Basic Science Track

Supported by an NIH T32 training grant, this 4-year program is designed to promote the development of promising MD and PhD postdoctoral fellows as independent basic science investigators and future university faculty members who will investigate the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal and hepatic diseases. Candidates initially participate for 2 years in the basic science training program, which includes time in the lab and an option for advanced coursework at UNC. Additional training includes didactic courses, seminars and conferences, and seminars on responsible conduct of research. Subsequently, candidates complete 2 years of clinical training in adult or pediatric gastroenterology. For information on our adult gastroenterology clinical training program.

The training faculty consists of 23 funded investigators from 11 basic science and clinical departments at the University of North Carolina, who are all full-time members of the NIDDK-funded Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD). These broadly based faculty members have a documented history of close interactions promoting multidisciplinary research. The postdoctoral fellows benefit from the unique strengths of digestive disease research at the University of North Carolina, which include the CGIBD with its research cores, a research-oriented Pediatric Gastroenterology Division, a coordinated research training program, animal models of digestive diseases, outstanding programs in gastrointestinal epidemiology and biostatistics, a Gene Therapy Center, and a Center for Alcohol Studies.

The program is funded by an NIH T32 Training Grant on which R Balfour Sartor, MD serves as Program Director and Shehzad Z. Sheikh, PhD serves as Associate Program Director. The program recruits 1 to 2 new fellows each year from a pool of MD adult gastroenterology fellows, MD pediatric gastroenterology fellows, PhD postdoctoral fellows, and individuals holding DVM degrees.

Minorities are encouraged to apply. To be eligible for Training Grant support, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Stipends

The training program is funded by an Institutional National Research Service Award from the NIH. As such, the program abides by the rules established for these awards.

Stipends are established by the NIH. The current annual stipend for postdoctoral trainees is determined by the number of FULL years of relevant postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment. Relevant experience may include research experience (including industrial), teaching, internship, residency, clinical duties, or other time spent in full-time studies in a health-related field following the date of the qualifying doctoral degree.