Program in Molecular Biophysics

Project Summary The Program in Molecular Biophysics (PMB) is a PhD training program at the Johns Hopkins University (JHU) spanning 4 schools and 12 primary departments. The focus is on the physical-chemical and structural basis of life sciences, spanning from single-molecules to enormous macromolecular complexes and cellular systems. Experiment and computation are equally represented and closely intertwined, providing rigorous training in quantitative and physical approaches to life sciences. The 30 training investigators run labs that are well funded and of moderate size, providing ample resources for research and student support and close and carefully monitored trainee mentorship. Students are selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants using holistic admissions criteria, including dedication to science, research background, and perseverance, in addition to quantitative metrics. Through substantial efforts to encourage applications from URM students and assistance from a strong institutional diversity program, the PMB recruits a highly diverse and talented cohort of trainees. Each year, eight students matriculate and are supported for two years by the grant with stipend and tuition supplements provided by JHU. First year coursework is designed specifically for PMB trainees using active-learning techniques, such as recently designed Methods and Computational Modules, in which graduate-level theoretical instruction is directly linked to actual data collection and analysis. Other courses include fundamental aspects of biomolecules, scientific computing, statistics, data analysis, and reproducibility. From the beginning, soft-skill and career development are integrated in the curriculum. Through PMB career development activities along with JHU resources, these skills help propel graduates to advanced positions in diverse biomedical science. Instruction and promotion of responsible conduct of research is interwoven throughout the entire training program. Progress with independent research is carefully monitored through internal committee assessment, as well as external mentor assessment. Through a mentoring mechanism that provides early guidance transitioning to independence, trainees perform high impact thesis research, historically resulting in a large number of publications, talks, and advanced positions following graduation. The activities of the PMB are designed to contribute to fundamental scientific research and train responsible scientists who will become leaders in the biomedical workforce.