Translational GlycOmics K12 Program

Objective

Translational GlycOmics Program Scholars will pursue a glycoscience-based investigation as it relates to the mission of the NHLBI. Training in investigative glycoscience thought processes and experimental tools will be provided through a rigorous program involving hands-on research, didactic coursework, collaboration with experienced scientists in and outside the field, dissemination of knowledge, paper and grant writing activities, and participation in the national K12 consortium.

Scholars will become knowledgeable in:

1. Molecular aspects of glycoscience
2. Experimental research inquiries into functions of glycans
3. Translation of bench research to the bedside
4. Dissemination of research to scientists and the lay public
5. Writing extramurally funded grant applications
    

Eligibility

Candidates interested in the K12 program must satisfy the following criteria to be considered for a K12 Scholar position:

• U.S. citizenship, or U.S. permanent residency status at the time of appointment
• Appropriate doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. or equivalent)
• Commitment to at least two (2) years of intensive training
• Physicians without prior research experience must be motivated to pursue a basic academic research career
• Applicants must show high interest in at least one area of glycosciences
• Early stage faculty members who have not obtained prior major research funding
• Scholar and the primary faculty mentor must be committed to research and scholarly program activities throughout the training period
   

Eligibility includes post-doctoral fellows that have completed at least two (2) years of research training or have gained exceptional research qualifications during their graduate training, and physicians who have completed residencies or fellowships in clinical specialties. See below for exclusion criteria. 

Required Application Documents:

• A completed application form
• Complete Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter clearly stating the desired center location for Translational GlycOmics Program (BCW, MCW, Roswell or VCU)
• 1-2 page personal statement summarizing:
  • Past accomplishments
  • Area of intended research
  • Future career goals and timeline
  • Justification on how K12 training correlates with career goals
  • Past and future interest in the field of glycosciences
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation to independently reach the K12 office
     

Submit documents electronically to Karin Hoffmeister, Principal Investigator and Program Director, at k12admin@bcw.edu.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the program.

All institutions of the Translational GlycOmics Program are Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers M/F/D/V/SO.

Exclusion Criteria

• Applicants who have been or are currently principal investigators (PIs) on other federally mentored carrier awards (K-series awards) or other federal mentored carrier awards
• Applicants who are currently PIs on a federal grant (R01 and P01) or are PIs of a subproject on a federal program project (P01) and center grants (P50)
• Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or who do not have U.S. permanent residency status at the proposed starting dates
   

Scholar Appointment and Compensation

Scholars are appointed on a rolling basis. Scholars will receive a salary within the range of $60,000-$120,000, plus fringe benefits, commensurate with the candidate’s salary requirements for persons of equivalent qualifications, experience and rank, and in accordance with NIH policy for postdoctoral fellows. Additional support for travel, rotation costs, and attending meetings and symposia will be provided. Each Scholar will be required to spend at least two (2) years in the program, which is limited to three (3) years. Each Scholar will be evaluated independently and the program designed on an individual basis. Changes will be made as needed to the Scholar’s program.

Funding is available as of July 1, 2018. Scholars will be selected on a competitive basis through a national search.

Core Program Elements

• Individual development plan (IDP)
• Mentored research project
• Integration of clinical and bench research: mentoring teams of clinical and glycoscientist researchers
• Achievements and competence in glycoscience assessments
• Written and oral communication seminar
   

Year 1

• Active research project in mentor’s laboratory
• Establish IDP
• Glycoscience education, Essentials in Glycobiology (3^rd edition), including clinical-medical education
• Integration of clinical and bench research: mentoring teams of clinical and glycoscientist researchers
• Courses on grant and scientific paper writing, misconduct, bias and more
• 60-minute weekly online meetings with ongoing research presentations, journal clubs
• Focused technology workshops (Boot Camp) at Translational GlycOmics center labs, as needed
• Annual Milwaukee Glycobiology symposium
• Annual NIH all K12 sites meeting
   

Year 2

• Active research project in mentor’s laboratory (continued)
• Didactic lecture module (mandatory); Titled Translational GlycoSciences
• Technology Boot Camp at other national sites
• 60-minute weekly online meetings with ongoing research presentations, journal clubs
• Focused technology workshops at Translational GlycOmics center labs (Boot Camp), as needed
• Annual Milwaukee Glycobiology symposium
• Annual NIH all K12 sites meeting
   

Year 3

• Finish active research project in mentor’s laboratory
• Write scientific paper and/or book chapter, evolving from research progress and recognition
• Scholar writes independent research proposal
• Annual Milwaukee Glycobiology symposium
• Annual NIH all K12 sites meeting

Optional

Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) of Southeastern Wisconsin at MCW offers a masters program to obtain an MS in clinical investigation.