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CHEMISTRY-BIOLOGY INTERFACE TRAINING PROGRAM  

The Chemistry-Biology Interface (CBI) Predoctoral Research Training Program at UCLA is an NIH-funded program designed to provide research training to predoctoral students in the area of chemical approaches to the solution of biological problems. Students selected to participate in this program are trained in the language and techniques of biological and chemical sciences and gain experience as members of multidisciplinary teams working on frontier research at the chemistry-biology interface.

Program: Open to graduate students working with CBI Training Faculty members and enrolled in Ph.D. programs in Biological Chemistry, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medicine, Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, and Physiology.

There are two ways to participate in the CBI: as a Trainee or Associate Trainee. Trainees receive a stipend, with students generally beginning the program in their second year of graduate study. The major components of the training program are (1) the core course, "Introduction to the Chemistry of Biology"; (2) a one-quarter internship in an area complementary to the student's central research area, to occur at the end of the second year of appointment; and (3) the Chemistry of Biology Seminar program that includes presentations by students as well as outside speakers. The program also includes ethics training, quarterly Chemical Biology colloquia, and an annual symposium.

Eligibility: The training program is funded by the National Institute of General Health, which limits eligibility to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The applicant should be a Ph.D. student with a CBI Training Faculty member.

The CBI began its Associate Trainee program in July 2006. An Associate Trainee participates in all aspects of the program, but because of limited funds from the NIH, is paid by the trainee's research director, fellowships, teaching assistantships, or other financial sources. Associates are selected based on the same rigorous criteria as Trainees paid by the NIH.

There are many benefits to becoming an Associate Trainee. Associate Trainees receive travel support, Arrowhead retreat support, and the courses, seminars and other activities of the program. The Associate program is an exciting opportunity for foreign nationals, who are otherwise ineligible for all government-sponsored awards, to participate.

Additional information on the training program can be obtained by contacting the Program Administrator, Rebecca Rubin, (310) 206-9005 or e-mail (rrubin@chem.ucla.edu).
Application Deadline: May 21, 2008.

Participating Faculty: Thirty-nine faculty from the Departments of Biological Chemistry; Chemistry and Biochemistry; Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology; Molecular and Medical Pharmacology; and Physiology are the Training Faculty in the Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program. Their affiliations and research areas are described briefly on the next page and in more detail in the graduate brochures and websites of the participating departments. Students involved in biochemical, biological or biomedical research should choose a faculty member involved in chemical research to act as Collaborator, and students involved in chemical research should select a faculty member involved in biochemical, biological, or biomedical research as their Collaborator. The Collaborator is typically the "outside-the-department" member of the graduate student's committee.

Awards: Awards are typically for three years. A stipend is provided by the NIH which must be supplemented by the research advisor to the level of a Research Assistantship. The NIH funds provide tuition and fees (including health insurance) and a travel allowance of up to $300 per year.

Selection: Continued support during an appointment requires active participation in all aspects of the program. Selection is based on progress and achievement; prior academic record; recommendations from the student's research advisor, the research collaborator, and one additional faculty member or science mentor; a statement of purpose prepared by the prospective trainee. The Executive Committee selects and guides the trainees.