Glenn Foundation Research Training Fellowships in the Biology of Aging

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging (the “Buck Institute”) is the only freestanding institute in the United States that is devoted solely to basic research on aging and age-associated disease. The Buck Institute’s mission includes training the next generation of researchers in aging. Since its founding in 1965 the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research (“GFMR”) has supported basic research to better understand the biology that governs normal human aging and its related physiological decline, with the objective of developing interventions that will extend the healthy years of human life. The Buck Institute and the GFMR have partnered to co-fund 10 postdoctoral fellowships with the objectives of (1) training and preparing future leading researchers in the mechanisms of biological aging and its relationship to the chronic conditions of aging; and (2) promoting leading research into the biology of aging.

The Glenn Foundation Research Training Fellowships are preparatory training for a full-time academic and/or research career, and involve substantial research or scholarship. The appointee works under the supervision of a Faculty Mentor in the institution, Glenn Fellows receive a stipend (based on NIH recommended levels), training, professional development and mentorship during the appointment period. The appointment is temporary and not to exceed two years.

Program Highlights
Fellowship appointments are renewed annually for a maximum of two years; stipends are commensurate with experience and follow NIH recommended postdoctoral stipend levels. Trainees will gain knowledge in the mechanisms of biological aging and its relationship to chronic disease. Trainees will gain skills in critical thinking to evaluate new research findings.  In addition, trainees will receive instruction in written and verbal skills that enrich their publications, grant proposals, and oral presentations. Ongoing seminar series, basic science and clinical lectures, well-organized journal clubs, and research meetings will provide up-to-date information and intellectual cross-fertilization that can lead to the next wave of major discoveries in the field. Glenn Fellowship Policy and Procedures document can be found here.

Application Process:

• Complete the online application form and include:
  •   Curriculum Vitae (CV);
  •   Two letters of recommendation;
  •   A two-page Research Plan (page requirement does not include references);
  •   Statement of support from their Buck Sponsor.
• Please use NIH/NSF approved typeface and font. Documents must have 2.5 cm margins at the top, bottom and on each side. Use an Arial, Helvetica, Palatino Linotype or Georgia typeface, a black font color, and a font size of 11 points or larger.
• Submit a brief letter from the sponsor introducing the applicant and describing her/his qualifications to participate in the Glenn Fellowship. The letter must contain assurance that the applicant’s project will be conducted under the direct supervision of the sponsor. The sponsor should also emphasize the relevance of the proposed project to research on aging.
• No application fee is required for Glenn Foundation Research Training Fellowship
• NEW Application deadline is October 1, 2012 for a start date between November 1, 2012 and February 1, 2013.  Applications can be submitted effective immediately.

Send recommendation letters to Dr. Kristen Gates
kgates@buckinstitute.org

Selection Criteria:

• Applicants must have a doctoral degree by the date of award activation; 
• Must have a Buck Institute Faculty Sponsor;
• Should demonstrate significant potential and propose to undertake one or more innovative, original and independent research projects;
• Should be able to demonstrate significant scientific productivity in the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals;
• Willingness to contribute to the aims and vision of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and to collaborate with existing members of the Institute is also essential.

About the Buck Institute for Research on Aging
The Buck Institute is the U.S.’s first and foremost independent research organization devoted to Geroscience – focused on the connection between normal aging and chronic disease. Based in Novato, CA, The Buck is dedicated to extending “Healthspan”, the healthy years of human life and does so utilizing a unique interdisciplinary approach involving laboratories studying the mechanisms of aging and those focused on specific diseases. Buck scientists strive to discover new ways of detecting, preventing and treating age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, cancer, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, diabetes and stroke.  In their collaborative research, they are supported by the most recent developments in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics. For more information: www.thebuck.org.