T32 Molecular Biology in Burns and Trauma

This T32 Ruth NRSA training Program in its 23rd year proposes to take primarily surgeons and other critical care medicine physicians during the third or fourth year of their general residency programs, and expose them to two, three and even four years of mentored research in inflammation biology with highly productive basic science mentors focused on inflammation-related topics. The overall research program will focus on mastery of molecular biology, functional genomics and gene regulation, as it applies broadly to inflammation research.

Applications to the program need to be completed and returned to either the General Surgery Residency Office, or to Dr. Efron.  In general, these applications are to be submitted in the fall of the year prior to requested fellowship period. Applications from qualified candidates outside the UF Department of Surgery can be obtained by contacting Dr. Efron.

Funding:  There are multiple mentorship and funding opportunities in the department, including work on the NIH National Research Service Award T32 Postdoctoral Training Grants, Molecular Biology and Gene Therapy in Burns and Trauma,” (T32 GM08431). Funded for over 20 years, the overall goal of this T32 is to provide a focused two-year research experience for two surgical residents-in-training expressing a commitment to a career in trauma, injury, burn or inflammation research. The research program focuses on mastery of molecular biology and gene therapy as it applies to inflammation research and translational biology. Collaborations with other departments include other funded research opportunities such on the PARADIGM T32, which prepares trainees to be leaders in genomic medicine research and implementation, with recent projects by our trainees focusing on aortic aneurysm development and outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients. We work with each trainee to customize their time in the lab in partnership with current research opportunities, which include but are not limited to a fellowship in critical care medicine or pursuing an additional degree such as an MPH  or Ph.D. For promising individuals who select a career in clinical research, the Department participates in the College of Medicine program, funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which leads to a Masters of Science degree in Clinical Research.  This Advanced Postgraduate Program in Clinical Investigation (K30) is designed to provide didactic training, practical guidance and mentorship from a multidisciplinary team of researchers.  Exceptional candidate with long-standing interest in basic research and appropriate past experiences may apply for admission to the doctoral degree program in the Graduate School.

Post-doctoral research fellowships :  The Department of Surgery also seeks qualified MDs and PhDs from the University of Florida, as well as other US and foreign institutions, for post-doctoral research fellowships.

Deadlines:  Applications to participate in the T32 training program funded by the NIH must be received by the Department of Surgery by December 1 for the academic year beginning July 1.  Applications to the Graduate School are due February 15 prior to the academic year beginning in August.  For General Surgery House Officers, all applications, including those for the T32, K30 or Graduate School, require prior approval by the Department of Surgery Research Advisory Committee.