Stanford ChEM-H Chemistry/Biology Interface Predoctoral Training Program

This application seeks funding for 10 trainees within the Sarafan ChEM-H Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) predoctoral training program at Stanford University, aligned with the mission of the Sarafan ChEM-H institute. Sarafan ChEM-H was formed with the mission of bringing chemists, biologists, engineers and clinicians together to pursue a molecular level understanding of the principles underlying human health and to devise innovative disease interventions. The program’s primary mission is to cultivate interactions, thinking, and communication across the chemistry biology interface to enable innovations in the study and advancement of human health. The CBI Training Program will provide PhD students with an enriching community of peers and mentors from the Schools of Humanities and Sciences, of Engineering, and of Medicine. Graduate students in the program will be recruited from six PhD granting programs: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemical & Systems Biology, Biochemistry, Biology and Bioengineering. Appointed trainees are supported by the CBI Training Program for 2 years, usually the first- and second-year of graduate study. Mentors are affiliated across many departments and programs, including practicing physician scientists. Key components of the program are the incorporation of students during the first year of graduate study, first-year laboratory rotations, coursework in chemical biology, instruction in the responsible conduct of research and enhancing reproducibility, student and faculty seminars, and career development activities. Professional development activities include a career panel, conference presentations, communication training for outreach, and an annual retreat. Students will also receive instruction on developing strategies to translate molecular findings to humans. Anticipated trainee outcomes are peer-reviewed publications at the chemistry biology interface, conference presentations, receipt of external funding, and retention within the biomedical research workforce in a variety of academic and non-academic positions. Students trained in this program will be exposed to a wide range of scientific concepts and techniques, meet a variety of experts across the physical, life and medical sciences, and be uniquely situated to tackle challenges in human health from a molecular level perspective.