IRACDA Scholars in Science (ISIS) Program
overview | how to apply | fellows | mentors
UCSF is one of 15 universities in the United States to receive an Institutional Research and Career Development Award (IRACDA). All IRACDA programs provide postdoctoral fellowships and combine a traditional mentored research experience with the opportunity to develop teaching skills through mentored assignments at a minority-serving institution (MSI). The nationwide IRACDA program aims to facilitate the progress of postdoctoral scholars toward research and teaching careers in academia; to motivate the next generation of scientists from historically underrepresented populations; and to promote linkages between research-intensive institutions and MSIs that will lead to further collaborations in research and teaching.
The IRACDA Scholars in Science (ISIS) program at UCSF is a unique four-year program offering postdoctoral scholars:
- extensive mentored research experience with a top-ranked principal investigator at UCSF
- intensive mentored teaching experience with a master teacher at San Francisco State University, UCSF’s MSI partner institution, where postdocs themselves will be inspiring role-models for future scientists
- invaluable career-enhancing professional development workshops and one-on-one career counseling
- a way to make a tangible and invaluable contribution to diversity efforts in the sciences
the promise of a fulfilling academic career that combines research and teaching
Benefits
ISIS Fellows at UCSF receive a generous benefits package including support to attend the annual IRACDA conference and at least one other scientific or professional meeting per year, as well as a $5,000 allowance for research each year. All UCSF Postdocs are governed by the University of California policy for Postdoctoral Scholars, which entitles them to a competitive package of academic, financial, health, and social benefits including:
- Full medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance; accidental death and dismemberment and workers compensation policies. Spouses and children of postdocs are also eligible for health and dental benefits.
- 20 days of time-off per appointment year plus all observed holidays
- 12 days of sick leave per appointment year
- Childbearing, parental, and family and medical leave
- Jury and military leave
- A grievance policy
- Membership in the Graduate Division Alumni Association after leaving UCSF
Funding
The ISIS Fellowship represents four full years of support. In the first year, salary comes from the PI or lab, and the ISIS program provides funding for travel and research as outlined above. In years two through four, the ISIS Program picks up the full salary. Rate of compensation follows the NIH/NSRA scale. The ISIS program is funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) Division of the National Institutes of Health.
In order to qualify for the ISIS Fellowship, applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must also have completed a doctoral degree before they begin the program. Applicants must be committed to increasing diversity in academia and must be able to demonstrate past experience in diversity efforts. Download an application form and instructions, or for more information contact:
Christine Des Jarlais, EdD
Assistant Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs
and Graduate Outreach, UCSF
tel. 415/476-1558; christine.desjarlais@ucsf.edu
Jeannine Cuevas
Special Projects Analyst
tel. 415/514-4852; jeannine.cuevas@ucsf.edu
For more information about the teaching component of the program, contact:
Bruce Macher, PhD
Professor of Chemistry, SFSU
tel. 415/338-6078; macher@sfsu.edu
Follow these links for more about:
ISIS Fellows 2010