Postdoctoral Programs

Postdoctoral Programs

Postdoctoral research instruction is another major activity of the Brain Research Institute. Over 350 postdocs who hold the Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M. degree, or the equivalent of one of these degrees, occupy institute members’ laboratories. Training grants in several neuroscience fields provide research opportunities and support for postdoctoral fellows that are studying Neuroscience at UCLA.

IRACDA Program at UCLA

The Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA) is an NIH funded program that supports postdoctoral scholars in the biological sciences who have a demonstrated interest in teaching, research, mentoring, and supporting diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. IRACDA combines a traditional mentored postdoctoral research experience with an opportunity to develop academic skills, including teaching, with pedagogical training provided through CEILS workshops and CIRTL courses, as well as faculty mentored teaching assignments at our partner institution, California State University Los Angeles.

Project Synapse

Project Synapse is a postdoctoral group sponsored by the UCLA Brain Research Institute that provides a strong network of colleagues, career development workshops, and opportunities to participate in K-12 outreach and teaching activities. Project Synapse members participate in ongoing visits to local Los Angeles K-12 schools to teach and inspire interest in Neuroscience, higher education, and STEM careers. Monthly career development workshops include topics such as presentation and communication skills, time management, curriculum vitae tips, grant writing, leadership skills and more.

CTSI Training Program in Translational Sciences

The CTSI Training Program in Translational Science (formerly known as the UCLA K30 Program) was developed to provide clinicians with the necessary training to become successful patient-oriented investigators who can bridge molecular medicine and clinical research.

This program has a curriculum that assists participants in preparing highly competitive:

  • Patient-oriented studies
  • K23 applications
  • NIH R01 grants in clinical research
  • Research papers for publication in prestigious general medical/scientific journals