Pre-doc Preparatory Program (P3) in Translational Research

upenn

ITMAT Education (ITMAT Ed) at Penn and the Leukodystrophy Center of Excellence (LCE) at CHOP provides a one-year Pre-doc Preparatory Program (P3) in Translational Research to formalize the education and training of research coordinators working within the Global Leukodystrophy Initiative – Clinical Trials Network (GLIA-CTN). Research coordinators, referred to as P3 Scholars, are expected to be provided with 2 hours of protected time each week to pursue formal education in clinical and translational research. Most of the sessions will be held online via Zoom with opportunities to connect in person during the annual GLIA-CTN meetings and ITMAT symposium. Funding by the GLIA-CTN consortium is provided to support program costs for participants, including travel awards to program meetings and events.

GLIA-CTN Site PIs: Scholar Nominations and Conditions of Enrollment for October 2023 - May 2024 are due July 1

GLIA-CTN Research Coordinators (Scholars): Applications for October 2023 - May 2024 open May 22 and close July 15.

GLIA-CTN Sites PIs and Research Coordinators are encouraged to contact Jessica German, MSEd with questions.

This program lays the foundation for understanding practical aspects of designing and conducting clinical research in an academic environment.  Scholars are introduced to clinical research, clinical protocols, study design and execution, ethical considerations in clinical research, study oversight, data management, the drug development process, and the regulatory environment. Scholars will build and practice professional skills throughout the academic year, attend rare disease research seminars and advocacy presentations, present their research in progress, and learn career pathways in research through career panels. P3 Scholars are introduced to these topics through asynchronous and synchronous learning environments. The content of the course includes seminars, case studies, scholar presentations, journal article-reviews, career panels, hands-on workshops, and scientific meetings.

Upon completion of the program, scholars will be able to:

  • Assess the fundamentals of clinical and translational research, including the design and execution of standard operating procedures, experimental plans, and analysis
  • Interpret ethical principles and the regulatory framework to the planning and execution of research as they relate to protocol privacy and confidentiality
  • Apply resources, concepts, skills, and behaviors from professional development workshops to personal and professional goals
  • Recognize the breadth of career opportunities in clinical and translational research to inform career goals
  • Develop and present scientific research in progress to the academic community and beyond

Currently a research coordinator in the GLIA-CTN:

  • Interested in growing a career in research and seeking professional development opportunities. The curriculum is targeting future leaders in translational research.
  • Able to attend and participate in the program on Fridays from 11am to 1pm EST beginning October 2023 through May 2024 (please note, timing might shift for some in person events)
  • Site PI approved conditions of enrollment

Individuals who bring diversity in the biological or biomedical sciences by reason of their culture, class, race, ethnicity, background, disability, work and life experiences, skills and interests are encouraged to apply for the program. Applications are especially encouraged from students who are Black/African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx Americans, Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, and Pacific-Islanders.

Application Process

Research coordinators are encouraged to speak with their PIs about this opportunity to ensure protected time. Site PIs may nominate 1-2 participants by submitting a Scholar Nomination Form and Conditions of Enrollment. Nominations for 2023-2024 are open from May 22 -July 1. After the nomination is submitted by the PI, nominees must submit their application by July 15. 

Site PIs should contact Dr. Laura Adang or Jessica German for the Scholar Nomination Form and Conditions of Enrollment.

Acceptance into the Program

Applications will be evaluated by P3 Leadership in consultation with the relevant consortium sites. Applicants will be notified by early August regarding the selection committee’s decision. We anticipate accepting 1-2 scholars per site.

Application

The Online Application requires the following items:

  • CV/Resume
  • 1 page personal statement on interests and future career goals

Applicants, please add headers with your name to the applicable documents. 

To submit an online application, you will need to create a CollegeNet account and follow the steps below

  • Create a CollegeNet account. After logging into CollegeNet, select “Online Application”.
  • Enter your Personal Information.  Save and continue to Program Information. 
  • Choose “Perelman School of Medicine - Masters and Certificate Programs”
    • Select: “ITMAT Pre-doc Preparatory Program in Translational Research, non-deg”
    • Select "Fall 2023" term.
  • You can enter information in stages, at your own pace, and access the application any number of times until submission.
  • Once the application has been fully submitted, check the status of the submission.

For questions about the program, please contact:

Program Director: Laura Adang, MD, PhD, MSTR

Program Staff: Jessica German, MSEd

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