Coulter Post Doctoral Scholars

The Coulter Center Post-Doctoral Scholars grants support innovative translational research projects that are conceived of by postdocs.

The Post-Doctoral Scholar Research Grant supports up to $25,000 a project, for initiating and advancing innovative translational research projects that are conceived of by postdocs within the department of BME. While also providing an impactful translational research training experience for postdocs. This grant is intended to support trainee-led research that will enhance their postdoctoral training experience and make them competitive for the next steps in their career. It will also help them generate strong preliminary data to be used in publications, secure external funding, and/or help them prepare for their independent careers. 

In line with the philosophy of the Wallace H. Coulter Center for Translational Research of promoting “Science serving humanity”, applications for the Post-Doctorial Scholar Research Grant must lay out a direct path for how the proposed work has the potential to improve patient wellness.

 

2023-2024 Coulter Scholar Projects

 

  • Nucleocytoplasmic Transport Inhibition in AML- Project PI: Dr. Bishal Paudel
  • Emergence of collateral antibiotic sensitivity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates during laboratory evolution- Project PI: Dr. Mohammad Islam
  • Investigating Rhinovirus-Associated Gene Signatures in Children with Severe Wheeze- Project PI: Dr Cameron Griffiths 
  • Assessing the Impact of Hip Muscle Metrics on Patient Reported Outcomes and Treatment Efficacy- Project PI: Dr. Emily McCain

 

 

  • Award

    Selected Coulter Scholars will recevie $20-25k per project for 1 year, with a one-time no-cost extension of 6 months.

  • Eligibility & Requirements

    1. The applicant should be a postdoctoral trainee, at any stage, who is working with a PI who has a primary, joint, or courtesy appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME).

    2. The proposal will be reviewed for merit and suitability within the missions of the Center.

    3. The applicant needs to identify a clinical co-mentor for the proposal who will provide mentorship
    and guidance toward identifying the clinical implications of the research project. NOTE: the applicant’s PI and co-mentor must be different people.

    4. Awarded Scholars are required to submit a one page progress report 6 months into funding cycle.

    5. Coulter Scholars are required to participate in a one hour Translational Grant Writing Workshop that is led by BME faculty. 

  • Application Components
    1. Curriculum vitae
    2. Research plan: No more than 2 pages of single-spaced text. Font size should Arial 11 points, and margins should be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches. References are not included in the 2-page limit.
    3. Professional development plan (limited to 300 words)
      1. This should outline the training plan during the period of the award. Include a description of the minimum of 10 hours of workshops/seminars that will be attended and why they were chosen to enhance the applicant’s knowledge of scientific communication, project management, and intellectual property. 
    4. Health impact statement (limited to 500 words)
      1. This should outline epidemiological information, the current clinical practice, and how the proposed research can lead to an outcome that will benefit patients.
    5. Proposed budget
    6. Letter of mentorship from translational co-mentor
      1. This letter describes how the co-mentor will support the applicant, the nature of the translational guidance, and how frequently the co-mentor will meet with the applicant.
      2.  Curriculum vitae of co-mentor
    7. Signed agreement of support from PI and co-signed by clinical co-mentor (template)
      1. This letter indicates that the proposed project differs from already funded research within the lab and that the PI endorses the application.  
  • Professional Development Requirement

    Awardees will participate in at least 10 hours of training to enhance their knowledge of scientific communication, project management, and intellectual property. Possible training activities include the Innovation, Commercialization, or Communicating Research Series offered by the PhD+ Program, grant and research development through iTHRIV at UVA, or educational events offered through the UVA Licensing & Ventures Group.

    Awardees will also attend a translational grant writing workshop that will be held within UVA BME during the Spring 2024 semester. 

  • Review Process

    Decisions shall be made by a program committee that is comprised of Brian Helmke, Associate Professor of BME, Mohammad Fallahi-Sochani, Associate Professor of BME, and Patrick Cottler, Director of Resident Research UVA.

    Once selection decisions have been finalized, the awardee will receive a confirmation letter.

    Each project will receive a unique funding worktag. 

  • Timeline

    Applications for the 2023 funding cycle are due by July 14th, 2023.

    Please contact uvacoulter@virginia.edu if you are interested in applying. 

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    How will I receive the Scholar funding? 

    Awardees will receive unique funding worktag to use during the active funding cycle.

    Can I apply for funding more than once? 

    Postdocs are eligible to apply for the Scholars grant multiple times throughout training at UVA. 

    What can I use the funding for? 

    The funds are intended to support the advancement of translational research projects conceived by BME postdoctoral trainees. A detailed budget justification is requiremed in the proposal.