Predoctoral Training in Molecular, Cellular, and Biochemical Sciences

Solving complex problems in human health and modern biology represent a major challenge for those who will lead biomedical research in the near and long-term future. The core disciplines of our training program—molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry—have led the way in innovations that are driving life sciences research and applications today. It is imperative that US life scientist training programs evolve to meet the demand for leaders who are trained in rigorous and transparent implementation and reporting of quantitative analysis of biological data. We recognize that this demand will require a change in training culture that focuses on a high standard of professional development for trainers and trainees. The objectives of this predoctoral training program are to: (1) Build and sustain a training environment for an outstanding group of PhD students. (2) Integrate training in the design and implementation of rigorous and transparently reported experimentation throughout the program. (3) Integrate training in quantitative and computational approaches throughout the training program. (4) Integrate career exploration and student professional development throughout the program. Faculty trainers in the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry Graduate Program (MCBGP) are accomplished scientists who are drawn from 11 Departments at Brown University and the Warren Alpert Medical School. The mission of the MCBGP is to build and sustain a training environment in which all PhD students will successfully gain quantitative, conceptual, technical, and professional skills that will allow them to conduct rigorous, reproducible and innovative interdisciplinary life science research. The MCBGP admits 9-14 students each year using a holistic review and interview process that emphasizes research, academic, and leadership potential. Each year we will select four trainees from the group of 8-12 eligible first-year students. In most cases, these students will be reappointed in their second year. So, each year, four first-year and four second-year predoctoral students will be supported; funds to support eight trainees per year are requested.