Program Overview
The KU IRACDA (Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards) is a postdoctoral training program supported by NIH-NIGMS. We seek to prepare postdoctoral scholars for careers in academia by providing a mentored research experience, and opportunities to gain skills in education and teaching. Scholars will spend ~75% of their time conducting biomedical research relevant to the NIGMS mission, and ~25% of their time on teaching-related activities.
Postdoctoral scholars will be mentored in research by a KU faculty member. Faculty in the following departments on the KU-Lawrence campus are affiliated with the KU IRACDA program: Molecular Biosciences, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry. Additionally, faculty in the KU Cancer Center (some of whom are based at KU Medical Center in Kansas City) are also affiliated with the KU IRACDA. These groups provide an excellent environment for research development in a range of biological and biomedical fields, and these experiences will be supplemented by skill-development workshops.
In addition, the KU IRACDA provides scholars with an opportunity to gain teaching skills via mentored teaching experiences at one of two partner institutions; Haskell Indians Nations University (based in Lawrence) and Kansas City Kansas Community College.
IRACDA Program Advantages
The KU/Haskell Indian Nations University IRACDA Program provides post-doctoral fellows with…
- Mentored Research Experience: Engage in extensive research training with KU faculty mentors, enhancing your scientific expertise.
- Teaching Opportunities: Participate in unique teaching experiences at partner institutions, such as Haskell Indian Nations University, a local four-year tribal college.
- Professional Development: Access workshops focused on grant writing and scientific publishing to bolster your academic skill set.
- Financial Support: Receive three years of funding, including benefits, to support your postdoctoral endeavors.
- Research and Travel Allowance: Benefit from allowances for research supplies and travel to national conferences, facilitating your professional growth.
Timeline
The IRACDA program at KU offers a three-year timeline that guides postdoctoral scholars through foundational skill-building, advanced research and teaching, and culminating in leadership and independent contributions. This structured approach prepares scholars for success in academic and research careers.
Research
In Year 1, postdocs establish their research foundations by developing essential skills, formulating research questions, and integrating into their lab community. Year 2 focuses on expanding their research impact through project leadership, conference presentations, and optional grant applications. By Year 3, they finalize their contributions by completing projects, publishing findings, and showcasing their work to the broader academic community.
Teaching
Year 1 introduces postdocs to academic instruction, emphasizing observation, guest lecturing, and mentorship. In Year 2, they deepen their expertise by developing instructional materials, teaching established courses, and optionally creating a teaching portfolio. Year 3 culminates in leading independent courses, incorporating feedback to refine their teaching practices.
Professional Development
Postdocs build their career foundations in Year 1 through RCR training, Individual Development Plan (IDP) creation, and participation in workshops. Year 2 advances these skills by refining career goals and expanding professional networks. In Year 3, postdocs focus on leadership training, career transitions, and preparing for academic positions.Need Help
