Program Overview

Introduction to the UMass Chan Early Independence Fellows Program

The UMass Chan Early Independence Fellows Program is designed to recruit exceptionally talented junior scientists with the potential to become independent investigators at UMass Chan Medical School. The program provides career development, mentoring, and financial support to foster scientific excellence and leadership.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the program is to support the development of independent research programs in areas of excellence at UMass Chan, with a focus on RNA biology and RNA therapeutics. The program aims to build and sustain an inclusive environment with talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Individuals possessing a PhD, MD/PhD, or other doctoral degree, from a wide variety of backgrounds, are eligible to apply. Applicants must be within 24 months post-completion of their terminal degree. Required application materials include:

• A cover letter
• A current CV including peer-reviewed publications
• A two-page anonymized research plan (ARP) that summarizes prior research and describes the proposed research program
• A one-page statement describing how the applicant's lived experiences have informed their values, priorities, and career goals
• Three letters of reference

Program Structure and Support

The program will provide financial support for an initial period of three years, with the potential to extend to five years. Annual support of approximately $440,000 will be provided to each fellow, including salary, research support, and travel. An additional childcare supplement (up to $10,000) will be provided to fellows with dependent children. Fellows will be supported by a team of mentors and will participate in the Investigator Career Advancement Program (iCAP) to empower their scientific and professional development.

Expectations and Outcomes

Fellows are expected to develop an independent research program, recruit and mentor post-doctoral associates, and co-mentor PhD students with tenured or tenure-track faculty. Fellows may apply for additional extramural support alone or in collaboration with tenure-track faculty.

The Maraganore Early Independence Fellows Track

The Maraganore Early Independence Fellows Track will support one fellow who will develop an independent research program in the area of RNA biology or RNA therapeutics. The fellow will be affiliated with the RNA Therapeutics Institute.

The Chan Early Independence Fellows Track

The Chan Early Independence Fellows Track will support two fellows who will each develop an independent research program that broadly aligns with any area of excellence at UMass Chan.

Research Areas and Focus

The program focuses on RNA biology and RNA therapeutics, with opportunities for research in various areas, including:

• RNA interference (RNAi)
• CRISPR
• RNA therapeutics
• Coronavirus research
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Huntington's disease
• Ribosomes, drugs, and viruses
• Preeclampsia
• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Institutional Environment and Resources

UMass Chan Medical School is one of five campuses in the UMASS system, with extensive inter-campus collaborations and a strong culture of collegiality. The school has outstanding core facilities, including bioinformatics, advanced MRI, cryoEM, electron microscopy, large-scale AAV manufacturing, tissue repository, deep sequencing, advanced quantitative imaging, flow cytometry, transgenic animal modeling core, biosafety level 3 (BSL3), and mass spectrometry core facilities. The RNA Therapeutics Institute faculty are recognized as scientific trailblazers, with a Nobel Laureate, a Gairdner Prize recipient, and several National Academy of Sciences members.