Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health
(BIRCWH)
Introduction
The purpose of Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health in Pittsburgh (BIRCWH @ Pitt) program is
to equip talented University of Pittsburgh faculty Scholars to be independent investigators in interdisciplinary research in
women’s health. The program encompasses basic, translational, behavioral, clinical, and health services research in
reproductive sciences and women’s health, spanning embryonic life to advanced age.
Scholars, who are supported for a minimum of two years, are able to take advantage of the extraordinary environment at
the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences and Magee-Womens Research Institute as they work with a
personalized mentorship team and supportive program advisory committee members to develop a research program that
is not only relevant to the Scholar’s research interests in women’s health, but will serve as the foundation for the Scholar’s
independence.
Eligibility Criteria
At the time of the appointment, BIRCWH Scholar candidates must:
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Have a clinical doctorate, or a PhD degree or its equivalent;
Have completed any postgraduate training normally expected for a faculty appointment in their field (including clinical
or postdoctoral fellowship training, or residency if they have chosen not to subspecialize);
Have no more than six years of research or research training experience beyond their last doctoral degree (candidates
who have had a career hiatus for special circumstances may be exceptions, please inquire with the program
coordinator)
Hold, or be scheduled to start a faculty appointment within the University of Pittsburgh’s six Schools of the Health
Sciences (Grad School of Public Health, School of Dental Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences,
School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy).
Be able to spend at least 9 person months (or at least 6 person months for surgical-specialties) of full-time professional
effort conducting research and research career development activities;
Not be or have been a PD/PI on an R01, R29 or subproject of a Program Project (P01), Center (P50, P60, U54) grant,
independent mentored career development (K-series) grants, or other equivalent research grant awards; except for
R03 and R21;
Be a U.S. citizen or noncitizen national, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence and possess an
Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-155) or some other verification of legal admission as a permanent citizen.
Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible.
Generally, new Scholar appointments will have start dates four times a year; January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. The
program maintains funding for four Scholars at a time. The current recruitment cycle is for a July 1, 2015 appointment
date.
Mechanisms of Support
1. Salary Support: The BIRCWH program will provide salary and fringe benefits for the Scholar. The total salary
requested must be based on a full-time, 12-month staff appointment. BIRCWH will provide up to 75% of the NIH
maximum Scholar salary (75% of $100K + fringe benefits). The Scholar’s home department must supplement the
BIRCWH salary contribution to a level that is consistent with that department’s salary scale. Departmental
supplementation of a salary may not require duties or responsibilities that would interfere with the purpose of
BIRCWH or the requirement that 75% effort be spent on women’s health research or related career development
activities. (Note: BIRCWH research effort may be reduced to 50% FTE for faculty in surgical specialties such as
general surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, etc.)
BIRCWH @ Pitt
Program Description
Page 2
2. Tuition and fees: Scholars will participate in curriculum consisting of coursework, workshops and lectures.
Scholars will be required to complete core coursework, as well as coursework specific to their research themes
and in accordance with the depth of their pursuit of scientific knowledge. Since Scholars will hold junior level
faculty appointments at the University of Pittsburgh, they will be eligible for tuition assistance for their coursework.
The tuition benefit covers the majority of the tuition costs (90%), with some limitations (i.e., assistance is
applicable to first six credits per term, fees and materials are not included, assistance in excess of $5,250 per
calendar year is taxable). Each Scholar is provided $750 per year to cover coursework costs.
BIRCWH Required coursework
(Offered via University of Pittsburgh CTSI, see http://www.icre.pitt.edu/courses/courses.aspx)
Department
Course Title (h)
ICRE/CTSI
Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research (1 h)
ICRE/CTSI
From Benchtop to Bedside (3 h)
ICRE/CTSI
Medical Writing and Presentation Skills (1 h)
ICRE/CTSI
Making the Most of Mentoring (1 h)
Suggested coursework
Scholars should work with their mentors to identify additional coursework relevant to their project. Suggestions
listed below should not be considered all-inclusive.
