The Department of Genomic Sciences and Systems Biology at Cleveland Clinic Research is seeking post-doctoral fellows with an MD, PhD, DO or equivalent degree who are highly motivated to gain critical translational research skills and experience to prepare for an independently funded biomedical research career that incorporates genomics or other 'omic approaches.
This competitive 2-year cross-training fellowship will have either a clinical/translational research focus (for PhDs) or a wet or dry laboratory research focus (for MDs/DOs), with dual mentorship of applicants by MD- and PhD-trained faculty. The major focus will be hands-on research experience and the development of necessary scientific, operational, and professional skills needed for research independence.
Trainee stipend will be commensurate with the NIH Post-Graduate Year scale with an additional $10K stipend plus $10K annually for travel and research expenses. The program will cover the equivalent of one course per semester. Additional funds for clinical work (not to exceed 25% effort) and research costs can be negotiated per project. Fringe benefits, health insurance, etc., will be similar to other Cleveland Clinic postdoctoral positions.
A didactic curriculum that complements the laboratory/clinical research will be spread over the 2-year training period. The Year 1 curriculum will involve (1) a flexible common core - providing key foundations in genomics, epidemiology/study design, quantitative methods, and grantsmanship, and (2) a customized curriculum tailored to individual trainee interests and needs, depending on prior training and skills. The Year 2 award will be contingent upon meeting required milestones/deliverables after 12 months. Fellows will be expected to develop at least 1 first/co first author or senior/co-senior author paper, present at a national conference, and generate open source outputs when appropriate. They will also be required to submit an external grant (e.g., K or foundation career development award) by the middle of Year 2. Submission of an extramural grant application is required within 18 months of starting the fellowship.
Minimum requirements and preferred qualifications for ideal fellowship applicants are listed below, along with additional requirements to be completed prior to start of fellowship.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Required Qualifications at Start of Fellowship:
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with a deadline of May 15, 2026 for a start date in Summer or Fall 2026. Interested applicants should provide a detailed CV and statement of interest (no more than 2 pages) indicating the specific research area they wish to pursue as part of the fellowship, clear long-term career goals, and prior relevant research training. Based on interests, successful applicants will be matched with appropriate research mentor(s) and interviews arranged. Applicants should provide a minimum of 3 referee names. All application materials should be emailed to [email protected].
This fellowship was created in memory of Charis Eng, M.D., Ph.D., a world-renowned Cleveland Clinic cancer geneticist.
How many fellows participate in this program per year?
The program can support 1-to-2 new trainees per year.
How long does the program last?
A minimum of two years is required, with extension to three years possible, dependent upon completion of the research project, receipt of grant funding, and/or co-enrollment in other programs (e.g., ACGME certification, PRISM PhD Program, Case Western Reserve University's Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP) – Master's in Clinical Research), or American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) board certification pathway.
What have recent graduates done with this training?
Our graduates have used this training as a successful launching point to academic careers in genomic sciences. Alumnae currently hold faculty positions or lead clinical genetics programs or translational science laboratories, both nationally and across the world.
I hold an MD degree - can I obtain a PhD while pursuing this fellowship?
No. Individuals interested in a obtaining a PhD degree should consider either the Cleveland Clinic Molecular Medicine PhD Program, which offers a track for residents/fellows in accredited training programs to pursue a PhD in laboratory-based research, or the PRISM (Physicians Researchers Innovating in Science and Medicine) Program, which is offered in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University.
Our academic mission is to provide world-class research training for our postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduate students.
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