Predoctoral Training in Molecular Biophysics

The goal of the Molecular Biophysics Training Program (MBTP) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is to provide predoctoral-level training in interdisciplinary quantitative research at the interface between biological and physical disciplines. The MBTP is tightly associated with the Biophysics Program (BP), which is an interdepartmental Ph.D. program consisting of 59 trainers from 14 departments and 5 colleges. The BP/MBTP faculty trainers share an interest in research at the interface between biological and physical disciplines and are engaged in a robust collaborative network that will provide an ideal ground for rigorous interdisciplinary graduate training in molecular biophysics. The mission of this training program is supported by access and technical training provided by state-of-the-art facilities in cryo-EM / cryo-ET, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, light and super- resolution microscopy, high-throughput computing, and more. The on-site environment will provide trainees with the advanced skills and the rigorous conceptual training on the theoretical foundations of biophysics necessary to solve biological problems at the molecular level via quantitative approaches, and thus prepare them to successfully embrace careers in biomedical research. The program addresses challenges posed by the fast-paced evolution of modern biophysics and by the pressing need of combining expertise from multiple areas to solve complex biological problems. In response, the MBTP aims at recruiting cohorts of students from a variety of biological and physical majors, bringing together trainers and trainees with complementary experiences and interests and favoring communication, exchange of ideas, peer teaching/learning, sharing, and collaboration. The curriculum is designed to be flexible to support students from a wide range of educational and research backgrounds, yet it includes a fixed-core of foundational courses and educational activities. The training plan also includes important shared activities aimed at fostering participation. The plan includes robust measures to ensure the most favorable matches between students and faculty. The program will support progress and retention by monitoring students throughout their graduate careers and by providing targeted interventions to help them, whenever challenges arise. Special attention will be paid to attracting a highly talented cohort of trainees and on fostering their success via a highly collaborative and encouraging environment. The success of the training program will be monitored by assessing recruiting outcomes, scientific progress, personal growth, time to degree, number and quality of publications (including collaborative work) and career outcomes after graduation. Twelve slots to support trainees at early graduate-career stages are requested, based on the growing demand for PhD-level scientists with rigorous training in biophysics across the UW-Madison campus.