Department
Course Title (h)
Bioethics
Bioethics
Biostatistics
Introduction to Statistical Methods 1
Interdis Biomed Sci
Introduction to Biocomputing
Interdis Mol Biol
Approaches in Molecular Biology
ID and Microbiol
Mol Biology of Microbial Pathogens
Cell Biol Physiol
Topics in Integrative Physiology
Bioc Mol Genetics
Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics
Biostatistics
Introduction to Statistical Methods 2
Biostatistics
Statistical Micro-array Analysis
Biostatistics
Statistical Bioinformatics Data Mining
Biostatistics
Introduction to Statistical Methods 2
Biostatistics
Statistical Micro-array Analysis
Biostatistics
Statistical Bioinformatics Data Mining
Bioch & Mol Genet
Biochemistry of Macromolecules
Bioch & Mol Genet
Gene Delivery
Human Genetics
Mol Genetics of Complex Diseases
Immunology
Experimental Basis of Immunology
3. Travel: Annual travel funds of $3,000 total will be provided for the Scholar to attend the annual NIH BIRCWH
Program Meeting and one scientific meeting per year. The Scholar will consult with her/his mentor to identify
those meetings that are most suitable and beneficial to the Scholar’s program.
4. Research activity: The Program provides funds to support the Scholar’s research activities. This includes the
purchase of laboratory supplies and reagents, as well as use of University and Institute core services (e.g.,
histology, flow cytometry, Imaging, Data Center's biostatistics program, etc.). Distribution of research funds is
dependent upon salary and fringe benefits budgeted; the total annual BIRCWH funds available to scholars for
FY2016 is estimated at $106,500 (see sample budget).
5. Other support: The department supporting the candidate must be able to demonstrate a commitment to the
development of the candidate as a productive, independent investigator. The candidate’s department must agree
to protect 75% of the scholar’s time for the BIRCWH project (50% allowable for surgical specialties), and cover
any of her/his salary and necessary research expenses in excess of the NIH limit. This agreement is needed to
ensure that the junior investigator has a salary commensurate to that of other junior faculty in the relevant
department, to ensure provision of the appropriate technical support and supplies necessary to establish a
productive research program, and to ensure that the total funds allocated to support each young investigator are
within the program guidelines. In addition to salary and time, the department must provide office space and
appropriate research space for the program recipient.
BIRCWH @ Pitt
Program Description
Page 3
Research Mentors
Each Scholar’s mentorship team will consist of one primary mentor and at least two supporting mentors. The Scholar will
work with the primary mentor to submit the application’s research plan and budget. There will be at least one other
research mentor with an interest in a relevant scientific discipline different than that of the primary mentor, thus enhancing
the interdisciplinary aspects of the research plan. A third member of the mentoring team serves mainly as a career
mentor. The BIRCWH Advisory Committee will assist the Scholar in assembling the mentoring team.
Whereas progress review meetings between principal mentors and mentees will occur no less frequently then weekly,
meetings with the full mentoring committee of principal and supporting mentors will occur at monthly intervals. This will
allow the mentors to monitor the satisfactory progress of the experiments, and will also ensure that the Scholar can take
advantage of supporting or alternative approaches that may be available through the supporting mentors or at other
laboratories. Under the guidance of their mentors, each Scholar will develop a detailed research plan that will include a
rich curriculum of course work and seminars, adjusted to their level of training. They will execute experiments, analyze
and prepare data for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at local and national venues. Importantly,
Scholars will work with their mentors and advisory committee to prepare and submit an independent research proposal.
A list of program mentors is provided below. However, additional mentors can be added based upon project needs, with
the advisory committee’s approval. The mentor should be recognized as an accomplished investigator in the proposed
research area and have a successful record in training independent investigators.
