Do you have a rare disease research coordinator, genetic counseling assistant, or technician who may benefit from formal training in clinical and translational research? If so, we invite you to nominate them for the one-year Pre-Doc Preparatory Program (P³) in Translational Research from October 2025 through May 2026, offered by ITMAT Education at the University of Pennsylvania in partnership with the CHOP Leukodystrophy Center.
What are the goals of the program?
This program provides a foundation for careers in rare disease translational research through research seminars and advocacy group presentations, professional skills development workshops, research in progress presentations, and career pathway panels.
Who can join the program?
The program is open to anyone who is:
- Currently a research coordinator, genetic counseling assistant, or research technician involved in rare disease research activities at your site. Exceptions may be made for other entry-level research staff who plan to pursue graduate or medical school education in the future.
- Interested in growing a career in research and seeking professional development opportunities. The curriculum is targeting future leaders in translational research.
- Able to attend and participate in the program every Friday from 11:00AM-1:00PM EST beginning October 2025 through May 2026. (Note that timing might shift for some in-person events.)
- A US Citizen and Permanent Resident. Site Investigator support and approval of conditions of enrollment are also required.
What are the requirements?
P³ Scholars are expected to attend and actively participate in two hours of scheduled activities every Friday from 11:00AM-1:00PM EST. Most of the sessions will be held online via Zoom with opportunities to connect in person at program meetings and events.
Scholars will be invited to attend the ITMAT Symposium on October 13-14, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA. In addition, scholars may attend the ULF Scientific Symposium and Family Conference on June 25-27, 2026, in Chicago, IL. Travel support is provided by the program.
P³ is funded by NCATS (5R25TR005269) and is available at no cost to participants.
How does one apply?
Investigators may nominate 1-2 participants by submitting a Scholar Nomination and Conditions of Enrollment Form no later than Friday, July 18. If any members of your group are eligible and interested in participating, please speak with them before nominating them.
Once your nominations are submitted, your nominees must submit their own applications by Friday, August 1. You can encourage them to visit this page for instructions on how to do so. Detailed instructions are available under the ‘Applications’ header on the page.
Applications will be evaluated by P³ Leadership in consultation with the relevant consortium sites. Applicants will be notified by mid/late August regarding the selection committee’s decision.
To learn more or ask questions, please contact Associate Director Jessica German, MSEd, at jbgerman@upenn.edu or Program Director Laura Adang, MD, PhD, MSTR at adangl@chop.edu.
