BIRCWH Prospective Scholar

The aim of this training program is to place junior investigators invested in women’s health and/or sex difference research on the path to be competitive for NIH independent K- or R- awards. Success of the program is judged by the number of trainees who go on to secure independent NIH K-awards and NIH R21 grants in the short term, and NIH R01, and R01 equivalent funding in the long term, for women’s health and/or sex differences research. All research fields and approaches are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to basic science, translational, clinical, epidemiological, and health services research.

UMN K12 Award Information

  • 75% (50% Surgeon) salary support (up to $100,000 inclusive of fringe), $30,000 in research and career development support per year
  • Appointment is for three years contingent on satisfactory performance 
  • Professional development and leadership opportunities including but not limited to National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, OpEd Project training, etc.
  • Networking and collaboration opportunities across local and national networks including but not limited to Midwest BIRCWH scholar consortium, meeting with national leaders, hosting a visiting scholar, an inside look into National Institute of Health, etc.

Eligibility 

  • Assistant Professor (in rank ≤ 6 years; Have no more than six years of research or research training experience beyond their last doctoral degree) at the University of Minnesota 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to developing a sustainable research career in women’s health and or sex differences. 

Tips and Resources 

We have generated a few tips and resources we think might be helpful for prospective scholars putting together their application materials. 

Familiarize yourself with successful components to NIH K applications including 

BIRCWH Career Development Pathways Conceptual Model

 

Alt Text: The image is the BIRCWH program conceptual model. Our program is built from a foundation of evaluation and proven curriculum for a career development pathways. From this foundation the pillars of our program grow including individual development plans for each scholar, interdisciplinary mentorship, independent research projects, competency-based core curriculum, and optional additional networking and training opportunities. These pillars lead to a successful graduate who go on to be rigorous, ethical, and independent researchers, advocates for women’s health and sex/gender differences research, mentors, career builders and advocates, community-engaged scholars, champions of health equity and antiracism, and leaders in interdisciplinary team science and healthcare. Through being a successful graduate these scholars contribute to improved systems for women’s health which bridges our University of Minnesota BIRCWH program with the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) goals including 1) Rigorous and relevant research, 2) develop methods and leverage data sources, 3) disseminate and implement evidence, 4) promote training and careers, and 5)evaluation of relevant research.