Program Overview
The KU IRACDA (Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Awards) is a postdoctoral training program supported by NIH-NIGMS. The program prepares postdoctoral scholars for academic careers through mentored research experiences (~75% time) and teaching skill development (~25% time).
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 opportunities via mentored teaching experiences at one of two partner institutions; Haskell Indians Nations University, located in Lawrence, Kansas, and Kansas City Kansas Community College, located 10 miles from KUMC and 35 miles from KU-Lawrence.
IRACDA Program Advantages
The KU/Haskell Indian Nations University IRACDA Program provides postdoctoral scholars 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.
- Salary and Benefits: Salary and benefits: Receive three years of salary, including benefits. (Funds to support research will be provided by your research mentor)
- Research and Travel Allowance: Benefit from allowances for research supplies and travel to national conferences, facilitating your professional growth.
Timeline
The IRACDA at KU is a three-year program that guides postdoctoral scholars through a series of professional development opportunities, providing foundational skills in the responsible conduct of research (RCR), grant writing, and leadership while offering advanced research and teaching experiences. Our structured approach prepares scholars for success in academia.
Research
In Year 1, scholars 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, scholars finalize their contributions by completing projects, publishing findings, and showcasing their work to the broader academic community.
Teaching
Year 1 introduces scholars 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
Scholars build their career foundations in Year 1 through Responsible Conduct of Research 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, scholars focus on leadership training, career transitions, and preparing for academic positions.Questions?
