US Permanent Residents qualify for NIBIB T32 Training Grant.
The VUIIS faculty is comprised of experienced and expert research scientists engaged in the development and application of MR methods in several different important research areas and across different scales. MR methods serve not only as the single most important modality in diagnostic imaging but also provide crucial insights into biological processes and structure to address fundamental questions in biomedical research. Despite continuing advances in MR technology, there is a shortage and a critical need for appropriately trained scientists capable of fully exploiting the potential of MR techniques. We have developed a comprehensive training program in biomedical MRI and MRS designed for outstanding postdoctoral scientists from different backgrounds. Some have been exposed to imaging and MR methods before, but others have had little previous significant experience in biomedical MRI and MRS. Postdoctoral trainees from physics, chemistry, biology, engineering or medicine may receive thorough and exemplary instruction in all of the cognate areas relevant to biomedical NMR in a coherent and comprehensive program. In addition, trainees pursue applications (mainly) in neuroscience, radiology, cancer and metabolic disorders and are co-mentored by collaborators from relevant clinical departments. The formal training includes an educational program, consisting of courses, seminars, and journal clubs; a practical program, consisting of faculty-led tutorials and practical training; and a research program, in which trainees are integrated into an active research program. These programs illustrate most major aspects of the applications of MR methods in humans and animals. Trainees have access to outstanding facilities including three research-dedicated human MR systems (2 at 3T and one 7T); animal MR systems at 4.7T, 7T, 9.4T and 15.2T; and other imaging modalities (including X-ray, ultrasound, optical imaging, microCT, microSPECT and microPET). Trainees are mentored in the ethics and methods of biomedical research, as well as in grant writing and other important career skills. Our previous trainees have been very successful in their careers after leaving our program. The programs, personnel, and facilities at Vanderbilt provide outstanding opportunities for advanced training in biomedical NMR of the highest caliber, and will ensure that the remarkable insights into biology and disease that are possible with MRI and MRS will be realized.
Formal and Informal Education Opportunities
Post-doctoral fellows at the VUIIS benefit from the same outstanding training environment and formal educational opportunities as graduate students (post-doctoral fellows are able to audit one course per semester, for a nominal fee). In addition, we anticipate that they will participate in one or more journal clubs, attend the VUIIS retreat, and attend and speak in the VUIIS seminar series. These programs are fully described under Graduate Education and Training Opportunities, above.
Working at VUIIS
Post-doctoral fellows at the VUIIS typically attend and present at one or more major international meetings per year and attain a high level of scholarship and productivity. The starting salary for fellows is well above the standard NIH rate, and fellows enjoy living in a medium-sized city with a broad range of cultural and recreational opportunities and a reasonable cost of living. Our previous fellows have gone on to assume tenure-track faculty positions at Vanderbilt and elsewhere, as well as positions in the biomedical imaging and pharmaceutical industries.
Campus Resources to Support Post-doctorial Fellow
The Medical Center's Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) coordinates many aspects of post-doctoral training at Vanderbilt, including a large number of career development opportunities. Within the BRET program is the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The mission of this office is to support and assist postdoctoral fellows during their training at Vanderbilt. The types of information listed include:
- Policy and Procedures, including several documents on VUMC policies concerning status, salary, evaluation of performance, and mentor responsibilities. Also available is "The Compact Between Postdoctoral Appointees and Their Mentors," a document outlining the postdoctoral appointee-mentor relationship;
- Professional Development, including funding opportunities, the BRET seminar series, job resources, and grant writing support;
- Events, such as weekly seminars on research and career development topics, workshops, and social gatherings;
- Support Services, such as information on taxes, benefits, salaries and stipends, health insurance, career counseling, and relocation; and
- The Individualized Development Plan: The IDP is one means of communicating progress, goals, career aspirations, and training needs between post-docs and their mentors and is required on an annual basis.
Other VUMC programs for postdoctoral fellows include:
- VUMC Postdoctoral Association: The aim of this association is to unite postdoctoral research fellows from basic science and clinical departments. The organization has activities ranging from social interactions, practice seminars, and career preparation training. In addition to these activities, the association strives to provide information and a sounding board for complaints and concerns to other postdoctoral associates. This group meets once a month on campus.
- Gender-Related Issues: The Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center sponsors programs for students of each gender related to women's issues. They also coordinate a dissertation support group for women. The Society for Women Engineers has a chapter at Vanderbilt. The Women on Track program aims to advance the careers of women in science by promoting the advancement and retention of female tenure-track faculty, providing mentorship for female junior faculty, and creating an infrastructure for internal promotion from the house staff and post-doctoral levels.
- The VU Psychological and Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling, assessment, and organizational consulting.
- Career Services include the Vanderbilt Career Center and the BRET Office of Career Development and Outcomes Analysis, each of which lists available positions. Other resources include workshops, seminars, and alumni networking.
- Writing and Language Support Services, including the Vanderbilt English Language Center and the Vanderbilt Editors' Club, which is sponsored by BRET.
- Services for International Students are coordinated by the International Students and Scholars Services office.
As noted above, the more than 40 core VUIIS faculty members have a broad spectrum of interests within imaging science. Their activities are supported by more than 45 NIH research project grants and similar awards, totaling more than 14 million dollars in annual direct research funds. Post-doctoral training at the VUIIS is sponsored by these regular research project grants and by two institutional training grants. Regular research grants provide funding for a specific scientific project and may include funds for a post-doctoral fellow. Interested parties are recommended to contact individual faculty members about such opportunities. Persons interested in applying to a training grant should contact either Dr. John Gore, the Principal Investigator for the T32 award entitled "Postdoctoral Training in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy," or Dr. Ron Price, PI for the R25 award entitled "Postdoctoral Training in Cancer Imaging." Professional development activities across campus are extensive.