Description
Kick start your faculty career in cardiovascular sciences with grant writing training and mentorship from world-renowned researchers!
Apply now to the UC San Diego Future Faculty in Cardiovascular Sciences (FOCUS) program, a free research training and mentoring program sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). FOCUS includes in-depth training in grant writing to enhance faculty career and funding success.
Participation in this program requires a one-year commitment with the following tentative timeline* (with all travel expenses paid):
- Active participation in the Grant Writing Course: The course will start remotely in June 2026, prior to the Summer Institute I, with weekly assignments due in June-July 2026
- Attendance at the Summer Institute I held on July 26-31, 2026 (in-person in La Jolla, CA or online – modality TBD)
- Attendance at the Mid-year Meeting in January 2027 (online)
- Attendance at the NHLBI Programs Annual Meeting in spring 2027 (Bethesda, MD)
- Attendance at the Summer Institute II in July 2027 (in-person in La Jolla, CA or online – modality TBD)
*Please note that program structure and timeline are subject to change. The program will be held either in-person or online; no hybrid option will be provided.
The programs are designed for early career junior faculty and postdoctoral scholars transitioning to a faculty position who have scientific expertise in cardiovascular sciences. The program is open to junior faculty nationwide. Please note that candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to be eligible. Candidates are encouraged to review additional eligibility requirements and the application process on the Coordination Core website.
- Submit your pre-application here: https://primecc.wustl.edu/apply
- Select FOCUS as your desired program.
- Eligible candidates will be invited to complete a full application package.
- Full application package due: Sunday, March 1, 2026
FOCUS will employ evidence-based strategies to enhance professional development and effective mentorship of participants by:
- Developing a Faculty Research and Career Advancement Plan (RCAP) to help participants identify short- and long-term research and career goals
- Engaging participants in effective mentorship with a mentoring team consisting of a UC San Diego research faculty mentor, a UC San Diego career faculty mentor, and a mentor from the participant’s home institution
- Improving participants’ knowledge and skills in areas important for research success in cardiovascular sciences or infectious diseases
FOCUS will enhance self-efficacy in research knowledge, skills, and strategies to successfully obtain NIH or equivalent grant funding by:
- Immersing participants in effective strategies to develop research program plans
- Facilitating the development of skills in writing effective grant proposals and manuscripts
- Providing important tips on navigating pathways for academic advancement as well as submission and review of grants
Below are testimonials from FOCUS alumni:
- “Very informative and an eye opener course for a junior faculty. I now feel motivated and better equipped to pursue my career path after several years of wait-and-see approach.”
- “Having met amazing peers, as well as professors at UCSD who are engaged in truly meaningful work and are excited to do so, I have completely changed my world view. The career and research mentorship were truly excellent and have helped me network with people directly related to my field of work.”
Learn more about the FOCUS program at focus.ucsd.edu.
