The IRACDA Program: Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award
Description: IRACDA is a four-year program with fellowships that provide up to 3 years of postdoctoral salary support and adds training and experience in college-level instruction to the typical mentored research training. The IRACDA program is funded through an NIH IRACDA grant awarded to UCLA. Participating postdocs will continue to dedicate most of their time to research, but additionally receive advanced pedagogical training at UCLA and engage in a formal teaching practicum in college level instruction at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), a four-year institution with a long-standing commitment to teaching students from underrepresented groups. The purpose of the IRACDA program is to train a diverse group of postdocs, preparing them for teaching and research careers in the biological sciences. The program involves training in effective research, mentoring, and teaching as well as support for career development in academia.
Funding: This is a 4 year program in which IRACDA provides the standard UCLA Postdoctoral salary for up to 3 years and the PI funds Year 1 or 4.
Eligibility: We welcome applications from prospective or current postdocs with less than 2 years postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment, who are US citizens or permanent residents, have career goals that involve teaching at a college or university, and demonstrate commitment to diversifying the STEM workforce by teaching and mentoring underrepresented students in the biomedical sciences. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Process: If you are a current postdoc or have already applied to and been accepted into a UCLA research lab, then simply follow the instructions below. If you are currently applying to research labs at UCLA, but have not yet been accepted to join a lab, then include that information in your email message and statement of interest when submitting your application.
Application:
IRACDA@UCLA is accepting applications on a rolling basis, new training cohorts start each fall. Following review of applications and interviews (in person or via videoconference) of qualified applicants with program leadership, including CSULA faculty mentors, candidates will be notified of their acceptance to the IRACDA program, preferably no later June 1 of each year.
Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure consideration for the IRACDA fellowship. Applications received after April 1st may be considered in the next year’s application cycle.
Please submit your application HERE. Before starting the application, please have the following materials ready:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV). Please include a professional references page at the end with the names and contact information for your postdoctoral research mentor (who must submit your nomination letter) and two referees (who will submit letters of recommendation).
2. A Statement of Interest 1-page (1.5 space, 12 pt Arial) outlining your purpose in applying to the IRACDA program.
3. A Research summary 1-2 page (1.5 space, 12 pt Arial) that describes your graduate research and your proposed postdoctoral research (or current research for existing postdocs) with your UCLA research mentor.
4. A nomination letter from your UCLA postdoctoral research mentor. Two letters of recommendation, ideally from your PhD mentor and an additional referee at the professional level. These letters can be submitted directly to IRACDA@mednet.ucla.edu
Members of underrepresented groups in the biomedical sciences are encouraged to apply.