Postdoctoral trainees are expected to have a PhD in the biological sciences and will conduct their research within a laboratory of a faculty member on the NIEHS training grant, Molecular Pathways to Pathogenesis in Toxicology. The faculty member whose laboratory the trainee is conducting their research in will function as a research mentor and will oversee the postdoctoral research. Postdoctoral trainees will gain a state-of-the-art research experience in a mentor’s laboratory. Trainees will be required to participate in the NIH grant writing workshop and our Responsibility in Science course. All postdoctoral trainees will be required to write an individual NRSA (F32) http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-09-210.html within their first year. Submission of an individual NRSA will provide for an early experience to grant writing and possible funds as well as a future opportunity to apply for a Transition to Independent Position (TIP) award.
Postdoctoral trainees will form an advisory committee consisting of their mentor who is the chairperson of committee and two other faculty members who have expertise in the trainee’s proposed research areas. The Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (PAC) will; 1) meet with trainee annually to review research progress, 2) provide overall research guidance and advice as well as future career guidance, 3) provide guidance on NRSA F32 grant proposal and 4) provide feedback on formal seminars presented by the trainee to the department both at initiation of training and at the termination of training. Upon their appointment to this training grant all postdoctoral trainees will present a research seminar to the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology on their previous research findings. Trainees schedule meetings with PAC to receive input on F32 hypothesis, specific aims and research strategy. The committee will discuss the proposal with the trainee and provide constructive comments to the trainee. The written grant application will be also be reviewed by PAC prior to submission. Postdoctoral trainees are encouraged to participate in relevant scientific symposia at NCSU and within RTP community as well as in national scientific meetings.