Biomedical Research Training for Veterinarians

Funded by a National Institutes of Health National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (T32), this program is designed to provide veterinarians who have completed at least one year of residency or equivalent training in modern multidisciplinary human-health-applicable/translatable biomedical research. The goal of the program is to enable trainees to become independently funded principal investigators in biomedical research.

Funded positions are renewable annually for up to three years, and are intended to culminate in a Ph.D.

Program activities

Trainees will perform primary research in projects involving disciplines such as molecular pathobiology, biochemistry, infectious disease biology, immunology, epidemiology, and meta-genomic analysis. Emphasized are critical thinking, experimental design, data interpretation, scientific writing, and communication skills. The program aims to enable trainees to translate basic research findings to in vivo application often employing animal models and the concept of One Health and translational medicine.

While the program is centered in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, trainees can be already enrolled in or accepted to any Ph.D. program from all four departments in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, which has a long and successful history of post-D.V.M./V.M.D. research training.

Eligibility

Candidates must have completed a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program and at least one year of residency or equivalent training, and either be enrolled in or accepted to any Ph.D. program within the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Applicants must also have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency to be eligible for this federally funded program.

Qualifying Ph.D. programs

• Biomedical Sciences
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Clinical Sciences
• Environmental Health
• Microbiology
• Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neurosciences
• Pathology
• Radiological Health
• Toxicology

Funding

Trainees receive a stipend determined by postdoctoral level and NIH standards. Tuition and fees are covered by the university’s Employee Study Privilege program and the training program. Trainees also receive semi-annual stipends for travel and training-related expenses.

Application information

If not already enrolled in a Ph.D. program in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, complete the application requirements for your selected Ph.D. program, including the Online Graduate Application via the Graduate School. All applicants (including current Ph.D. students) must email the application materials below to [email protected].

Application materials

• Biographical sketch or resume, emphasizing educational history, research experience, and publications/presentations
• Statement of purpose (preferred 2 pages, maximum 3 pages) highlighting:
  • How your background and specific area of research offer compelling evidence for selection
  • Your career goals in biomedical research
  • Areas of interest for your professional development that could be enabled by this grant
  • How this award will benefit your career trajectory
• Three letters of reference that speak to your potential as a clinician scientist