Yoel Sadovsky, MD
Catherine Bender, PhD
Lisa Bodnar, PhD
BIRCWH @ Pitt Program Mentors
Director, Magee-Womens Research Institute
Prof of OBGYN-RS, and Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine
Anthony Delitto, PhD
Mark Gladwin, MD
Sharon Hillier, PhD
Adrian Lee, PhD
Assistant Prof of Oncology Nursing, School of Nursing
Assistant Prof of Epidemiology, Psychiatry and OBGYN-RS, Grad School of Public
Health
Assoc Prof of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, School of Medicine
Prof of Bioengineering, Surgery, and Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Assistant Prof of Epidemiology and Psychiatry, Grad School of Public Health
Prof of Pediatrics and Immunology, School of Medicine
Prof of Medicine, Pharmacology and Chemical Biology
School of Medicine
Prof Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Prof of Medicine, School of Medicine
Prof of OBGYN-RS and Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine
Prof of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine
Mary Marazita, PhD
Karen Matthews, PhD
Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD
Pamela Moalli, MD, PhD
Ann B. Newman, MD
Steffi Oesterreich, PhD
Prof of Dental Biology, Human Genetics and Psychiatry, School of Dental Health
Prof of Psychiatry, Epidemiology, and Psychology, School of Medicine
Assoc Prof of Pediatrics, School of Medicine
Assoc Prof of OBGYN-RS and Bioengineering, School of Medicine
Prof of Epidemiology and Medicine, Grad School of Public Health
Prof of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, School of Medicine
Kyle Orwig, PhD
Assoc Prof of OBGYN-RS, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and Developmental
Biology, School of Medicine
Tony Plant, PhD
James Roberts, MD
Lisa Rohan PhD
Winston Thompson, PhD
Harold Wiesenfeld, MD
Prof of OBGYN-RS, and Cell Biology and Physiology, School of Medicine
Prof of OBGYN-RS and Epidemiology, School of Medicine
Assoc Prof of Pharmaceutical Science and OBGYN-RS, School of Pharmacy
Prof of OBGYN, Morehouse School of Medicine
Assoc Prof of OBGYN-RS, School of Medicine
Debra Bogen, PhD
Harvey Borovetz, PhD
Joyce Bromberger, PhD
Toni Darville, MD
Nancy Davidson, MD
BIRCWH @ Pitt
Program Description
Page 4
Application Submission
The application consists of three major sections, which must be submitted via email (Word or PDF attachments) to Ms
Lori Rideout at mailto:rideoutl@mwri.magee.edu:
Candidate documents
1. Completed application form
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Draft budget, to address items below. A sample template is provided.
a. Scholar salary and fringes
b. Research expenses (supplies, reagents, animals, core services)
c. Travel to scientific meetings
d. Tuition/coursework
Note: Departmental support for any expenses not coverable by the BIRCWH program must be confirmed in
writing. See required letters below.
4. Research and Career Plan (not to exceed 8 pages) to include:
a. Research training and career development plan (up to 3 pages): Address the interdisciplinary nature and
the reproductive sciences-women’s health focus of the training.
b. Research plan (up to 5 pages, excluding bibliography): Address hypothesis, innovation and approach,
and describe how the proposed plan will promote the candidate’s education and development as an
independent investigator.
5. NIH Other Support document (include all current and pending grants, if applicable)
Primary mentor documents
1. Mentor’s statement (not to exceed 2 pages) to include:
a. Assessment of the candidate’s qualifications and potential for a research career
b. Description of career development plan
c. Description of the research environment, and the availability and quality of needed research resources
2. Mentor’s NIH biosketch - personal statement section should mentor's past mentoring experience and current
research focus
3. A list of up to 5 past or current trainees, which includes the name, degree(s), dates, where trained, title of project,
academic level, and present position and institution
Letters of support (three)
1. Two letters of reference from those familiar with candidate’s research
2. A letter from the candidate’s department Chair confirming that:
a. Seventy-five percent of the candidate’s full-time professional effort will be protected for the development
of his/her research program under the BIRCWH award.
b. Departmental resources, including research facilities, resources, training opportunities, and faculty
capable of productive collaboration with the candidate, will be available for the candidate’s planned career
development and research program.
c. The proposed budget is approved by the department, and that the department will cover the remaining
salary/fringe and research expenses in excess of the NIH funding available (FY2016 BIRCWH annual
funding is estimated at $106,500 per scholar).
