UNC Advancing Research Careers (ARC) Training Hub

Abstract Summary A wealth of research shows that teams comprised of members with a diversity of backgrounds, identities and perspectives are more successful and creative in multiple domains. To recruit and retain such a biomedical workforce, the NIH created the F99/K00 mechanism to support talented graduate students through the transition into postdoctoral training and prepare them for careers in academia and non-academic sectors. The UNC Advancing Research Careers (ARC) Training Hub (UNC-ARC) is designed to provide cohort-based and individualized skills and career development and mentor training to assigned F99/K00 scholars, preparing them to be the next generation of leaders in biomedical science. UNC-ARC is a partnership between the UNC Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) and the UNC School of Medicine Office of Graduate Education (OGE) and will provide career-focused support to predoctoral (F99) and postdoctoral (K00) scholars. The training plan builds on the expertise of the OGE and OPA to deliver evidence-based professional development and mentor training to trainees and mentors. Both offices are also experienced in program evaluation, data tracking and education scholarship. We propose a hybrid program of virtual workshops and cohort meetings throughout the year, culminating in an annual, in person Summer Institute on the UNC campus. Key aspects of the program include: 1) the use of individual development plans to tailor professional development training and career preparation to each scholar’s career goals; 2) a core professional development curriculum delivered in a cohort-based format; 3) the assignment of external career mentors from work sectors aligned with the scholar’s career goals; 4) a robust suite of skills and career exploration training opportunities tailored to individual scholar’s career stage and goals; and 5) a range of networking activities designed to build strong mentor networks – including peer mentors – for each trainee. Trainee experiences and outcomes will be rigorously evaluated and disseminated to discover and promote best practices in graduate and postgraduate biomedical training. As a national leader in biomedical science education, UNC is well positioned to provide robust career support to F99/K00 scholars from across the United States through the UNC-ARC.