New Dean’s Research Scholar Program will foster innovative interdisciplinary research

March 20, 2018

The OHSU School of Medicine is launching an innovative postdoctoral research program aimed at attracting top interdisciplinary postdoctoral researchers to OHSU to develop interdepartmental biomedical research programs.

The Dean's Research Scholar Program (DRSP) will foster new state-of-the-art, collaborative research excellence at the intersection of historically separate scientific fields.

Starting next year, postdoctoral scholars will be recruited to join OHSU and pursue a research project that leverages strengths in two or more participating departments or institutes.

"The whole mission [of the program] is that we are making it easier, and more attractive, for top people from around the world to join OHSU at the postdoc level," said Carsten Schultz, Ph.D., professor and chair of physiology and pharmacology, OHSU School of Medicine, who first brought forth the idea for the program. "It is, most importantly, bridging departments together. This fellowship challenges folks to look beyond the scope of their plate."

DRSP postdocs will receive mentoring from their direct PIs, as well as all participating chairs or directors. They will also benefit from mentor guidance on career development, an individual development plan and the career and professional development resources available through the OHSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

The program has great promise to advance the research mission across the institution. "Postdocs tend to fly under the radar here, even though we know they are driving the most innovative science," said Mary Heinricher, Ph.D., associate dean for basic research, OHSU School of Medicine. "This program is a step toward making sure we are getting the best postdoctoral researchers at OHSU. The creation of this [program] speaks to a sense of collaboration and creativity among research leaders and institution heads. Especially among our basic science chairs, this augurs well for research across the entire institution."

Participating Units

Application deadline

All application materials must be submitted by May 10, 2018; IRC 67837.