Supporting the next generation of translational scientists
The ITI Postdoctoral Fellowship is a two-year funding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers working in ITI-affiliated laboratories. ITI postdoctoral fellows participate in structured career development in addition to their research. Depending on their career interests, fellows can apply for tracks in either Translational Entrepreneurship (industry-focused) or Translational Discovery (academia-focused).
Each postdoc benefits from a three-person mentorship team comprised of their scientific mentor (postdoc mentor), a collaborating mentor (either in industry or academia), and a networking mentor to aid with career progression (click here to become an ITI Mentor).
ITI Fellows are expected to attend the ITI annual symposium each year and are encouraged to attend ITI-supported social gatherings and networking events.
ITI Fellowship program overview
Each ITI Fellow is required to participate in coursework, mentorship training and experience, and networking opportunities.
Coursework
Fellows choose a track (Entrepreneurial or Discovery). Each track has required and elective activities.
Coursework for both tracks for Year 1 and Year 2 can be viewed here. Additional courses, training, networking events, and funding opportunities will be available upon request.
Fellows use Research and Professional Development funds to participate in required trainings and networking events.
Mentorship experience
Mentorship training: Fellows are required to participate in the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) workshop.
PROPEL NW Mentor: Fellows are required to participate as mentors in the PROPEL NW postbaccalaureate training program for at least one year. Fellow and postbaccalaureate trainees do not need to be in the same lab to be paired. Fellows can continue mentorship after 1 year or mentor multiple postbaccalaureate trainees. If interested, ITI Fellows can participate in curriculum development and implementation of workshops for the PROPEL NW program.
Mentorship for fellows
Scientific Mentor: ITI- and UW Immunology–affiliated PI who serves as the fellow’s primary mentor, setting research goals, reviewing progress, providing feedback, ensuring access to resources, fostering collaboration, and assuming financial responsibility.
Collaborating Mentor: Principal investigator or scientist at a local ITI-affiliated biotech company. Advises fellows on research goals, reviews progress quarterly, provides feedback on presentations, and ensures resources for successful collaboration.
Networking Mentor: Principal investigator, scientist at a local biotech/pharma company, or UW alum affiliated with ITI.Provides networking guidance, job application feedback, or informal career discussions during fellows’ second year.
Networking
Fellows are required to attend the ITI annual symposium each year.
Fellows are encouraged to attend networking events hosted by the Northwest Postdoc Collective (Launching Fall 2025!)
A list of potential networking events can be viewed here.
Progress Reports & Feedback
Progress reports: Submit an annual progress report summarizing completed coursework and a synopsis of workshops and networking events that were attended.
Surveys: 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!
Eligibility
Applicants should have no more than 36 months of postdoc research experience at the time of the application.
Ph.D. candidates that do not have their degree at time of the application deadline are eligible to apply. If awarded, the applicant’s Ph.D. degree must be conferred prior to the start of the Fellowship.
Applicants who have accepted a privately funded postdoctoral research fellowship award not eligible for full stipend support, but may apply to obtain additional funds for research and training expenses.
Applicants who are current SeaBridge Fellows are ineligible to apply.
Applicants may be citizens of any country.
Applicants must have identified a UW-affiliated sponsoring faculty member prior to applying. This faculty member must be affiliated with the ITI or become a mentor with the ITI. Faculty members can apply to be an ITI mentor below. Please note that the ITI cannot provide funding to fellows who are applying with primary faculty members who are not affiliated with the UW Department of Immunology.