Interdisciplinary Training Program in Metabolism (T32)

The Interdisciplinary Training Program in Metabolism (T32) provides training in all areas of metabolism with a specific focus on the pathophysiology of obesity, diabetes, and diabetes complications. The program leverages research that spans basic and mechanistic investigation across a range of cellular systems and model organisms to translational studies in humans.

Overview

Established in 2011, the University of Utah Interdisciplinary T32 Training Program in Metabolism prepares predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees for successful careers in biomedical research, enabling them with the knowledge and scientific expertise to rigorously study the metabolic basis of diabetes, obesity and their comorbidities as well as providing them the leadership and professional skills to launch successful research careers in academia or industry. The program comprises mentored research, career development activities, and coursework while providing extensive opportunities for trainees to network with elite researchers on campus and around the globe. This program leverages University of Utah’s Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center (DMRC), which serves as the foundational infrastructure of this training program. The DMRC enriches the trainee experience through the facilitation of enrichment activities (e.g., Seminars in Metabolism Lecture Series, Metabolism Research In Progress meetings, DMRC Annual Symposium), administration of pilot and feasibility grants, fostering innovation in DMRC-related cores, facilitation of the recruitment of new DMRC faculty, and execution of online communication platforms.

Key elements in this training program include

strong mentor-based training in basic and clinical investigation
rigorous didactic curriculum including a core curriculum in metabolism as well as specific training in research methodologies and grant writing
a lecture series focused on metabolism with internal and external speakers
tailored career mentoring with individual development plans to ensure a successful transition to the next stage of their career
presentation and outreach opportunities to develop communication skills

Eligibility

The Metabolism Training Program welcomes applications from predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars. The following are the minimum qualification to be considered eligible as Pre-Doc or Post-Doc:

Predoctoral: The program is open to graduate students pursuing a PhD degree who have completed their required core didactics and have also been approved for the research-phase of their PhD (often referred to as passing the qualifying exam) The exam name and the year of eligibility may vary by graduate program.

Postdoctoral: The program is open to Postdoctoral trainees within 5 years of their doctoral degree. Clinical postdoctoral trainees are eligible following year 1 of their fellowship. An applicant must have a conferred terminal degree or equivalent before an anticipated start date of their appointment as identified in the announcement.

Requirements for Pre and Postdoctoral fellowships include the following: 

Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a research career in biomedical research.
Candidates must be US citizens, non-citizen nationals, or be able to provide legal proof of lawful admission for permanent residence. Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
Candidates must not have been Principal Investigator or equivalent on an NIH research project grant (R01, R03, R21, U01, U10), a subproject of a program grant (P01), a center grant (P50, U54) or equivalent PHS research grant awards.
Candidates cannot be concurrently funded by two T programs. 
Trainees must have training interests in diabetes (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/research-areas/diabetes) and metabolism (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/about-niddk/research-areas/endocrine-metabolic-diseases)

Program Elements

Mentor-based research
Seminars in Metabolism Lecture Series
Chalk Talks
DMRC Research Retreat
Mentoring Committee with IDP
Clinical Shadowing
Travel to Scientific Conferences and Courses
Coursework
Rigor and Reproducibility Training

How to Apply

Cover Page
Applicant’s curriculum vitae
A short summary of the proposed research project (limited to 4 pages, excluding references and figures).
1. The summary should identify the research question, outline the project aims, provide key preliminary data, and define the experimental approach. Projects should be feasible during the tenure of the award. Font must be 11 pt Arial with 1 inch margins.
For graduate students – Copies of your academic transcripts both undergraduate and graduate.
Three supporting letters, one from the trainee’s advisor and two from other faculty members familiar with the applicant’s research.

Contact Information