UCLA's T32 Translational Neuroscience on Drug Abuse Training Program

UCLA is accepting applications now! Scroll down for relevant deadlines.

OVERVIEW

Now in its 14th year, the UCLA Training Program on the Translational Neuroscience of Drug Abuse (TNDA) supports pre- and postdoctoral trainees aspiring to become leaders in the field. TNDA graduates have successful careers in academic research, industry, science policy, teaching and scientific writing.

Each year, 5 predoctoral and 2 postdoctoral trainees are competitively selected to receive 12-month fellowships with the possibility of renewal (start or after July 1, 2022).

The TNDA Program comprises core activities, which include developing and conducting mentored research projects, training in oral and written presentations, completing selected coursework and training in the responsible conduct of research.

Program Director: Edythe London, Ph.D.

TNDA Faculty. Mentors work in various disciplines, but their work often spans more than one focus area.

Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience

Integrative Neuroscience

Cognitive Neuroscience

Anne AndrewsZiva CooperEdythe London
Catherine M. Cahill
Michael Fanselow
Erika Nurmi
Christopher Evans
Alicia Izquierdo
Adriana Galvan
David Krantz
Barbara Knowlton
Pamela Kennedy
Igor SpigelmanNigel Maidment
Lara Ray

Melissa Sharpe

 Kate Wassum 
 Andrew Wikenheiser 

PREDOCTORAL APPLICATION

Qualified Applicants Must:

  • Be pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biological science, psychology, pharmacology, or related field under the supervision of a TNDA mentor at UCLA (see faculty list above)
  • Be committed to the study of drug addiction;
  • Have US citizenship or non-citizen nationality (born in US outlying possessions) or permanent residency;
  • Have received no more than 5 years of predoctoral NRSA support (individual & institutional awards combined).

Application Process. Submit the completed application package via email to the TNDA Program Administrator, Mario Mandujano (mmandujano@mednet.ucla.edu). Paper applications will NOT be accepted. The application package should include the following:

1) Information Sheet. Download, complete and sign this form: Information Sheet.

2) Self-Statement (maximum of 3 pages, single spaced, 11-point Arial font, 0.5-inch margins). Provide a general description of a proposed research project including aims, data point collection and potential outcomes. The statement should also highlight your research/education accomplishments and background relevant to your interest in drug abuse research. You must name the UCLA TNDA Faculty member who has agreed to serve as your mentor for the duration of the fellowship.  A reference list does not count toward the 3-page limit.

*Trainees who are-applying for renewal should submit a progress report indicating a plan for the next year.

3) Curriculum vitae including list of publications.

4) Nomination letter written by a faculty member or mentor who knows you well.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 15, 2022, 5:00 PM Pacific Time. 

Award notifications are sent out by May 1 of the appointment year.

POSTDOCTORAL APPLICATION 

Qualified Applicants Must:

  • Have a doctoral degree, (M.D. or Ph.D. in neuroscience, biological science, psychology, pharmacology or related field) by the time of appointment. Degree confirmation is required at the time of official appointment;
  • Be committed to the study of drug addiction;
  • Have US citizenship or non-citizen nationality (born in US outlying possessions) or permanent residency;
  • Have received no more than 3 years of postdoctoral NRSA support (individual & institutional awards combined).

Application Process.
STEP 1: PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW

Interested individuals must submit a current CV for consideration. Submit via email to the program administrator, Julia Birenbaum (jbirenbaum@mednet.ucla.edu). You may also contact Ms. Joan Madden-Ceballos with program-related questions.

STEP 2: FORMAL APPLICATION

Upon approval, complete the following steps:

  • Mentor Selection: From the TNDA Faculty (above), select a mentor and initiate discussion of  a research proposal and the mentor’s approval to conduct the proposed work in their laboratory.
    • Submit Application Package: Applicants must submit all elements of the application package electronically by the deadline.

Application Package: 

1) Information Sheet: Download, complete and sign this form: Information Sheet.

2) Self-Statement (max 3 pages, single spaced, 11-point Arial font, .5-inch margins): Provide a general description of your proposed research project including aims, data point collection and potential outcomes. The statement should also highlight your research/education accomplishments and provide background information relevant to your interest in drug abuse research. Applicants must name the TNDA faculty member mentor who has agreed to serve as their mentor. A bibliography does not count toward the 3-page limit.

*Current fellows applying for renewal should submit a progress report on their research and achievements in the past year, and future directions for a second year of research.

3) Nomination letter: Provide a formal letter of recommendation written by a faculty member or mentor who knows you best

Submission & Notification of Award

Submission: Submit completed application packages via email to the TNDA Program Administrator, Julia Birenbaum (jbirenbaum@mednet.ucla.edu). Paper applications will NOT be accepted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 01, 2022, 5:00 PM PACIFIC TIME.

Award notifications are made within 2 months of the application deadline.