Resources

Our team members are here to provide assistance to fellows throughout the duration of the training program as well as future applicants. Please reach out to our Education Team with any questions:

Susanne B. Haga, PhD
Director, Genomic Medicine Post-doctoral Training Program

Julia Walker
Project Planner II

Frequently Asked Questions

Trainees will develop an appropriate training program comprised of courses, laboratory rotations, and informal learning opportunities. The didactic training plan for each trainee will be developed in conjunction with their principal research mentor and the T32 director to provide a truly personalized approach that will balance specific coursework and experiential training.

  • Coursework: The proposed required coursework (3 courses) is intended to provide the next generation of genomic medicine researchers with a strong foundation in clinical research, biostatistics, and responsible conduct of research.  Trainees will also be required to complete an elective course that may include bioinformatics, medical genetics, health economics, molecular biology, or pharmacogenomics. Course requirements will be tailored to the trainee’s prior coursework, desired knowledge and skill set, and research focus.
  • Genome Sciences & Medicine Rotations:  Trainees will have the opportunity to rotate through two core laboratories and four genomic medicine clinics. The rotations in the core genomic sciences are intended to provide trainees with first-hand knowledge/experience with different technologies. In addition, to provide trainees with the foundation for practicing genomic medicine, each trainee will complete a one-month rotation in the following Duke genomic medicine clinics: Hereditary Cancer Clinic, Adult Cardiovascular Genetics, Genomic Sequencing, and Primary Care Risk Assessment.
  • Researcher Competencies’ Training: Trainees will have the opportunity through a combination of seminars and first-hand training to develop skills essential to developing a successful research program beyond the strictly scientific knowledge and skills gained through coursework and research. In particular, technical writing (e.g., both manuscripts and grant applications), public speaking, and communication are important skills to learn and hone during the early stage of career development.

The program will support trainees for a two-year period of research and education.

Trainees receive a monthly stipend, tuition and fees assistance, a contribution towards health insurance and travel funds to attend the annual NHGRI training conference. Stipend levels are determined by NIH (2020 levels)

We typically accept up to two trainees for the academic year (subject to change.) We strongly encourage and solicit applications from women and underrepresented minorities. We are specifically interested in recruiting the following types of individuals:

  • MDs who have completed clinical training in a non-genetics related discipline, such as internal medicine (with or without subspecialty training), pediatrics, surgery, etc., and are eligible for board certification in their discipline.
  • PhDs who have decided to focus their careers on clinical or translational research related to genomic medicine.

Degree Requirements (per the NIH Grants Policy Statement – section 11.3.2.5):

Postdoctoral trainees must have received, as of the beginning date of the appointment (July 1), a Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Comparable doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to, the following: D.M.D., D.C., D.O., D.V.M., O.D., D.P.M., Sc.D., Eng.D., Dr. P.H., D.N.Sc., D.P.T, Pharm.D., N.D. (Doctor of Naturopathy), D.S.W., Psy.D, as well as a doctoral degree in nursing research. Documentation by an authorized official of the degree-granting institution certifying that all degree requirements have been met prior to the beginning date of the training appointment is acceptable. Individuals in postgraduate clinical training, who wish to interrupt their studies for a year or more to engage in full-time research training before completing their formal training programs, are also eligible.

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, noncitizen national, or have permanent resident status.

The majority of the trainee’s time during the two-year program will be spent on a mentored research project. The research training experience is designed to provide specialized training and also consider broader issues impacted by their research including ethical, legal, and social implications.  Available mentors for the research project have extensive experience in genomic medicine practice and collaborative multidisciplinary research. With the guidance of the Program Director, each trainee will establish an interdisciplinary mentoring team comprised of the principal mentor and one or more co-mentors to guide their research program and career development. View available mentors to consider.

Additional Support

Trainees are supported for twelve-month appointments and can receive up to two-years of funding based upon acceptable progress. All trainees are required to pursue their research training full-time and fulfill their weekly research hours requirement. Please note, limited funds are available to assist with training related expenses such as reference materials, software, or research supply costs.

Trainees additionally receive the following benefits:

  • Monthly stipend
  • The training grant makes a considerable contribution towards each trainee’s health insurance coverage costs.
  • The training program will cover the cost of 3 courses (9 total credit hours) per year.
  • Travel expense to attend the one scientific symposium and the NHGRI Annual Meeting will be covered, with a maximum of $3,000 per year.  

Additional campus resources: