The Training in Molecular Virology and Viral Pathogenesis program is supported by NIH/NIAID T32 Grant AI007533 and has been continuously funded since 1998.
The major goal of this 5-year Predoctoral Training Program is to produce outstanding independent virologists who will pursue careers in academic or other virology- related careers. Students in the program will spend 90% of their time pursuing virology research under the supervision of a funded participating faculty member. Laboratory work will be supplemented by opportunities to hone their skills in data presentation and teaching.
2026-2027 Virology Trainees
This training program currently supports four predoctoral students (combined MD/PhD or PhD only).
This program fosters the rigorous training of PhD students in virology and promotes interaction among students and faculty interested in virology across the University of Iowa.
Goals of this Program
1. To foster collaborations among scientists and trainees with expertise in complementary disciplines;
2. To encourage trainees to take advantage of the expertise of faculty members in diverse fields;
3. To ensure that trainees are well informed of new advances in technology and their applications to biological questions;
4. To foster interactions among graduate students, PhD postdoctoral fellows, and MD fellows in different laboratories; and
5. To carefully monitor the progress of trainees so that their learning and productivity are maximized.
Requirements
- Weekly attendance at the noon virology journal club on Fridays
- Register and participate, twice, in our Graduate Virology Course MICR:6268 Biology and Pathogenesis of Viruses
- Submit at least one abstract (poster or talk) to a regional, national, or international meeting
- Annual meeting with principal investigators
- Teach in Spring a graduate virology course: MICR:6268 Biology and Pathogenesis of Viruses
Fellowship Benefits
- A yearly minimum stipend of $29,364 and a maximum of $35,600 (dependent on federal or institutional funding source)
- 100% support for tuition and mandatory fees
- An institutional allowance of $1,000 that can be used to support travel to meetings at which the trainee is a presenting author on a paper or poster, or to purchase laboratory supplies
- Childcare expense reimbursement up to $3,000 per appointment year
Training Program Faculty Affiliations
Principal Investigators
Application & Contact
Applications are requested in March of each year and new trainees are appointed on June 1.
For more information about the grant and how to apply, contact Melissa Shriver or Angie Robertson.