We’re pleased to announce a virtual “office hour” on Thursday, August 1, for the Bridges to the Baccalaureate (B2B) Research Training Program (PAR-22-125).

B2B develops a diverse pool of research-oriented undergraduates who transition from associate to baccalaureate degree-granting institutions and complete a baccalaureate STEM degree, positioning them to pursue research-oriented biomedical higher degree programs or enter careers in the biomedical research workforce.

We’re pleased to announce that our Research on Interventions That Promote the Careers of Individuals in the Biomedical Research Enterprise notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) has been reissued under a new name: B-INSPIRE, short for Research on Behavioral INterventionS That Promote Careers In the Biomedical Research Enterprise (R01) (PAR-24-230). The new name better reflects the goal of this program: to test theoretically based behavioral interventions that enhance research-oriented individuals' interest, motivation, persistence, and preparedness for careers in the biomedical research workforce.

Applicants must propose an intervention that tests effectiveness using robust experimental designs, such as randomized control trial approaches, case controls, or matched pair design, appropriate to performing rigorous research on effective interventions aiming to increase success in the biomedical research workforce. Possible areas for the intervention include but are not limited to training, mentoring, and networking; navigating critical transition points; institutional factors that influence persistence; harassment; and barriers to participation. The intervention should be cost-effective, practical, realistic, scalable, and sustainable at a broad range of institutions.

We’re pleased to announce the creation of an online form for trainees to share feedback on NIGMS research education, training, and career development programs. We value this input as NIGMS refines its existing programs and develops new opportunities to meet emerging needs in biomedical research training.

The form, which can be completed anonymously, allows trainees to submit constructive comments—for example, to suggest program improvements or to recognize an outstanding program for its training and mentorship activities. NIGMS welcomes submissions from trainees across all educational and career stages.

With the impending retirement of Alison Gammie, a search is open for an outstanding candidate to serve as director of our Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (TWD).

TWD supports programs that foster the development of a strong and diverse biomedical research workforce. The Division funds research training, student development, and career development activities through a variety of programs ranging from the undergraduate level to the doctorate and beyond. TWD-funded initiatives include, among others, the Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) and the Advancing Research Careers (ARC) programs.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to set scientific priorities, lead change, and enhance the biomedical research enterprise. The TWD director is a key member of the NIGMS senior leadership team and supervises a staff of approximately 12 program officers. There are also opportunities to participate in and advise on HHS- and NIH-wide activities and collaborations with other federal agencies.

Candidates must have earned a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree in a field related to the Division portfolio. The ideal candidate will have considerable research experience and/or research administration experience. In addition, candidates should have professional experience with programs aimed to train research scientists and to develop a diverse biomedical and behavioral research workforce, as well as knowledge related to the NIGMS mission.

For additional information and application instructions, please visit the vacancy announcement. NIGMS will accept applications for at least 45 days, beginning on June 18, and the application period will remain open until filled.

As chair of the search committee, I appreciate your help in identifying outstanding candidates for this critical position and in sharing this information with others who might be interested.

NIGMS supports a variety of structural biology research resources, including those funded through the Mature Synchrotron Resources (MSR) program. We’re currently evaluating the MSR program to inform future directions about the structure and operations of the program. As part of this evaluation, we’re seeking input from the extramural community (e.g., principal investigators and key personnel of MSR awards, resource staff, the user community, members of relevant advisory boards, and any other interested parties) on their experiences with and/or opinions on NIGMS-supported synchrotron resources.

UPDATE: This position is now closed.

We’re recruiting an outstanding individual to serve as the NIGMS Tribal health research strategy coordinator. The incumbent will report to the deputy director and assume a broad sphere of responsibilities that include, among others:

• Serving as the expert on matters related to Tribal health research within the NIGMS mission, and as a resource for the Institute director, deputy director, our associate director for extramural activities, and other senior leadership within NIGMS
• Serving as a senior-level NIGMS representative in collaborations and initiatives with the NIH Tribal Health Research Office, the Indian Health Service, Tribal nations, and federal and academic partners across the country
• Formulating, planning, directing, and evaluating broad NIGMS-wide program objectives, policies, and activities for Tribal health research projects, programs, and other grants/awards including the discovery, development, and evaluation of scientific areas critical for eventual prevention and therapeutic strategies
• Advising leadership on strategies to address ongoing matters with Tribal communities

UPDATE: These positions are now closed.

We’re recruiting accomplished scientists for positions in our Division of Extramural Activities (DEA); Division for Research Capacity Building (DRCB); Division of Genetics and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (GMCDB); and Division of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biological Chemistry (PPBC). The successful applicants will be responsible for scientific and administrative review or management of a portfolio of research and/or research training grants and career development awards.

UPDATE: This position is now closed.

We’re seeking a highly qualified Branch Chief for our Division of Training, Workforce Development, and Diversity (TWD). Applicants should have interest and experience in the areas managed by the Postdoctoral, Early Career, and Workforce Development Branch. Position responsibilities include programmatic and administrative planning, management, and evaluation; optimization of Branch procedures; and oversight of the grant portfolio activities of the Branch program directors. The Branch Chief will also manage a grant portfolio and will work closely with the other TWD Branch Chiefs and the Division Director.

We’re pleased to announce that the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) R15 program for undergraduate-focused institutions has been reissued as PAR-24-152 (clinical trial not allowed). NIGMS supports R15 grants through this NOFO for research in scientific areas related to our mission.

As graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, you may find yourself searching for opportunities to support the current or next stage of your research training. NIGMS has a long history of fostering research training and developing a strong biomedical research workforce through a variety of programs at all education levels. Many of our research training grants are made to organizations, which in turn select the students or postdoctoral researchers who’ll receive support. This post focuses on programs individual graduate students and postdoctoral scientists can directly apply to, regardless of your institutional or organizational affiliation.