Training Fellowships in Oomycete Genomics and Bioinformatics

We are pleased to announce a new program of training fellowships for the oomycete community.  These fellowships are funded by the new NSF Research Collaboration Networks grant awarded to the community.  The new grant is focused on oomycete genomics, so the focus of the training program is on oomycete genomics and bioinformatics. Requests for molecular genetics training also will be considered if funds are available.

What do the fellowships provide?

Fellowships will be available for either 3-weeks or 6-weeks of training. In 2007-2008, the awards will provide up to $1800 (for 3 weeks) or $3000 (for 6 weeks) for actual expenses for travel, meals, and lodging. Some limits are placed on funding for lodging and meals, and details regarding these limits will be provided with award materials. No funds are provided for research support.

In 2007-2008, four 3-week fellowships and four 6-week fellowships will be available. It is expected the training will be completed by December 31, 2008, but extensions may be requested.

Non-US researchers will be eligible to participate in training internships, but the training must be in the US and only meals and lodging can be funded. NSF rules do not allow payment for travel expenses for non-US researchers. There is no distinction between countries with or without an established funding infrastructure.

What can the fellowships be used for?

There is no requirement to undertake the genomics or bioinformatics training in an oomycete network lab. The training could, for example, be obtained at a sequencing center or bioinformatics or systems biology institute. Also, a number of institutions offer excellent summer training courses in bioinformatics and mathematical biology. Requests for funds to attend research conferences will not be considered.

In general, one trainee will be supported by each award. However, applications will be considered for awards to support more than one trainee over a shorter period of time, but the application must clearly explain why this arrangement provides a superior benefit than the in-depth training of one person. The awards are intended to support practical, "hands-on" training.

Who will we give preference to?

The training fellowships will be available to all members of the community.  However, strong preference will be given to students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty and to any faculty who have recently entered or plan to enter the field of oomycete genomics, bioinformatics, or molecular biology.

Preference also will be given to applicants from groups and institutions that have not yet received a training fellowship and to applicants who have completed a summer Oomycete Bioinformatics Training Workshop at the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, or equivalent. Molecular genetics training will be considered if funds are available.

Half of the training fellowships will be set aside to promote the involvement of researchers and institutions under-represented in the U.S. research infrastructure, especially those aiming to build undergraduate-oriented research programs in oomycete bioinformatics. If the set aside awards are not used, they will be used to fund regular applications

How to apply

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2008.

Applications should be no more than two pages and should:

  1. Describe the training, including its duration, and why you have chosen the trainer lab.

  2. Explain how the training will strengthen your research in oomycete genomics and bioinformatics and how the training will strengthen research activities in the oomycete community in general. In particular, describe any previous bioinformatics experience or training you may have had.

  3. Describe how you will extend the training to other researchers at your home institution.

  4. Describe how the award funds will be spent and how you will supplement them if needed.

  5. If applicable, explain how your application fits one of the special preference categories described above.

In addition, include a one-page vita for yourself and a letter of commitment and one-page vita from the trainer.

Submit the application by email to Brett Tyler. You may paste your information into the text of the email or attach PDF or MS Word documents. It is your responsibility to ensure the files are readable. We suggest you submit your application at least 48 hours before the deadline in case there is a problem with the readiblity of your files.

All application materials must be received before midnight on January 31, 2008, US Eastern Standard time, including the letter of support from the trainer, if required. Applications received after the deadline will be considered only if there are funds available after all applications received by the deadline have been evaluated. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.

How will the applications be judged?

If there are more applications than available funds, the applications will be considered by a subcommittee of the Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network Steering Committee. We hope to make a decision on the awards by February 28, 2008.

Awards will be based on the expected benefit to the individual and to the community in terms of the goals of this program.  An important part of the application will be plans for passing on the benefits of the training to relevant colleagues at the applicant's institution.