Supporting the next generation of translational researchers
The ITI Postdoctoral Fellowship is a two-year funding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers working in ITI-affiliated laboratories. ITI postdoctoral fellows will participate in structured career development in addition to their research. They will have a primary “home” in an ITI-affiliated laboratory, but will connect with mentors and fellow trainees across ITI through coursework and seminars tailored to their career interests. Each postdoc will benefit from a three-person mentorship team comprised of their Scientific mentor (postdoc mentor), a collaborating mentor (either an industry or academia), and in the second year of funding, pick a Networking mentor from industry (biotech or pharmaceutical professional) or academia to aid with career progression (click here to become an ITI Mentor). Depending on their career interests, fellows can apply for tracks in either Translational Entrepreneurship (industry-focused) or Translational Discovery (academia-focused). ITI Fellows are expected to attend the ITI annual symposium each year and are encouraged to attend ITI-supported social gatherings and networking events.
Training at a glance:
The ITI believes that by providing paid research opportunities, focused career training, active mentorship roles, and networking opportunities, this postdoc training program will produce a generation of well-rounded scientists capable of advancing the development of drugs and therapies to improve human health. Therefore, each ITI Fellow is required to participate in the following categories throughout the duration of their funding: Communication, Mentorship, Career Development, and Networking.
Translational Entrepreneurial Year 1
Mentorship Training
Facilitator-led mentorship workshop based on CIMER training. Discussion topics include ‘Maintaining Effective Communication, Aligning Expectations, and Addressing Equity and Inclusion‘
Health Entrepreneurship Basics
Health Innovation Practicum course taught by Dr. Will Canestaro at the UW Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship. This course explores how innovation creates solutions for challenges in health and medicine. Students form cross-disciplinary teams around project concepts and present solutions to a panel of experts.
Networking
Fellows are required to attend the ITI annual symposium. In addition, there will be more networking opportunities, such as NUCLEATE, that are available throughout the year.
Career Development
Attend at least one approved workshop or seminar relevant to a career in industry. Topics may range from toxicology, finance, team management or other training (with program approval) that you are interested in pursuing. Workshops or seminars may be in-person or virtual. We will provide a list of workshop or seminar options. Example seminars and workshops may include but are not limited to: CoMotion – Fundamentals for Startups Series, UW Startup Career & Internship Fair, act as a technical assessor for the CDL, or NUCLEATE Seattle.
Translational Discovery Year 1
Mentorship Training
Facilitator-led mentorship workshop based on CIMER training. Discussion topics include ‘Maintaining Effective Communication, Aligning Expectations, and Addressing Equity and Inclusion‘
Written Communication
ITHS grant writing course led by Dr. Larry Kessler and Dr. Annette Fitzpatrick. This 12-week course is geared towards clinical and non-clinical grant writing for junior faculty and postdocs, with a focus on NIH R- and K-grants. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a completely written grant in the final stages to be submitted to a funding organization.
Networking
Fellows are required to attend the ITI annual symposium. In addition, there will be more networking opportunities that are available throughout the year.
Career Development
Attend at least one seminar or workshop focused on teaching, budgets, the academic job application process, or any additional training (with program approval) you are interested in pursuing. Workshops or seminars may be in-person or virtual. We will provide a list of workshop or seminar options. Example seminars and workshops may include but are not limited to: teaching for the STEP-WISE program, participate in the Inclusive teaching project, or take a grant writing workshop.
Translational Entrepreneurial & Discovery Year 2
Mentorship Training
Act as a secondary mentor for the PROPEL Northwest (PNW) program. The mission of PNW is to promote diversity and inclusion in the scientific workforce by providing a supportive network and training to postbaccalaureate scholars. PNW is a proud partner with UCSF PROPEL. Learn more about PROPEL here.
Communication
Communication leadership workshop series led by Dr. Ekin Yasin. Topics include: Active Listening, Leading with Values, Storytelling for Scientists, Team Dynamics and Communication.
Networking
Choose a Networking mentor and reach out! A list of mentors can be found here.
Career Development
Attend at least one seminar or workshop specific to your career interests.
Annual progress reports & feedback
Progress reports: Submit an annual progress report highlighting what you learned from the seminars and workshops you attended and how you will apply these skills to your career.
Surveys: The ITI is committed to creating a postdoctoral training program that is effective. Therefore, the annual survey is required to ensure that we continue to improve the training experience and curricula!