# Neural Circuits Postdoctoral Training Program

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2021 · $285,595

## Abstract

The Neural Circuits Postdoctoral Training Program at UC San Diego is in its 36th year. It is central to a vibrant
neuroscience community of research and training in the Neurobiology Section. 22 laboratories focused on
different aspects of the development, structure, function and plasticity of neural circuits work together with the
goal of preparing postdoctoral fellows for careers in biomedical research and teaching. The PI and Program
Director is Nicholas C. Spitzer, a Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences and Co-Director of the Kavli
Institute for Brain and Mind. The Executive Committee consists of three faculty who serve staggered three year
terms (currently Profs Jin, Komiyama, J Leutgeb, and Zou).
Training takes place in the Division of Biological Sciences that fosters a spirit of interdisciplinary fusion instilled
by the founders of the campus, in which many different types of biology are being pursued and many different
approaches to solving problems are being shared. Primary emphasis is placed on developing the potential of
individual trainees for independent and original research. However trainees acquire broad knowledge of neural
circuits taking courses and attending seminars. All participants have access to the wider neurobiological
community, including the faculty and equipment at institutions affiliated with UCSD: the Neuroscience
Department of UCSD's School of Medicine, the Salk Institute, the Scripps Research Institute, and the Sanford
Burnham Consortium. These resources have proved to be valuable components of the training environment.
Seminars include weekly talks on a wide range of topics from local and visiting neurobiologists at all of these
institutions. These complement the research program, which is conducted under the sponsorship of individual
faculty members with co-mentorship by at least one additional faculty member. The Neural Circuits Training
Program provides outstanding fellows with an identity and promotes resourcefulness and an atmosphere of
commonly shared inquisitiveness in a rich and collaborative environment.
Support for 4 postdoctoral positions at Level 0 is requested. Trainees are supported in their first year, during
which they apply for their independent fellowship for subsequent years, and participate in the program for three
years. Trainees are typically Ph.D.s from other neurobiology programs. The selection criteria are superior
scholarship in rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs, solid evidence of excellent and original research
abilities, recommendations from past advisors and expressions of interest in neural circuits and commitment to
careers in biomedical research. Particular effort is made to identify individuals of minority status.
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## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10201748
- **Project number:** 5T32NS007220-38
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** NICHOLAS CANADAY SPITZER
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $285,595
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-07-01 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10201748

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10201748, Neural Circuits Postdoctoral Training Program (5T32NS007220-38). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10201748. Licensed CC0.

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