Research Training in Cell and Molecular Biology

The mission of the UCLA Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) Training Program is to provide essential training for the next generation of PhDs in the developing fields of genomics, proteomics, systems biology, quantitative and structural biology, stem cell biology, and bioinformatics so that they are poised for successful careers in the biosciences. In addition, the CMB provides students with operational and professional skills training in a collaborative and supportive environment. The CMB Training Program brings together students and faculty from the life and physical sciences who share a common interest in cell and molecular biology but whose interactions might otherwise be limited. The 37 CMB Training Program faculty are drawn from departments that span the UCLA School of Medicine and the UCLA College. These faculty are passionate about using cutting-edge multidisciplinary approaches to tackle complex biological questions at the cellular and molecular level. The proximity of research buildings and university-supported state-of-the-art shared resources, along with the collaborative spirit that defines biomedical research at UCLA, facilitate cross-discipline interactions and foster interdisciplinary research studies. CMB trainees are drawn from four PhD graduate programs: Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Program; Neuroscience; Biochemistry, Molecular & Structural Biology; and Chemistry. Each year, the CMB Training Program will recruit 12 new students to a two-year program. Trainees must take four foundational courses that were designed specifically for training in modern cellular and molecular biology research. The objectives of these courses are to train students to develop technical, operational, and professional skills that will prepare them for biomedical careers including: a broad understanding of the cell and molecular biology field and the pressing questions and modern approaches used to address them; rigorous experimental design skills; statistical skills for data analysis; analytical and critical thinking skills; oral and written communication skills; and an understanding of how to conduct safe research studies. Through a CMB career development course, trainees are exposed to broad biomedical careers and acquire knowledge on how to prepare and apply for these professions. The CMB Training Program also provides mentoring and structured cohort-building and training activities, that engage and support students and promote collaborative studies among trainees. Together, the CMB Training Program’s student-centered interdisciplinary research training, active learning curriculum, career-development activities, mentoring, and community-building activities contribute to the successful training of students for a broad array of biomedical careers.