Overview

The UCSF Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CPT) Postdoctoral Training Program is a research-intensive, two-year training experience that prepares clinician-scientists to become leaders in clinical pharmacology research within academia, industry, and government. The program seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

Clinical pharmacology, in the broadest sense, encompasses:

• Drug discovery
• Clinical development
• Regulatory issues
• Therapeutic use and individualization of drug therapy
• Optimization of drug dosage regimens
• An understanding of drug-induced toxicity
• Measures to prevent or minimize adverse effects of drugs.

Fellows will:

• Participate in mentored research
• Learn via interdisciplinary didactics in clinical pharmacology
• Gain exposure to scientific and ethical issues in research and development
• Present and publish results of scholarly work.

The program meets the fellowship training expectations set forth by the American Board of Clinical Pharmacology (ABCP) and is a registered member of ABCP. We anticipate that 80 percent of our graduates will obtain board certification in clinical pharmacology.

Fellowship funding comes from National Institute of General Medical Sciences and National Institute of Child Health and Development T32 training grants as well as the UCSF School of Pharmacy Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Dean’s Office.

Key Highlights

• Participate in clinical pharmacology-related research (75% to 80%)
• Patient care (up to 20%)
• MD fellows will provide clinical service in their subspecialty area
• PharmD fellows will provide direct patient care through planned UCSF clinical pharmacy service
• Biweekly, interdisciplinary didactics based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Principles of Clinical Pharmacology
• Quarterly research seminar focused on multidisciplinary, collaborative, basic, and clinical research
• Responsible conduct of research training
• Individualized training plan
• Present and publish results of scholarly work

Eligibility

• MD or PharmD from an accredited university or equivalent
• MDs must be board-certified
• PharmDs must be eligible for licensure in California by July 1, 2026, and obtain licensure by October 31, 2026
• Priority will be given to candidates with residency training in their early postdoctoral years
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ethics, professionalism
• Appointees must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Timing

• July 1, 2025: Application filing period opens
• October 10, 2025: Application filing period closes
• Oct-Nov 2025: Applications reviewed and interviews conducted
• Nov-Dec 2025: Recipients notified
• July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2028: Fellowship period

Application Requirements

1. Enter personal information
2. Enter Statement of Interest (1000 word max)
3. Upload a PDF of CV (5 pages max)
4. Upload a single PDF of professional/graduate school transcripts (unofficial ok)
5. Confirm that Letters of Recommendation have been requested from three individuals (due October 10, 2025)
6. Provide names and contact information for three letter writers
7. Optional: Provide a writing sample (submit up to 2 publications)

Co-Directors

Leslie Carstensen Floren, PharmD, PhD, MA

Associate Dean of Fellowships Professor of Clinical Pharmacy Department of Clinical Pharmacy UCSF School of Pharmacy

Rada Savic, PhD

Co-Vice Dean of Graduate Pharmacy Education Programs Professor Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences UCSF School of Pharmacy

University of California San Francisco

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Overview:

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) is a renowned public research university located in San Francisco, California. It is a leading institution in the fields of health sciences, biomedical research, and patient care. UCSF is known for its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and its dedication to improving human health.

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Services Offered:

UCSF offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Calendar:

Provides information on academic schedules and important dates.

Career Center:

Assists students with career exploration, job searching, and professional development.

Financial Aid:

Offers financial assistance to eligible students through scholarships, grants, and loans.

General Catalog:

Contains detailed information about academic programs, policies, and resources.

Library:

Provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.

Registrar:

Handles student records, registration, and graduation.

Student Success Guide:

Offers resources and support services to help students succeed academically and personally.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-Class Faculty:

UCSF boasts a faculty of renowned researchers, clinicians, and educators who are leaders in their fields.

Cutting-Edge Research:

The university is at the forefront of biomedical research, with groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in various areas of health sciences.

Exceptional Patient Care:

UCSF is home to a world-class medical center that provides comprehensive and compassionate care to patients.

Vibrant Campus Community:

UCSF offers a diverse and supportive campus community with a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation.

Location in San Francisco:

The university's location in San Francisco provides students with access to a vibrant city with numerous cultural, entertainment, and career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

UCSF offers a wide range of academic programs across its various schools, including:

School of Dentistry:

Offers programs in dentistry, oral health, and dental research.

School of Medicine:

Provides education and training in medicine, biomedical research, and public health.

School of Pharmacy:

Offers programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and drug discovery.

School of Nursing:

Provides education and training in nursing, nursing research, and healthcare leadership.

Graduate Division:

Offers graduate programs in various disciplines, including biomedical sciences, public health, and bioengineering.

Global Health Sciences:

Focuses on global health issues and provides training and research opportunities in this field.

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Other: