The National Institute of General Medical Sciences is requesting feedback, comments, novel ideas and strategies to enhance transitions of postdoctoral scientists from diverse groups to faculty positions at research-intensive institutions.

Submit input by July 20, 2018.

NIGMS programs have supported a substantial increase in the numbers of well-trained biomedical Ph.D.s from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, as well as women. These scientists have the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue independent careers in the biomedical research workforce. A key point of exit from the NIH-funded research workforce is during the transition from the postdoctoral training period into independent faculty positions.

A more diverse research workforce will bring a broader variety of perspectives to address complex scientific problems, more robust learning environments, improved global competitiveness and enhanced public trust.

This Request for Information will help NIGMS develop additional strategies to promote transitions to independent faculty positions at research-intensive institutions. Topics that could be addressed include, but are not limited to:

• The barriers scientists from underrepresented groups face as they progress from postdoctoral training into faculty positions at research-intensive institutions, and potential strategies to overcome these barriers.
• The qualities and perspectives scientists from underrepresented groups bring to the research enterprise, and how these can be drawn upon to encourage and promote career transitions into the professoriate at research-intensive institutions.
• Approaches key stakeholders can employ to promote the successful career transitions of postdoctoral scientists from underrepresented groups into the professoriate at research-intensive institutions, and how these can be coordinated and sustained to maximize impact.
• Current strategies that have been successful in promoting the transition of postdoctoral scientists from underrepresented groups into independent, tenure-track faculty positions.
• Any other comments or recommendations for NIGMS to consider with respect to programmatic efforts to enhance career transitions of postdoctoral scientists from diverse groups into the professoriate at research-intensive institutions.

How to Submit a Response

Responses to this RFI will be accepted through July 20, 2018. All comments will be anonymous and must be submitted via a web form at https://www.research.net/r/Faculty_and_Diversity.