts applications from predoctoral and postdoctoral level trainees wishing to receive interdisciplinary training in KUH research priority areas.
- Predoctoral trainees:
  - Predoctoral trainees must have received a baccalaureate degree by the beginning date of their TL1 appointment and be enrolled in a program leading to a Ph.D. or an equivalent research doctoral degree program.
  - Predoctoral trainees will be considered after completion of degree-required coursework and fulfillment of qualifying exams.
  - Health-professional students who wish to interrupt their studies for one year or more to engage in full-time research training before completing their formal training programs, are also eligible.
- Postdoctoral trainees:
  - Postdoctoral trainees must have received, as of the beginning date of the TL1 appointment, a Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.M.D., or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Comparable doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to, the following: D.C., D.O., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.D., Dr.PH., D.N.Sc., D.P.T., Pharm.D., N.D. (Doctor of Naturopathy), D.S.W., Psy.D., as well as a doctoral degree in nursing research.
  - Postdoctoral trainees will be appointed early in their postdoctoral research training. Advanced postdoctoral scientists (more than 5 years of postdoctoral research experience) should consider applying for the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01).
  - Postdoctoral MD trainees will typically be recruited at the end of their clinical fellowship, with their TL1 training coinciding with the research portion of their subspecialty fellowship.
  - To offer flexibility, highly motivated/well-prepared MD applicants who prefer to engage in research training prior to their clinical fellowship will also be considered.
  - Clinical trainees must commit at least 75% of their total effort to research training.
The individual to be trained must be a United States citizen or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of their TL1 appointment.
The two-year training period will include cross-disciplinary mentored research and activities supported by the Chicago KUH FORWARD Professional Development and Network Cores. All trainees supported on the TL1 are expected to submit first-author manuscripts based on their mentored research project. Submission of an individual fellowship grant (NIH or other) is a requirement for 2^nd year. Trainees will participate in dedicated grant writer groups to assist them in applying for grants.
Trainees will be required to select a primary mentor and at least one other mentor from a discipline different than that of the chosen primary mentor.
Trainees will participate in an integrated didactic and mentored research program personalized to their individual needs and overseen by the TL1 Executive Committee. Oversight will include development and monitoring of trainees’ individual development plans (IDPs).