Keck Virus Imaging Training Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants

1.     How do I apply for this training program?

Applications should be completed online at Keck Virus Imaging Information and Forms Application.

2.     When should I apply?

Applications are not currently being accepted. If there are new calls for applications, they will include the submission date.

3.     Do I need to be affiliated with one of the six GCC member institutions to apply?

Yes. Predoctoral trainees must be enrolled in a graduate program in one of the GCC member institutions. Postdoctoral trainees must work in the lab of a Virus Imaging Training Program faculty member. See Faculty Directory.

4.     What other documents are needed for application?

Please refer to the Keck Virus Imaging Training Program (Application Information and Forms) for details of application materials.

5.     What institution, agency or organization supports this training program?

This training program is supported by the W. M. Keck Center for Virus Imaging.

6.     How much is the stipend?

Predoctoral trainees will receive $23,000 per year, plus tuition, fees and benefits.

Postdoctoral trainees will receive up to $46,000 per year, plus benefits, and $3,000 per years for travel and educational expenses. It is expected that for the second year of funding, the stipend and other expenses will be shared equally by the Keck Center for Virus Imaging and the trainee's mentor.

7.     Is there a citizenship requirement for this training program?

This training program is open to U.S citizens, Permanent Residents and Foreign Nationals. Other GCC/Keck Center training programs may have different citizenship requirements. 

8.     What is the length of the trainee appointment period?

Predoctoral trainees: Appointments are for one year. Trainees are eligible for a second year of funding based on progress and availability of funds.

Postdoctoral trainees: Appointments are for two years based on progress and the availability of funds.

 

Mentors

1.   How many mentors are trainees required to have?

Predoctoral trainees must have one mentor, who is a member of the Keck Virus Imaging training faculty. 

Postdoctoral trainees must have one primary and one secondary mentor, both of whom are faculty members of this training program. 

2.   What is the expectation regarding the disciplines represented by the mentors?

Mentors should be engaged in virology amd structural biology research.

3.   How do mentors submit their recommendations?

Mentor applications should be completed online at Keck Virus Imaging Application Information and Forms, Mentor Recommendation Form.

4.   Do both primary and secondary faculty mentors need to be members of Keck Virus Imaging training faculty?

Yes. This training program was designed to draw from the unique and complementary strengths of the GCC institutions and the program’s training faculty. Faculty who wish to sponsor an applicant but are not currently members of the training may submit a brief description of their research to Dr. Scott Weaver (sweaver@utmb.edu). 

 

Faculty

1.  Who are the training faculty participating in this training program?

            Please see Keck Virus Imaging Training Program Faculty Directory.

2.  Will new faculty be granted faculty status for this training program?

           The Keck Virus Imaging Training Program will consider the addition of faculty to its training
           faculty roster. Prospective faculty should send a brief description of research interest to 
           Dr. Scott Weaver (sweaver@utmb.edu).

3.  How many trainees may a faculty member mentor?

Faculty are eligible to be a primary mentor for one trainee. Faculty are eligible to be a secondary mentor for one trainee, in addition to being a primary mentor.

4.  What are the requirements of a Nanobiology Training Faculty member?

Keck Training Faculty are members of the Keck Center and of specific training grant communities and may be asked to:

1.  Serve on the training grant steering committee

• Review trainee applications
• Interview and select trainees
• Review applications and select additional training faculty not on original grant
• Plan trainee and/or faculty retreats
• Plan program activities 

2.  Be mentors or co-mentors

• Supervise and support trainee research
• Participate in progress reviews and interviews
• Participate in Friday Keck Seminars:  Speaker Selection, Attendance

3. Participate in annual Keck Annual Research Conference

• Attendance
• Assist with poster judging

4.  Participate in Keck Center Undergraduate Research Training Program (summer)

• Host a lab tour

5.  Participate in training program curriculum development and teaching of specialized courses

6.   Support the grant renewal and new training grant application

7.  Support recruitment efforts

 

Keck Center Resources

1.  What other resources are available to trainees in this training program?

Trainees will receive the designation of Keck Fellows in addition to being trainees in the Virus Imaging Training Program. Keck Fellows participate in

                        Keck Seminars (weekly during academic year)

                        Keck Fellows meetings (monthly)

                        Keck Annual Research Conference (each fall)

                        Sealy Structural Biology Symposium (each Spring)

                        Journal Clubs

2.  As this is an inter-institutional training program, are trainees allowed to take classes specific to the training program curriculum when offered at other GCC member institutions?

Yes. A benefit of being a Keck Fellow and affiliated with the GCC/Keck Center is the opportunity to take classes at other GCC member institutions. Check with the Registrar at your home institution or with GCC/Keck Center staff for specific guidelines.