We are excited to share information on the A.P. Giannini Foundation 2018 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program.  Please note that there have been changes made to the application procedure from previous years. The 2018 program utilizes an internal deadline and institutional review of applications prior to an institutional submission on behalf of USC for the external deadline. 

There will be an information session held on September 12, 2017 at 12-1 PM in NRT G508, where we will discuss issues of candidate eligibility and address any questions about the two-step grant submission process. We strongly urge you and your fellow candidates to attend. 

ABOUT:

The A.P. Giannini Foundation invites physician-scientists and junior researchers with 3-36 months of postdoctoral research experience to apply to the 2018 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program.  The Fellowship Program supports innovative research in the basic sciences and applied fields, and trains fellows to become established investigators.  The research project should advance the translation of biomedical science into treatments, preventions and cures for human diseases.

The program award provides a highly competitive fellowship stipend currently set at $156,000 (approximately $50K/yr for 3 years). Both PhDs and MDs are eligible, and there is accommodation to allow for some clinical work for MD applicants.  In addition to fellowship support, additional professional development is available throughout the duration of the award, including participation in an annual symposium with current and past Giannini fellows and the opportunity to work with an experienced Giannini foundation consultant to strengthen communications skills (development of pitches and presentations).  This is truly an exceptional training opportunity for postdoctoral fellows.

TWO-STEP APPLICATION:

Internal Submission and Selection Process:

Unlike previous years, this year the Office of Foundation Relations will submit all applications to the A.P. Giannini Foundation on the candidate’s behalf after applications undergo an internal review organized by the Office of Research Advancement.

The application portal is open.  The submission of a complete written proposal and letters of recommendation will be due by 5 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2017.  Please follow up with Reshma Anvekar, Associate Director, Foundation Relations at ranvekar@med.usc.edu if you do not receive a confirmation that your application was received.  

Candidates will be notified of any recommended revisions to their proposals by Monday, October 16, 2017 and all final revisions will be due to the Office of Foundation Relations by 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2017 via the same online portal.

The Office of Foundation Relations will submit all applications and letters of reference for the 2018 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program on behalf of USC to the A. P. Giannini Foundation by November 6, 2017. The A.P. Giannini Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Committee will then conduct their initial review and evaluation. All candidates will be notified of their status in the review process by late-January.

The A.P. Giannini Foundation will invite approximately 15-18 finalists for an expense-paid trip to Pebble Beach, California on Thursday, March 1, 2018, to make an oral presentation or “pitch” to the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board. 

Finalists will work with the Associate Dean for Basic and Translational Research, Sarah Hamm-Alvarez, of the Keck School and with the Office of Foundation Relations personally to refine and focus their pitches and to make sure they are well-prepared for this exciting finalist round. 

We participate in the review process with the A.P. Giannini Foundation and are happy to discuss candidate eligibility as well as address any questions about the two-step grant submission process. We will be hosting an information session on September 12, 2017 at 12-1 PM in NRT G508 (see attached flyer) to discuss the fellowship and application process for all interested applicants.