171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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April 2007
Child Health Research Career Development Award (CHRDA) Program
1. What is the CHRDA Program?
The CHRDA Program is a two to four year training program for junior faculty Scholars that is designed to promote the performance of research in children's health by bridging advanced training with research independence. The program consists of: (1) intensive mentored research experiences; (2) didactic material in responsible conduct of research, research methods, and basic research skills; (3) regularly scheduled seminars and journal clubs; (4) ongoing professional development activities including grant writing; (5) additional opportunities to participate in thematic or topical exchanges with other interdisciplinary research groups at the University; and (6) a comprehensive evaluation plan utilizing formative and summative techniques as well as formal and informal approaches for reviewing and evaluating both scholar progress and program effectiveness. The CHRDA Program provides salary support, space, mentoring, supplies, and research resources for junior faculty scholars.
2. Where do scholars conduct their research?
CHRDA scholars conduct their research in the laboratories of their mentors in the 123,000 ft2 Charles P. Darby Children's Research Institute (DCRI) at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, the largest pediatric research facility in the Carolinas, and one of 15 buildings dedicated to children's research across the country. With more than 150 occupants and 11 multidisciplinary programs, the DCRI represents an extraordinary 'home' for pediatric research. An array of research cores available to scholars include superb proteomics, lipidomics, bioengineering, and pharmacogenetics research resources, which are housed in the DCRI.
3. What are the mentors' fields of research?
The program has selected a group of 19 scientific mentors from multiple colleges and departments who impart the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to succeed in pediatric research. Mentors' laboratories in the DCRI are focused on research themes in bone metabolism, cardiovascular developmental biology, nutrition/vitamin D, pediatric cancer biology, developmental neurosciences, pediatric pulmonary biology, and pediatric renal biology.
4. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the CHRDA Program?
Qualified candidates must be eligible for certification in a pediatric subspecialty, having completed their fellowship training within four years of admission to the program. Once admitted, scholars must devote at least 75 percent of their effort to research. Pediatric sub-specialists who have served as principal investigator on a RO1, PO1, or K-series grant from the National Institutes of Health are ineligible. The program seeks candidates who have had prior experience with laboratory research and who are dedicated to developing as pediatric scientists. The prospective mentor's expertise, accessibility, and enthusiasm for the applicant will also be taken into account.
5. How do I apply?
To apply, candidates must e-mail a short essay on career goals and research interests, in addition to their curriculum vitae to Dr. Lyndon Key, principal investigator and chairman of pediatrics (keyl@musc.edu). Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of commitment to a research career in children's health, information on previous research training, and future research training expectations, and a three-page narrative demonstrating familiarity with the literature in areas of interest. A potential primary mentor identified by the applicant must provide a letter of support. As part of the application process and interviews, applicants will be asked to indicate the areas of skill development on which they intend to concentrate during the program. This information will be used to help program leaders and primary mentors identify appropriate co-mentors.
6. How to I learn more about the opportunities in the CHRDA Program?
To learn more, please continue to visit the "DCRI News Brief" section of the Kids Connection e-newsletter. You may also contact recruitment officers
Dr. Bernard L. Maria at (843) 792-7715 (mariabl@musc.edu) or Dr. Carol L. Wagner at (843) 792-8829 (wagnercl@musc.edu).
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