The objective of the University of Iowa Immunology Postdoctoral Training Program is to produce outstanding independent immunologist investigators that will pursue successful academic careers. The core of the program is a 90% time commitment to immunology research experience under the supervision of a preceptor who is an outstanding immunology researcher with current external research funding and enthusiasm for mentoring. 

The preceptors who meet these criteria represent a broad range of basic research areas in molecular and cellular immunology, including lymphocyte activation, apoptosis, signal transduction, gene regulation, regulation of lymphocyte function by toll-like receptors, cytokines, viral immunology, cancer immunology, transplantation, host defense, allergic mechanisms, autoimmunity, neutrophil and macrophage biochemistry, gastrointestinal immunology, and pulmonary immunology. These 34 faculty, assigned as Mentors or Associate Mentors based on their postdoctoral training experience, represent 9 departments.  They function within an immunology research community of over 40 highly interactive immunology researchers.  

Sophisticated technologies are accessible to all trainees through Core Laboratories and trainees are exposed to cutting edge research technologies through formal interactions with our “technical consultants”.  Trainees must hold a doctoral degree, such as an MD or PhD.  Candidates are sought by nationwide advertising and personal contact by Iowa immunologists, with specific effort directed to discovering and recruiting women and under represented minority candidates. Formal application requires a project description, statement of career goals, interview with the Admissions Committee and recommendation letters. The main criterion for selection is the probability that the candidate will develop into a productive independent immunology investigator, in the judgment of the Admissions Committee who make recommendations to the Program Director, Dr. Harty who also is advised by an Executive Committee of faculty mentors.  

Trainee progress and career development are formally tracked by a tailored Postdoctoral Advisory Committee for each trainee and by the opportunities offered by the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars. Trainees also are able to choose formal didactic and seminar courses from a rich immunology and molecular biology curriculum and also take the Responsible Conduct of Research course. They attend weekly Immunology Seminars, presented by faculty and by prominent guest immunologists, with whom they personally interact. Trainees are required to present their work in this seminar series each summer.  The grant supports attendance at one scientific meeting each year. Trainees must submit at least one application for an individual fellowship for each year of funding.  If this application is not funded but progress is satisfactory, two years of research training are normally supported. For a third year, candidates must compete with first year applicants.

Click here to apply. 

Participating Faculty Members