Application Process

Selection Criteria

Required

• Associate or early Full Professor (Steps 1 or 2) as of July 1, 2024. 
• Strong track record of research (e.g., R01 awards, multiple publications). We are open to any type of research (basic, translational, clinical, health services, policy) and all disciplines. 
• Experience mentoring historically excluded trainees in research. 
• Contributions to diversity at UCSF and beyond.  Applicant may refer to their “Contributions to Diversity Statement” in their CV.

Preferred 

• Research faculty from historically excluded backgrounds. 
• Experience mentoring trainees across several disciplines. 
• Preference will be given to candidates who do not hold current NIH Mid-Career Development Awards (e.g., K24, K25, or equivalent mid-career awards).

Application

1. One page* statement outlining how the applicant meets the program criteria, and the anticipated benefit of this award on the applicant’s career development.  This statement should also include a paragraph with details about: 1) school, department, and division (if relevant); 2) academic series, rank, and step as of 7/1/24; and 3) information about historically excluded background (if relevant) and experience with diversity.
2. NIH formatted biographical sketch
3. UCSF Curriculum Vitae
4. One page* letter of support from Chair, Vice Chair, or Division Chief highlighting the applicant’s research accomplishments, departmental support, and future success potential.
5. Documentation of applicant’s mentorship track record (as noted below).
6. Please submit one PDF of the application components.

*Page limits are suggested

Deadline

Please email your application to Claudine Catledge ([email protected]) by 5pm, February 13, 2024.

Example Table of Mentees

Timeline

• February 13, 2024 at 5pm PST: Application deadline
• April 16, 2024: Awardees are notified
• July 1, 2024: Program starts

Program Components

Once selected for the program, awardees will receive the following:

• Funding: Each awardee will receive $75,000 per year for 2 years. The awardees may use these funds for salary support, research staff support, or other needs for advancing their research program. Of note, if the awardee receives any other career development award during the award period, the awardee must relinquish all remaining funds but may continue with the programmatic elements of the program. Notification of additional funding must be made within 30 days of notification of funding.

• Mentorship & Sponsorship: Awardees will meet, as a group, with program leadership (Drs. Christina Mangurian and Urmimala Sarkar) every month for peer and near-peer skills building and research and career mentorship.  To enhance networking and sponsorship opportunities, university-wide executive leaders will be periodically invited to participate in monthly meetings.

• Advisory Council Mentorship: We have an Advisory Council reflective of UCSF’s mission of diversity and inclusion. As a group, all three program awardees will attend twice-yearly meetings with this Advisory Council to obtain personalized peer- and near-peer mentorship. These half-day meetings will provide career development support and opportunities to openly discuss common issues faced by emerging leaders.

• Program Evaluation: Awardees will be asked to participate in program evaluation surveys at the beginning of the program, at the mid-point, and at the end of the program.

We are grateful to an anonymous donor, whose generosity has made this program possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Who should I ask to write my letter of support: my Vice Chair, Division Chief, or Department Chair?
A. Any of these people may write your letter of support; you should select the person who knows you the best.

Q. Are faculty in the Clinical X series eligible for this program?
A. While this program does not exclude faculty in the Clinical X series, this program is for mid-career faculty with a strong track record of research as evidenced by R01 awards; multiple publications; and evidence of scientific mentorship.

Q. Are Associate Professors eligible?
A. While this program does not exclude Associate Professors, candidates are selected based on their strong track record of research as evidenced by R01 awards; multiple publications; and evidence of scientific mentorship.

Q. Do I have to be in the School of Medicine to apply?
A. All schools are eligible.

Q. Does my letter of support need to be submitted by my chair via DocuSign?
A. No, you may submit your letter with the rest of your application.

Q. Can I submit a cover letter with my application?
A. Yes, this is optional.