J. NRSA Training Core

For ITM 3.0, we request continued funding for the TL1 Postdoctoral Program, which over the past five years has provided training in clinical research and biomedical informatics to 18 postdoctoral fellows. This current postdoctoral TL1 program was begun in 2017, replacing an earlier predoctoral program; it is comprised of collaborating programs at UChicago and Rush, and its goal has been to prepare postdoctoral trainees for careers as independent and collaborative translational researchers through the integration of clinical research and biomedical informatics training. For ITM 3.0, we will build on the existing program structure and new training opportunities in clinical research, biomedical informatics, and public health to offer interdisciplinary postdoctoral research training that provides fellows with a guiding framework and skillset to help advance health through translational research. The new iteration of this program, called the TL1 Postdoctoral Training Program in Clinical Research, Biomedical Informatics, and Health, will incorporate research training opportunities at UChicago, Rush, and Loyola University Chicago to offer didactic training in clinical research, informatics, and public health. In addition, the program will provide faculty-mentored research opportunities and peer learning opportunities. Postdoctoral training programs such as the TL1 are critical to building a strong, enduring pipeline for developing the next generation of leaders in clinical and translational research who prioritize advancing health as a goal of their research. Trainees will engage in this postdoctoral program after completing predoctoral training in graduate or medical school, and before a faculty appointment. The purpose of this postdoctoral training is to provide protected time and tuition support for early-career investigators to pursue advanced coursework and engage in mentored research, so they can successfully compete for faculty jobs, career development awards, and independent research funding.