# Predoctoral Training Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2024 · $437,129

## Abstract

ABSTRACT. The goal of the Molecular Biology Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
is to train outstanding research scientists and academicians who will become future leaders in their chosen fields
and disciplines. To accomplish this goal, we carefully select high-quality students from diverse backgrounds with
strong academic records and a demonstrated aptitude, commitment, and passion for research. Our training
program is flexible and student-oriented to meet individual needs, with a rigorous curriculum and high standards.
Our Ph.D. in Molecular Biology is designed as a 5-6-year program with the first year devoted to challenging
course work and laboratory rotations; the second to development of a research thesis; and the remaining to
completion of the thesis research under the guidance of a training faculty mentor and thesis committee. To
further develop their skills, students at all stages of the Program participate in activities including a weekly
seminar series, roundtable discussions, an annual Symposium, and our Program retreat. Our curriculum
emphasizes the development of critical and creative independent thinking, strong quantitative and statistical
analytical skills with a focus on rigor and reproducibility, strong scientific communication skills, and responsible
conduct. Our program’s close ties with the RNA Bioscience Initiative provide students with increased training in
RNA biology, high-throughput DNA sequencing, and domain-specific bioinformatics training. A strength of the
program is its outstanding and collegial faculty from 12 different departments and divisions who are deeply
committed to graduate education and the MOLB Program. As the only NIH-supported training program on our
campus focused on research into fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms, faculty laboratories offer
research opportunities for our students in multiple disciplines (biochemistry, genetics, immunology, cell and
structural biology), disease models (cancer, autoimmunity, infectious disease, and developmental disorders),
and organismal models (viruses, bacteria, yeast, ciliates, flies, worms, mice, and humans). The success of our
training program is evinced by student publications and high-quality postdoctoral, faculty, and industry positions
obtained by our students. Given the depth, quality, and diversity of our student pool and our demonstrated ability
to train high quality students, we request 10 students be supported each year.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10908730
- **Project number:** 5T32GM136444-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** Jay R Hesselberth
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $437,129
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10908730

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10908730, Predoctoral Training Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology (5T32GM136444-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10908730. Licensed CC0.

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