CLRES 2076: Introduction to Grant Writing for Postdoctoral Trainees (1 credit)
Course Description
Course Format
Modules
Course Directors
Prerequisites
Course Requirements
Educational Benefits
Deadlines
Registration
How to Apply
Request to Consult with an Advisor
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Clear and precise writing is an essential part of effectively communicating scientific discoveries and successfully competing for external research training support. At the conclusion of this course, participants will have completed a draft of their own application.
The objectives of this course include:
- Learning the process of applying for external funding and the types of available federal and foundation funding mechanisms;
- Developing the skills necessary to effectively communicate research aims and hypotheses; and
- Acquiring the skills necessary to construct a competitive grant application.
In addition, through active participation in the course, participants will complete a draft of their own application.
This course is targeted to post-graduate PhD- and MD-level scientists interested in applying for National Institutes of Health (NIH) F and K series grants (including K99/R00), other federal training grants (e.g., VA, DoD) or nonfederal foundation grants. In addition, this course will satisfy the professional development requirements of T32-supported trainees. Please note that: (1) US citizenship or permanent residency status is required to apply for NIH T and F series fellowship awards, (2) Only one NIH K award mechanism accepts applications from foreign nationals: K99/R00, and (3) Some foundation fellowships may accept applications from foreign nationals depending upon the sponsor.
Please note:
- US citizenship or permanent residency status is required to apply for NIH T and F series fellowship awards.
- Only one NIH K award mechanism accepts applications from foreign nationals: K99/R00
- Some foundation fellowships may accept applications from foreign nationals depending upon the sponsor.
COURSE FORMAT
January – April 2024
In-Person, Rooms TBA (Note: a virtual participation option will not be offered this term)
Mondays, 6:00-8:00pm (some class sessions will not take up full 2 hours)
|
1/22/24 |
Lecture: NIH Institute Choice, Aims page, Biosketch (Room 1105AB Scaife) |
|
1/29/24 |
Lecture: Mentorship and Training Plan Outline (Room 1105AB Scaife) |
|
2/5/24 |
No Class |
|
2/12/24 |
Small Group Peer Review: Aims and Biosketch (Rooms 1102, 1104, 1105AB, 1105C Scaife) |
|
2/19/24 |
No class – President’s Day (work on training plans) |
|
2/26/24 |
Lecture: Significance and Innovation (Room 1105AB Scaife) Small Group Peer Review: Aims Page Revision and Training Plan (Rooms 1102, 1104, 1105AB,1105C Scaife) |
|
3/4/24 |
Lecture: Research Plan (Room 1105AB Scaife) Small Group Peer Review: Training Plan (Rooms 1102, 1104, 1105AB, 1105C Scaife) |
|
3/11/24 |
No class – Spring Recess |
|
3/18/24 |
Lecture: Review Process (Room 1105AB) Small Group Peer Review: Significance and Innovation (Rooms 1102, 1104, 1105AB, 1105C Scaife) |
|
3/25/24 |
Lecture: Revisiting the Mentored Career Development Award, Q&A (Room 1105AB Scaife) Small Group Peer Review: Research Plan (Rooms 1102, 1104, 1105AB, 1105C Scaife) |
|
4/1/24 |
No Class – prepare for Mock Study Section |
|
4/8/24 |
No Class – prepare for Mock Study Section |
|
4/15/24 |
Small Group – Mock Study Section ((Rooms 1102, 1104, 1105AB, 1105C Scaife) |
COURSE DIRECTORS
Lauren M. Bylsma, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
J. Richard Chaillet, MD, PhD
Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
Scientist Administrator, Office of Research, Health Sciences
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
PREREQUISITES
(1) Faculty Mentor Support
Faculty mentors will be expected to provide guidance and constructive feedback on course assignments; therefore, a letter of support is required from your faculty mentor. You will need the support and encouragement of your faculty mentor to successfully compete for a research training award. Consequently, enrollment in this course will be limited to only those applicants who provide a letter of support from their faculty mentor that:
(1) affirms your scientific readiness to compete for a research training grant,
(2) clearly articulates your faculty mentor’s understanding of the importance
for you to attend every session, and
(3) demonstrates your faculty mentor’s overall commitment to your
career success.
(2) English Language Proficiency
Postdoctoral associates, postdoctoral scholars, and research associates university-wide, who earned their doctoral degrees at English-speaking institutions, are eligible to apply for non-degree student admission.
Others must demonstrate:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) score of at least 100
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least Band 7
- Completion of University of Pittsburgh English as a Second Language Courses
Testing for the spring 2023 semester is open and will continue until the deadline for adding classes.
To register for the English Proficiency Test, send an email to pitttest@pitt.edu with the heading "English test," and include the following information: 1) your full name, 2) your PeopleSoft number found on your Pitt ID, 3) your date of birth, and 4) your University of Pittsburgh email address
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
Participants will be expected to submit and bring to class drafts of sections of their application as they are covered in the course, beginning with Specific Aims in the second week of the course. Participants also will be expected to read and critique sections of grant applications of other participants as they are developed during the course and join in class discussions of these applications. At the conclusion of the course, participants will have produced a draft of their grant application.
This course will be pass/fail. Passing this course will be based on attendance of at least 75% of lectures, submitting drafts of application sections, and participating in peer review.
EDUCATION BENEFITS
Description of Postdoctoral Education Benefits: View Benefits
Based upon IRS tax code, graduate tuition benefits above $5250 in a calendar year are considered taxable income and these taxes are withheld from your educational benefits. To avoid federal income tax liability:
- PA residents* should not enroll in more than 4 graduate credits per calendar year
- Out of state residents should not enroll in more than 2.5 graduate credits per calendar year
*US citizens and permanent residents can be considered PA residents after residing in PA for twelve consecutive months.
Financial responsibility for a 1-credit graduate course after tuition benefits are applied is explained here.
Postdocs are encouraged to ask their faculty mentors to reimburse their out-of-pocket expenses for graduate credit courses.
Postdoc Tuition Payment Instructions for Administrators
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications will be accepted through January 12, 2024.
HOW TO APPLY
Postdoctoral trainees at the University of Pittsburgh do not have to submit transcripts (due to already possessing a doctoral degree). Additionally, the graduate student application fee is waived for non-degree students.
All new applicants must complete the online application before registering for courses. Click here to access the application.
If you are an on-going student, you do not need to complete the online application process.
You will be able to upload your mentor's Letter of Support at the end of the application form.
REGISTRATION
Registration for postdocs is by special permit only. New applicants will receive a link to register in a confirmation email upon acceptance of their application.
For returning students, complete the registration form here.
Financial responsibility is incurred upon registration.
REQUEST TO CONSULT WITH AN ADVISOR
If you have any questions, email OACDGradCourses@pitt.edu or call (412) 648-8486 to talk with an advisor.