The mission of the Pittsburgh Center for Training in Kidney, Urology and Hematology (PCT-KUH) is to develop the next generation of KUH investigators. This training program will prepare predoctoral students, physicians and PhDs for biomedical research careers by providing a concentrated, in-depth research experience. The program is designed to foster a rigorous approach to scientific inquiry in basic science or clinical investigation. Three areas of research are emphasized: kidney, urology and benign hematology.
Trainees will develop a research project under the close supervision of a faculty trainer and will be closely monitored by an independent advisory or dissertation committee, as well as by the research training executive committee. An intensively structured research experience will be supplemented by didactic lectures, research seminars, journal clubs, formal course work, attendance at scientific meetings, and structured professional development and networking cores. Professional development will encompass opportunities to develop skills in grant writing, scientific communication and team science, facilitate career development and resilience, and provide mentor training. The network core will build a robust community of learners in the KUH space around already existing training programs in the Pittsburgh region and the trainees funded by PCT-KUH and enhance community outreach to attract diverse individuals to careers in biomedical science.
Predoctoral graduates of this comprehensive training experience will be equipped to compete for individual training support. Postdoctoral graduates of this program will be prepared to compete for independent funding and entry-level faculty positions in academic medicine and industry.
Interested candidates should submit their completed application to Rebecca Uhlean (U2C Admin Coordinator) at rmu8@pitt.edu and cc Maria Delesio (TL1 admin manager) at mariadelesio@pitt.edu no later than Monday, April 27th, 2026.
Application Requirements:
Please provide the following items as a single PDF:
1. The PCT-KUH Application Form (PDF)
(if you need an editable Word doc version of the form sent to you, please email rmu8@pitt.edu)
2. A brief (up to 1 page) description of the proposed project, including a project title
3. Applicant's biosketch (new NIH format)
4. Sponsor’s/mentor’s biosketch (new NIH format)
5. Sponsor’s/mentor’s other support (active and pending grants)
6. Link to the applicant’s list of publications
7. Link to the sponsor’s/mentor’s list of publications
8. Letter of support (up to 2 pages) from the sponsor/mentor
*General Application Notes: project proposal and letters of support should be size 11 font, 0.5 inch margins
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh or Carnegie Mellon University and eligible to receive NIH-supported training funds
- Predoctoral applicants must be enrolled in a PhD or equivalent research-focused doctoral program
- Postdoctoral applicants must have completed a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, MD, or equivalent) prior to the start of the appointment
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents, in accordance with NIH guidelines
- Individuals must be able to commit the required level of effort to the program and participate in all required training activities
- Research focus must align with the program’s mission and training areas
- Please note that additional program-specific criteria may apply depending on the applicant’s training stage.