Postdoctoral Training Grant to Improve Cardiovascular Drug Therapy

Training to Improve Cardiovascular Drug Therapy

Postdoctoral Fellowships
Training opportunities within the interrelated research efforts include: 1) mechanisms of cardiac and vascular development; 2) genes and proteins involved in myocardial hypertrophy; 3) cardiac stem cells and regenerative medicine; 4) vascular biology; 5) structure and function of signaling molecules including G-proteins, adenylyl cyclases, protein kinases and receptors for thromboxanes and catecholamines; 6) proteomics; and 7) signaling events in vascular smooth muscle, cardiac myocytes and conducting tissue.

These research areas are supported by training resources including: 1) molecular genetics with transgenic and knockout facilities; 2) facilities in microscopy, image analysis, mass spectrometry and applied chemistry; and 3) cardiovascular clinical investigation. Trainees have access to advanced courses in these research areas and discuss their training and projects with consultants and visiting scientists.

Guidelines for postdoctoral fellows supported on the training grant include: (a) Ph.D. and/or M.D. degrees; (b) prior research experience; (c) superior letters of recommendation; (d) commitment to the objectives of the program and (e) US citizenship or permanent residency status. Prior exposure to pharmacology and/or cardiovascular research is not a prerequisite: we value trainees with diverse backgrounds for interactions with the interdisciplinary group of participants.

rotating image of students and postdoctoral fellows

The training program emphasizes basic laboratory investigation, but has clinical investigation for qualified trainees. The program is also very supportive of trainees from underrepresented minorities.