Now Accepting Applications! Scroll down for relevant deadlines.

The UCLA Translational Neuroscience of Drug Abuse (TNDA) Program set forth to link several successful UCLA research centers by establishing a unified training program. Each spring, applications are accepted for both pre- and postdoctoral fellowships (12-month, renewable appointments).

The program is funded by a NIDA T32 Training Grant and provides trainees with the integrative knowledge base needed to conduct bidirectional translational studies including cutting-edge technical laboratory methods, computational approaches in data evaluation, and issues related to ethical treatment of human subjects.  TNDA trainees will have a research project in a specific mentor’s laboratory, but will gain exposure to other areas of drug abuse research through laboratory rotations, common core training elements as well as by formal and informal interaction among key faculty and TNDA leadership.

Successful researchers must also become adept at identifying sources of research funding and at preparing fundable applications that can further their independent investigation. TNDA trainees will receive didactic training and mentoring in these important areas, with emphasis on skills in scientific writing and presentation to enhance dissemination of research findings.

I. TRAINING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Background:  Currently in its 14th year of operation, the UCLA Training Program on the Translational Neuroscience of Drug Abuse (TNDA) supports pre- and postdoctoral trainees who aspire to become leaders in the field. To date, 33 predoctoral and 24 postdoctoral trainees have completed the training program; and most are actively involved in biomedical research across the country.

Leadership:  Program Director: Edythe London, Ph.D.

Trainees: This year, 2 postdoctoral and 5 predoctoral applicants will be competitively selected to receive 12-month fellowships (first available start date July 1, 2022). Funds are provided by NIH see NIH: NOT-OD-21-049 and renewal applications are accepted, however, the typical duration of TNDA support is limited to 2 years.

Program Requirements:  The TNDA Program is comprised of core activities, which include developing and conducting mentored research projects, training in oral and written presentations, completing selected coursework and training in the responsible conduct of research.

TNDA Faculty

II. APPLICATION 

Predoctoral Applicants

Qualified Applicants Must Meet the Following Criteria:

A) In pursuit of a Ph.D. in neuroscience, biological science, psychology, pharmacology or related field of study under the supervision of a member of the TNDA Faculty (see approved faculty members above). Should your mentor not be listed, contact the program administrator for details.

B) Committed to the study of drug addiction;

C) A US citizen, have non-citizen nationality or permanent residency (to be considered for NIH funding).  Non-citizen nationals are persons born in US outlying possessions (American Samoa and Swains Island).

D) Not received more than 5 years of aggregate NRSA support at the predoctoral level (any combination of  individual & institutional awards).

Predoctoral Application Package:

1) Information Sheet: Complete all fields and sign. To download the information sheet, click HERE. 

2) Self-Statement: (maximum of 3 pages, single spaced, 11-point arial font, .5 inch margins) Applicants must  provide a general description of their proposed research project including aims, data point collection and potential outcomes. The statement should also highlight the applicant’s research/education accomplishments and provide background information relevant to the applicant’s interest in drug abuse research. Applicants must name the UCLA TNDA Faculty member who has agreed to serve as their mentor for the duration of the fellowship in the statement.  A bibliography does not count toward the 3-page limit.

*Current recipients re-applying should submit a self-statement of progress and future directions for their research project should they be re-appointed.

3) Current curriculum vitae: Include a list of your publications.

4) Nomination letter: Written by a faculty member or mentor who knows the applicant best

Postdoctoral Applicants

Qualified Applicants Must Meet the Following Criteria:

A) Obtain a doctoral degree, (M.D. or Ph.D. in neuroscience, biological science, psychology, pharmacology or other related fields of study) at the time of appointment.  A pending degree is acceptable to apply; degree confirmation is required at the time of official appointment

B) Have a committment to the study of drug addiction.

C) Be a US citizen, non‐citizen national or permanent resident (Non-citizen national is a person born in the U.S. outlying possessions (American Samoa and Swains Islands).

D) Not received more than 3 years of aggregate NRSA support at the postdoctoral level (any combination of  individual & institutional awards).

Postdoctoral Application Package:

STEP 1: To initiate the application process, interested individuals must submit their current CV for consideration by the review committee.  The pre-application review is fundamental to ensure that applicants have relevant experiences and expertise to submit a competitive application.  You will be alerted within 2 business days of the committee’s determination.

Submit your CV via email to the TNDA Program Administrator, Mario Mandujano (mmandujano@mednet.ucla.edu).

STEP 2: Upon approval from the review committee, qualified individuals will complete the additional steps below.

 2A) TNDA Mentor Selection: Applicants must research the UCLA/TNDA Faculty (above) and select a mentor within their area of addiction-related research.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty members as soon as possible.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to initiate communication, discuss their research proposal and obtain the mentor’s approval to conduct their proposed work within the their UCLA laboratory.

2B: Submit Application Package: Applicants must submit all elements of the application package electonically by the deadline.

1) Information Sheet: Complete all fields and sign.  To download the information sheet, click HERE. 

2) Self-Statement: (maximum of 3 pages, single spaced, 11-point arial font, .5 inch margins) Applicants must  provide a general description of their proposed research project including aims, data point collection and potential outcomes. The statement should also highlight the applicant’s research/education accomplishments and provide background information relevant to the applicant’s interest in drug abuse research.    Applicants must also name the UCLA TNDA Faculty member who has agreed to serve as their mentor for the duration of the fellowship in the statement.  A bibliography does not count toward the 3-page limit.

*Current fellows applying for re-newal should submit a progress statement on their research project and achievements throughout the past year, and future directions for their research project should they be awarded a second year of funding.

3) Nomination letter:  Provide a formal letter of recommendation written by a faculty member or mentor who knows the applicant best

III. SUBMISSION & NOTIFICATIONS

Predoctoral Applicants:
Submit completed application packages via email to the TNDA Program Director, Dr. Edythe London: ELondon@mednet.ucla.edu. Paper applications will NOT be accepted.

Postdoctoral Applicants:
Submit completed application packages via email to the TNDA Program Administrator, Mario Mandujano: mmandujano@mednet.ucla.edu. Paper applications will NOT be accepted.

Notifications:
Within 24h of submission, an email confirming acceptance of the application will be sent.

Forms:
Information Sheet

IV. APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Postdoctoral applications must be submitted by July 01, 2022 to be considered.

Predoctoral applications must be submitted by May 15, 2022.

Earliest start date for selected candidates is July 1, 2022.