Postdoctoral programs

Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award

The VCU Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award is a unique three-year postdoctoral program designed to train fellows in biomedical research and in teaching. IRACDA is funded by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and combines a traditional mentored postdoctoral research experience with an opportunity to develop teaching skills through formal pedagogic training and mentored assignments at minority-serving institutions. The program facilitates the progress of postdoctoral candidates toward research and teaching careers in academia. Other goals are to provide a resource to motivate the next generation of scientists at minority-serving institutions, and to promote linkages between research-intensive institutions and minority-serving institutions that can lead to further collaborations in research and teaching.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must hold a Ph.D. or M.D. and must complete the degree before starting the program. IRACDA trainees must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents or non-citizen nationals. Proof of citizenship status or resident status will be required before the start of the program.

Application process

Interested applicants should complete the IRACDA application form .

Applicants should submit their curriculum vitae, a statement of career goals, graduate transcripts and three letters of reference. Applications are accepted and trainees admitted on a rolling basis. The start date is flexible. A successful candidate must demonstrate an interest in teaching, excellence in research and an interest in increasing diversity in the biomedical sciences workforce.

IRACDA fellows will have a research mentor at VCU and a teaching mentor at a partner university: Virginia Union University, Virginia State University or Elizabeth City State University.

For questions or inquiries, please contact COHDTraining@vcu.edu.