How to Apply

cbios training program

No further applications will be accepted for the CBIOS program. This T32 grant is ending in July 2023.

Interested students should submit their applications in response to the request for proposal. Please contact Stephen Schaeffer for further information.

Stephen Schaeffer

Professor of Biology

The Computation, Bioinformatics and Statistics (CBIOS) predoctoral training program is co-directed by Drs. Stephen Schaeffer, Francesca Chiaromonte and Santhosh Girirajan. CBIOS is supported by the NRSA Institutional Predoctoral Training Program (T32) in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology with matching funds provided by Penn State. Interested students from PSU biomedical, quantitative and computational sciences graduate programs can apply for participation in the training.

CBIOS is designed to facilitate students passing the critical threshold from user to innovator in the analysis of high throughput genomic data, and from functioning to leading in an interdisciplinary research domain. A key emphasis of the program is on providing training in Science Communication.

NIH T32 Eligibility and Funding

Applications are invited from Penn State graduate students completing the first year of their PhD program for admission to the CBIOS predoctoral training program. There are no available slots for international students in this application cycle.

Training begins in the fall semester after selection. Selected trainees will be supported for a period of one or two years as a part of their doctoral programs. Continued funding for the second year is subject to satisfactory progress in the first year and availability of funds.

NIH T32 Application Process:

Interested individuals should use the form below to submit a single pdf including the following required items:

  • Personal statement. The personal statement should include information on your background, research experience, long term goals, and how the CBIOS program will transform the student from a user of computational tools to an innovative tool user or developer (2 pages)
  • A current transcript, highlighting CBIOS curriculum courses previously completed/in progress
  • A curriculum vitae

In addition, please request two supporting letters to be submitted electronically to Jean Pierce (jep32@psu.edu):

  • One letter should be from the advisor, which should include a commitment towards participation in CBIOS training activities including, but not limited to the following: (i) yearly Responsible Conduct of Research class discussion; (ii) teaching Data Reproducibility and Transparency in graduate courses; (iii) BG annual retreats: (iv) mentor training activities; and (v) diversity recruitment and mentoring.
  • The second letter should be from a CBIOS training mentor who can address the applicant’s interest in the CBIOS program and how the training will enhance the applicant’s program of study.