Call for Applications for Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists at Duke

3 faculty in lab doing research

The School of Medicine Office for Faculty and Office of Physician-Scientist Development are now accepting applications for the Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists at Duke. Supported by awards from the American Heart Association, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and Dean Mary Klotman, the Fund provides supplements of up to $30,000-$50,000 to clinician-scientists with significant caregiving responsibilities. Supplements are for 1 year, with the possible option to apply for a second year. This application cycle is for funding from January 1-December 31, 2023.

Fund supplements are designed to address the critical challenge of working to establish research independence during periods when caregiving needs may be least flexible. Awards can be used in a variety of ways to support the applicant’s scholarly work. Possible uses of funds include:

  • Research support personnel (e.g. clinical research coordinator or technician)
  • Duke Office of Clinical Research (DOCR) services
  • Biostatistical support
  • Other “extra hands” support as proposed by the applicant

Applicants must be junior faculty (medical instructor, assistant professor, or associate professor within 1 year at that rank) with an MD/DO degree and a primary faculty appointment in a School of Medicine department. They must have existing funding for their research, including salary support, and at least 50% protected time for research. All applicants must demonstrate a compelling need for the supplement that is related to being a caregiver. Applicants whose caregiving needs were caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply and state this clearly in their application. See the attached Call for Applications for complete eligibility requirements.

Applications are online and include 1) an application form, 2) statement of individual need rooted in caregiving responsibilities, 3) research plan, 4) biosketch, 5) proposed budget for the supplement, 6) chair/chief letter of support. Departmental contributions are expected, and the letter of support should outline any matching funds or other additional supports being provided to the applicant. Matching funds will be viewed favorably by the selection committee. Applications are due October 14, 2022.

Applicants and selected scholars will be strongly encouraged to enroll in the OPSD Scholars program lead by Dr. Gbadegesin. Scholars will receive access to additional mentoring, grant writing, and executive coaching support.

Please e-mail OPSD to let us know you plan to apply. This e-mail can be very brief and is non-binding.

Click here for complete program information, eligibility criteria, and application instructions.

Questions? Contact the Office of Physician Scientist Development at OPSD@dm.duke.edu.

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