The NIGMS T32-funded University of Utah Genetics Training Program supports twelve predoctoral students. Support is provided for 2 years and includes tuition, health insurance, travel expenses for appropriate meetings/courses, and other approved training-related expenses (e.g., books, lab supplies). Trainees also participate in scientific and professional development activities, which continue throughout their graduate careers.

Criteria for trainee selection:

  • Scientific excellence
  • Relevance of the proposed research to the field of Genetics
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Must have completed First Year curriculum and passed Capstone Examination
  • Applicants in years 1-2 of their graduate studies will be considered

We particularly urge applications from (1) individuals from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the health-related sciences, (2) individuals with disabilities, and (3) individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Information about NIH definitions and guidelines can be found at the following website: https://diversity.nih.gov/about-us/population-underrepresented.

Policies for Trainee Participation:

  • Trainees must complete a graduate course in Scientific Integrity and Research Ethics (e.g., MBIOL 7570)
  • Trainees must complete the graduate course Genetics/G3 (MBIOL 6420)
  • Trainees must complete two advanced courses in Genetics and a course in Statistical Analysis. Currently, course offerings that can be used toward satisfying this requirement include Applied Computational Genomics (HGEN 6060); New Tools of Genetic Analysis: Genetics Meets Genomics (HGEN 6060); and Introduction to Probability and Statistics (BMI 6106)
  • Trainees must participate in the Genetics Interest Group Seminar Series, Genetics Conferences Trainee meetings, and Annual Retreats

When to Apply

Applications for trainee positions will be solicited in April 2022 and due in June 2022 (deadline TBA). Announcements are posted around campus and sent to the email list.

Applications must include the following components:

  • Completed Cover Sheet (2 pages).
  • Your curriculum vitae with description of education and training.
  • A short description of your thesis research project. This should address the following points: i) what is the “big problem” or context of your work; ii) what is the important open question you want to focus on and why is it important; iii) what are the specific approaches you will take to address this question, formatted as a set of Aims. You should emphasize connections of your project to the field of genetics. Also briefly indicate progress, if any, you have accomplished so far. Include strategic literature references. There is a limit of two pages, not including references or figures. Font must be 11pt Arial, single spaced, with 1 inch margins. The proposal must be written entirely by the student applicant.
  • Copies of your academic transcripts, both undergraduate and graduate (an official transcript is not necessary).
  • Copy of the committee’s review of your most recently completed qualifying exam, if available: either your Capstone exam or your Departmental prelims.
  • Three letters of support. One must be from your advisor, and should comment on the independence with which you composed your proposal. The other letters should be from faculty familiar with your academic or research potential (instructors, examiners, rotation advisors, or committee members).

Questions about qualifications or the application process should be directed to Patty Lisieski (pattyl@genetics.utah.edu).