Interdisciplinary Pharmacology Scientists (TIPS)

Training Interdisciplinary Pharmacology Scientists Application

IMPORTANT: Please Review Trainee Eligibility Criteria above prior to completing an application.

• Application deadline: Monday, September 30, 2019
• Applicant Interviews: October 2019 (Date TBA)
• Fellowship Start Date: November 1, 2019 

TIPS APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (NOTE: All application material must be received on or before September 30, 2019 for eligible consideration. Late submissions will not be accepted.)

Complete and submit the TIPS Training Application form via email to Vanessa Herrera at herrera@rice.edu. Be certain to fill out the application COMPLETELY: you must provide GRE and/or MCAT scores as well as undergraduate and graduate GPA.

Complete and submit the Project Information document (word or pdf format) via email to Vanessa Herrera at herrera@rice.edu, and include the following sections:

• Project Description (max 750 words)
• Layperson’s Project Description (max 250 words)
• Mentoring Plan (max 500 words)
• Grant Support *Please see full list of detailed requirements for this document in the TIPS Training Application form

The Primary Mentor and Co-Mentor must each submit a Mentor Recommendation Letter via direct email to Vanessa Herrera at herrera@rice.edu. These letters should evaluate the applicant in terms of his/her suitability for a research career in the pharmacological sciences and should specifically address the following areas:

• Scientific background and prior training
• Research experience and skills
• Quantitative skills, aptitude and training
• Work ethic
• Communication skills
• Ability to work with others
• Mentor’s approval of applicant’s Mentoring Plan

Secure two Letters of Recommendation from people other than your mentors. Recommenders should submit their letters directly to Vanessa Herrera at herrera@rice.edu

Submit Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework (Official preferred, Unofficial accepted) to Vanessa Herrera at herrera@rice.edu

Submit a current resume (CV) outlining your professional work and research experience and your history to Vanessa Herrera at herrera@rice.edu

Submit proof of citizenship – copy of passport, permanent residency card, or birth certificate to Vanessa Herrera at herrera@rice.edu

SELECTION PROCESS (Interview) Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the TIPS Steering Committee. The interview will:

• Be attended by applicant and mentors (both primary and co-mentors).
• Consist of a 10-minute research talk by the applicant with slides of his/her research experience, goals, and proposed collaborative research project.
• Take place in UT Health’s McGovern Medical School (Date, TBA).

This interview is critical to robustly assess the applicant’s suitability for the Program and potential for success during and after the Program, including the ability to communicate his/her science. The Steering Committee will discuss each applicant and make final selections based on merit. All applicants will be notified via email.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION (For fiscal year 2019-2020)

• Appointments will begin November 1, 2019
• Appointments will be for 1 year, with potential for a 2nd year. The 2nd year appointment is dependent upon 1) successful completion of program requirements in year 1, and 2) continued NIH funding.
• Trainees and mentors will participate in an annual progress review with the TIPS Steering Committee near the end of the 1st year. If trainee progress is acceptable, the trainee could receive a 2nd year of support. Trainees and mentors are also expected to participate in an interview at the end of their training period.
• Stipend level: $24,816
• Travel: $300 (Required poster or oral presentation at selected conference)
• Other funds: Some funds will be provided to help defray costs of trainee Tuition and Health Insurance

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Applicants will be required to fulfill the requirements listed below:

1. Required courses in therapeutics and drug development (See ‘Curriculum’ tab for details).
2. Co-mentored research project to ensure cross-training.
3. Career development to expand professional skills and knowledge of career options.
4. Broader scientific activities, such as weekly seminars, monthly trainee meetings and an annual research conference, to build a well-rounded, collegial community within and between training cohorts.
5. Shadowships at local biotech companies to provide a unique industry experience and facilitate potential collaborations for our trainees.
6. Acceptable progress after year 1, as determined by annual progress review with TIPS Steering Committee Trainees are strongly encouraged to participate in Program activities after their training period ends, as their experience and knowledge will be extremely important for future trainees. The Program as a whole strives to build a large cohort of trainees who have received exceptional training in the Pharmacological Sciences.

Trainees should acknowledge NIH/NIGMS’ full or partial support of your research in all publications, such as abstracts, journal articles, oral or poster presentations, news releases, and other communications. Please refer to the Acknowledging Keck Center support page for specific instructions.

The Gulf Coast Consortia is committed to providing equal opportunity in training for individuals with disabilities and individuals from racial and ethnic groups who are currently under-represented in STEM fields. We welcome applications from all qualified trainees, regardless of ethnic/racial status or disability status. All GCC member institutions are ADAAA compliant and have offices of disability support services that provide accommodations and support services to trainees, faculty, staff, and visitors.