UCI CIRM Scholars Comprehensive Research Postdoctoral Training Program
UCI CIRM Scholars Comprehensive Research Postdoctoral Training Program
Applications for the next cohort will be due Summer 2024
Application Deadline is due by 11:59 PM on June 17, 2024
Who is CIRM?
California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Stem Cell Agency’s mission is to accelerate world class science to deliver transformative regenerative medicine treatments in an equitable manner to a diverse California and world. CIRM is committed to tackling these challenges by creating a diverse and dedicated workforce that can meet the technical demands of translating novel treatment paradigms to reality, while engendering the necessary appreciation for and sensitivity to the perspectives and participation of communities that have been historically under-represented in the biomedical sciences.
The Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC)
The SCRC consists of more than 60+ science faculty across the campus who can mentor CIRM Scholars; more mentors will be added in the next years. Activities within the SCRC include basic and translational stem cell research using multidisciplinary approaches, such as cell biology, genomics, computational biology, bioengineering, pre-clinical development, and clinical applications/practice. Faculty members have taken a bench-to-bedside path to various preclinical and clinical development stages.
Our mentors have all had Implicit Bias and Culturally Aware Mentorship training. Activities within the Center Faculty are also engaged in understanding the stem cell field in the wider context of health disparities and ethics fostering the capability of Scholars to act as ambassadors for stem cell and regenerative medicine field in society at large. There are training and research opportunities across a wide range of topics including new cell sorting and manufacturing methods, biomaterials to control cellular development, 3D cell culture and fused organoids, health disparities, bioethics, and upcoming trials for retinal repair, brain injury, stroke, ALS, and Huntington’s disease.
About the CIRM Scholars Research Training Program
Stem cell medicine promises to revolutionize the treatment of human diseases and injuries and has captured the hopes of the scientific community and the public alike. For this promise to become a reality, not only must basic research in this rapidly evolving field advance, but these advances must be translated through pre-clinical and clinical development into clinical practice. This bench-to-bedside pathway represents an enormous multidisciplinary effort, and many hurdles, both scientific and technical, must be overcome to bring stem cell therapies safely and effectively to reality. Traveling a path from “bench to bedside” is a relatively new opportunity for researchers and provides novel challenges for training graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in basic and clinical sciences. The program will be administered through the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC) at UCI.
Program Objectives
The goal of the UCI CIRM Scholars Comprehensive Research Training Program is to develop current and future scientific leaders in the stem cell, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine fields. The specific aims of the training program are to broaden the representation of those pursuing stem cell research and to develop skills in our trainees that empower:
1) Basic and translational stem cell research using multidisciplinary approaches, such as cell biology, genomics, computational biology, bioengineering, pre-clinical development, and clinical applications and practice.
2) Appreciation for the urgency of advancing the innovative use of stem cells and stem cell therapies for patient needs that are currently limited or unmet.
3) An understanding of the stem cell field in the wider context of health disparities and ethics, fostering the capability of trainees to act as ambassadors for the field in society at large.
Requirements for Postdoctoral Trainee Nominations
Nominations are requested for postdoctoral students, to be supported from the CIRM Scholars Comprehensive Research Training (EDUC4-12822) beginning on January 1, 2025.
Trainees must be committed to research in the areas of stem cells/regenerative medicine broadly defined. Trainees must be willing to accept curricular obligations as described below and will begin the program with an Individual Development Plan tailored to their specific training needs. Faculty mentors of each trainee must also commit to participating fully in training activities. Each trainee will have both a basic science research mentor and a clinical mentor in their research area.
Postdoctoral nominees must be from 1 to 3 years post-PhD. Appointments will be for 2 years.
There is no requirement for US citizenship or permanent residency.
Program Requirements for Postdoctoral Trainees
Required curricular obligations and opportunities for the training program include the following:
- A course in the ethical, legal, and social implications of stem cell/regenerative medicine research and practice.
- Establish and follow an Individual Development Plan.
- Science Communication and Public Engagement workshop.
- Participate in patient and health care engagement activities & community outreach and education.
- Attend
- Monthly Stem cell Seminar Series
- Monthly Journal Club
- Monthly Research in Progress meetings
- Monthly meeting with CIRM TG PIs
- Annual Retreat
What does the CIRM Postdoctoral Scholar receive?
- CIRM training grant annual stipend: $55,000 to $65,000 for post-doctoral trainees
- Health Insurance: up to $5,000 for postdoctoral trainees
- Research and travel allowance: $2,500 for postdoctoral trainees
Notes: Any supplementation to stipends and fees should come from unrestricted funds
Funding levels for each trainee are dependent on final CIRM budget and grant policy
Please note the following:
- We are encouraged by the funding agency to make special efforts, consistent with the law, to recruit and retain trainees from different backgrounds, including under-represented minorities.
- The Mentor is expected to have an active, securely funded research program in an area related to basic or translational stem-cell research.
- Candidates will be appointed initially for a period of one year, with continuation for second and third years subject to a successful evaluation of progress.
- Participants (trainees and mentors) will be required to adhere fully to the scientific and fiscal guidelines of CIRM, including monthly and annual reporting.
Application Deadline is due by 11:59 PM on June 17, 2024
Required Application Documents
- A letter of nomination from the mentor, evaluating the candidate’s experience and qualifications, and explaining the nature of the proposed research and training experience.
- The letter should include a statement that the mentor is willing to participate actively in the Stem Cell Training Program, and that they understand that failure of trainee or mentor to participate fully may lead to exclusion from the training program and withdrawal of further funding (two-page limit).
- Current biosketches for the candidate and their mentor (NIH or CIRM format)
- Statement of research interests and career plan for the candidate (less than one page).
- The statement should confirm that the candidate is willing to take the required formal courses as soon as they are next offered, and to participate in the required activities listed above.
- An independently written research project plan
- For postdoctoral applicants - a two-page description of the research project written in an NIH Specific Aims page format.
- Mentor’s current and pending research funding (e.g., NIH or CIRM Other Support document)
- Applicants who have applied to the program before should address previous review feedback (one-page limit)
- Completed program application form – Click the “Apply Now” icon below to access the online application.
We will confirm our cohort of CIRM Postdoctoral Scholars by December for program appointment start in January.
Applications for the next cohort will be due Summer 2024
For application questions and assistance please contact Abbie Enriquez at abbiee@hs.uci.edu.
Program-related questions can be sent to
Dr. Bogi Andersen (bogi@hs.uci.edu) or Dr. Peter Donovan (pdonovan@uci.edu).