The goal of the UMass Chan Research Fellows Program is to recruit clusters of exceptionally talented junior scientists with the potential to become independent investigators at UMass Chan Medical School, and to provide them with career development, mentoring, and financial support to foster their scientific excellence and leadership. In recognition of diversity as a driver of innovation and scientific impact, we are committed to building and sustaining an inclusive environment with talented individuals from all backgrounds, including backgrounds that are underrepresented in medicine and the biomedical sciences, who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in line with our institutional goals (IMPACT 2025). Candidate evaluations will consider the unique scientific contributions of the candidate as well as leadership and resilience qualities the candidate brings to the program.
Successful applicants will be brought on as a part of an interdisciplinary cohort. Fellows will join one of two tracks: The Maraganore Fellows track or the Chan Fellows track. The Maraganore Fellows track will support one fellow who will develop an independent research program in the areas of RNA biology or RNA therapeutics. The Chan Fellows track will support two fellows who will develop an independent research program that broadly aligns with any area of excellence at UMass Chan.
Resources and Support
Academic appointment: Initial appointment will be at the level of Assistant Professor (non-tenure track). Fellows will be affiliated with UMass Chan academic departments and centers that align with their proposed research directions.
Financial support: The program will provide financial support for an initial period of three years, with the potential to extend to five years. Annual support of approximately $400,000 will be provided to each fellow. This includes salary, research support (personnel, equipment, supplies), and travel. An additional childcare supplement (up to $10,000) will be provided to fellows with dependent children.
Career development support: Fellows will be supported by a team of mentors comprised of established research faculty that will monitor the fellows research progress and support their career development. One faculty member with closely aligned research expertise will serve as the primary mentor. At least one member of the mentoring team will be from outside the department within which the fellow is appointed. In addition, Fellows will participate in a career advancement program that will empower their scientific and professional development, provide writing support, and facilitate their social and cultural integration into our larger UMass Chan scientific community. Fellows will also be expected to participate in career development activities provided through the Independent Career Advancement Program (iCAP) that support their maturation as independent investigators and team leaders.
Expectations: Fellows will develop an independent research program, recruit, and mentor post-doctoral associates, and co-mentor PhD students with tenured or tenure-track faculty. Fellows may apply for additional extramural support alone or in collaboration with tenure-track faculty.
Environment: With a strong culture of collegiality that transcends departmental and disciplinary boundaries, UMass Chan is an engaging community that embraces the exponential power of team science, transdisciplinary research, interaction and collaboration, and innovation.
Who can apply?
Individuals possessing a PhD, MD/PhD, or other doctoral degree, from a wide variety of backgrounds, including, but not restricted to, individuals from groups underrepresented in the biomedical research workforce at the faculty level, and who (at the time of application) are within 24 months post completion of their terminal degree are eligible to apply.
A current CV including peer-reviewed publications.
A two-page anonymized research statement that summarizes prior research and describes the proposed research program.
A one-page statement describing how the applicant’s lived experiences have informed their values, priorities, and career goals.
As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Chan recognizes the added value of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.
Application and evaluation process: Applications submitted by XXX date will be given primary consideration. However, applications will continue to be accepted until the positions are filled. Inquiries, but not application materials, may be directed to Dr. Angela Messmer-Blust at angela.messmerblust@umassmed.edu.
