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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through InfoReady:

If you experience issues with the site, contact Beth Spyke at spykeb@ccf.org.

Deadline: October 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (EST)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications must include the following materials:

  1. Letters of Recommendation

    • Exactly three letters are required (no more, no fewer).

    • One letter must be from the department chair.

    • All letters must address:

      • Applicant’s interest and ability in team-based, multidisciplinary clinical and translational research

      • Research potential and leadership qualities

      • Multidisciplinary nature and importance of applicant’s research area

      • Applicant’s teamwork and “mentorability”

      • Department’s commitment to supporting the applicant

      • Applicant’s ability to matriculate by October 15, 2025

    • The department chair’s letter must also confirm:

      • 75% protected time for research (50–75% for surgeons)

      • Salary support (K12 covers up to $90,000; department provides remainder)

      • Department appointment, mentorship, and research support

      • Tuition support for coursework and training

    • Letters are due October 1, 2025 (same as application materials).

  2. NIH Biosketch (max 5 pages)

    • Follow NIH instructions:

  3. Curriculum Vitae

    • Use “non-fellowship” format

    • Do not include works in progress or under review (list only published or in-press)

  4. Personal Statement (1 page max)
    Address:

    • Your background and motivation for a research career

    • Prior research experience

    • How this program will shape your career trajectory

    • Why you are interested in team-based, multidisciplinary clinical and translational research

  5. Career Development Plan (2 pages max)
    Address:

    • Five-year career goals

    • Training needed to become a multidisciplinary research team leader

    • Gaps in your current training and how this program fills them

    • Specific plans (courses, workshops, mentoring, etc.)

    • Optional: List of potential mentors

  6. Research Plan (6 pages max)
    Must include:

    • Specific Aims & Hypotheses (1 page)

    • Background & Significance (1 page)

    • Research Design & Methods (4 pages)
      Preferred applications will include at least one interdisciplinary element (e.g., aim, method).

  7. Literature Cited (1 page max)

Total Page Limit: 15 pages (10 application materials + 5-page biosketch)
Excludes recommendation letters.

FORMATTING INSTRUCTIONS

  • File type: PDF only

  • Include your name on every page

  • Font: Arial, Helvetica, Palatino Linotype, or Georgia, size 11+

  • Line spacing: Single-spaced, max six lines per inch

  • Type density: Max 15 characters per inch

  • Paper size: 8.5" x 11"

  • Margins: At least 0.5" on all sides

  • Text must be clear, black ink, legible, single-sided

  • Pages must be numbered (no suffixes such as 5a, 5b)

Applications that do not follow page limits and formatting guidelines will be disqualified.