Candidate Evaluation
Each proposal will be reviewed initially by the PIs and Program Coordinator to ensure that the application criteria are met.
The application will then be reviewed by the entire Advisory Committee. Candidates may be invited to interview with the
co-PIs and to provide a presentation of their proposal to the Advisory Committee. The application process an important
training experience, and each applicant is provided with a written assessment of her/his application prepared by the coPIs and Program Director, based upon reviewer critiques and committee discussions. Upon request, the co-PIs or
Program Director may also meet with unsuccessful applicants to provide direction toward revision and alternative funding.
Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health
(BIRCWH)
Name
Start
date
Last, First, Initial
Business
Address
Home
Address
Phone
Business
Home
Cell/pager
Email address
Personal
Education
UnderGrad
Date of birth
Place of birth
Country of Citizenship
If Non-US Citizen, then do you have a permanent US resident visa
(Green Card)?
Institution, Location
Dates
Degree/field of training
Graduate
Post-graduate
*If medical training occurred outside the United States, then provide a copy of your ECFMG certificate.
Provide the names, titles, institutions and email address of three persons whom you have requested to provide
letters of reference. These should include 1) Candidate’s chair and 3) two other physicians or scientists familiar
with the candidate’s qualifications
1
2
3
Please indicate your selected mentor and supporting mentor(s).
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION FOR NIH REPORTING
Provision of the following information is voluntary. Responses to these questions will help provide statistical
information on the participation of individuals from diverse groups in Public Health Service (PHS) programs and identify
inequities in terms of recruitment and retention based on race, ethnicity, disability and/or disadvantaged background.
Applicants, trainees, scholars, and participants are strongly encouraged to provide this information, however declining to
do so will in no way affect their appointments. This information will be retained by the PHS in accordance with and
protected by the Privacy Act of 1974. Racial/ethnic/disability/background data are confidential and all analyses utilizing the
data will report aggregate statistical findings only and will not identify individuals.
What is your race?
African American
Hispanic
Alaskan Native
Middle Eastern
American Indian
Pacific Islander
Asian
White
Other
Do not wish to provide
Are you Hispanic?
Yes
No
Do not wish to provide
What is your gender?
Male
Female
Do not wish to provide
Do you have a disability?
Yes
No
Do not wish to provide
Do you come from a
disadvantaged background?
Yes
No
Do not wish to provide
Individuals falling in this category must have qualified for Federal disadvantaged
assistance or have received Health Professional Student Loans (HPSL), Loans for
Disadvantaged Student Program, or Scholarships from the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services under the Scholarship for Individuals with Exceptional Financial
Need.
SAMPLE PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET
PERSONNEL
Scholar's name
Role on Project
Scholar PI
FTE (%)
######
BASE SALARY
##########
REQUESTED
FRINGE
BENEFITS
REQUESTED
SALARY
75,000
0
17,100
0
CATEGORY
TOTAL
TOTAL
87,825
0
0
$
87,825
Scholar must maintain 75% protected FTE for BIRCWH (50% allowable for surgical specialties). Salary above $100K will need to be cost shared to meet departmental standard
BIRCWH funds may be used to cover technical staff support.
RESEARCH EXPENSES (Itemize expenses by category).
Research reagents and consumables
15,000
Animal per diems and supplies
1,500
Microscopy and histology core resources
1,200
Bioinformatics/data support
2,000
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
$
19,700
TRAVEL (These amounts are dictated by the NIH).
Travel to annual BIRCWH Meeting
1,500
Travel to an additional scientific meeting
1,500
$
3,000
TUITION/COURSEWORK (See program application and link to Pitt website for tuition rates. Faculty are charnge 10% of posted rate. BIRCWH annual limit is
$750.)
Required course work (Ethics & Responsible Conduct, Medical Writing)
250
Biostatistics
500
0
0
$
750
TOTAL BUDGET
TOTAL ALLOWABLE CHARGES TO BIRCWH
BALANCE TO BE COST-SHARED BY SCHOLAR'S DEPARTMENT
$
111,275
$
106,500
$
4,775