UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
International AIDS Research & Training Program
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION PROCESS FOR INTERNATIONAL
APPLICANTS
The University of Washington has established collaborative AIDS research projects with institutions in Kenya, Mozambique, Peru, and Thailand. The International AIDS Research and Training Program (IARTP) gives priority to candidates from these countries, though exceptional candidates from other countries may be considered.
IARTP supports an average of 4-5 new MPH degree students, 1 or 2 US post-doctoral fellows, and 3-5 short-term scholars per year, with ongoing support ranging from 3 months to 4 years.
Training TracksTraining in a broad variety of disciplines which have relevance for AIDS research can be provided, and the program attempts to individualize training programs to meet the particular needs and career goals of each candidate. Four educational tracks are offered: Two to Four Year MPH/PhD Track; Three Month Comprehensive Epidemiology/Biostatistics Training Track; Three to Six Month Laboratory Training Track; and Flexible Track
In addition to the first three standard tracks, the fourth track has been included to accommodate candidates who wish to propose other types or duration of training to achieve particular goals.
- Two to Four Year MPH/PhD Track This track will provide in-depth
training in concepts and methods in epidemiology or other disciplines over
a two to four year period, leading to an MPH or PhD degree. Applicants
will be considered for degree candidacy in the Departments of
Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Microbiology, or other departments when appropriate.
IARTP scholars will conduct field research required for a thesis or
dissertation in their home countries.
- Three Month Comprehensive
Epidemiology Training Track
This track will provide short term intensive training in epidemiologic
concepts and methods relevant for AIDS-related field research. Most
participants in this track will come to the University of Washington for
the autumn quarter (September-December), in order to audit courses offered
by the School of Public Health. These courses will provide a basic
background in epidemiology and biostatistics. Scholars will also
participate in the AIDS Core
Curriculum. In addition, scholars will design an AIDS research study
to be conducted upon return to their home country or will analyze data
from home field research which has already been conducted, as part of
their program.
- Three to Six Month Laboratory
Training Track
This track will provide short term training in laboratory procedures which
will be used for AIDS-related research in the home country. In addition to
participating in the AIDS Core
Curriculum, an individualized curriculum plan (in microbiology,
immunology, virology, or specific laboratory techniques) will be developed
at the outset between the scholar and the laboratory director who serves
as the research preceptor. Individuals are encouraged to work on
biological samples obtained from prior field research in their home
countries, whenever possible.
- Flexible Track This track has been added in order
to accommodate applicants who wish to propose other types or duration of
training to achieve particular goals.
Each scholar will have a faculty host selected on the basis of shared interests and potential for continued collaborative research. The faculty host will coordinate the individualized training program for the scholar and will serve as advisor for research conducted or planned by the scholar.
Financial ProvisionsAll scholars in the Program will have the following expenses covered:
- Travel to and from the home
country. (Funds for traveling expenses of any accompanying family members
are not provided by the IARTP.)
- Stipend based on educational
background and professional experience
- Health insurance
For those participating in one of the degree tracks, the following financial support is also provided:
- Tuition
- Funds to support field research
conducted in the home country
- Non-U.S. citizens, from our target
countries (Kenya, Mozambique, Peru, Thailand)
- Applicants who are fluent in
English
- Applicants who have an appointment
at an institution involved in AIDS research (e.g., a university, research
institution, Ministry of Health) in the home country
- Applicants who plan to return to
the home country at the conclusion of the training period to continue a
career in HIV/STD research
Applications will be accepted from candidates with a wide variety of backgrounds. However, the emphasis of our program is on postdoctoral training and we have a very limited number of positions for individuals without a prior doctoral degree. In general, predoctoral candidates will be selected from those institutions which have an ongoing collaborative AIDS research program with the University of Washington.
Application DeadlinesThe application deadline for the Two to Four Year MPH/PhD Track is October 1.
Applications for other (non-degree) training programs must be submitted at least 6 months before the start of the training appointment. Priority will be given to short-term applications received by October 1st.
To determine your eligibility, please send a letter of inquiry and a current CV to:
Carey Farquhar, MD, MPH, Director King K. Holmes, MD, PhD, Co-Director International AIDS Research and Training Program University of Washington BOX 359909, 325 9th Ave Seattle, WA 98104-2499 USA Telephone: 206-543-4278 Fax: 206-543-4818 Email: iartp@u.washington.edu