The Dean’s Fellow to Faculty Program

Call for applications

The Dean’s Fellow to Faculty Program in the Department of Genetics at Washington University School of Medicine rewards outstanding graduate student or early-stage postdoctoral researchers in genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or computational biology with the opportunity to create an independent research agenda in anticipation of joining the Genetics Department as an Assistant Professor on the tenure-track. 

The program consists of a two-to-five-year Fellow phase followed by promotion to the Assistant Professor position. During the first phase, which can take place in any research lab at Washington University School of Medicine, Fellows will have the freedom to build their independent research program with guidance and support from their faculty mentor and a mentoring team as well as a generous research and professional development support package. While no formal benchmarks exist for transition to the Assistant Professor position, such as successful grant applications or published papers, Fellows are expected to pursue external funding and publish and present their research to facilitate their success as an independent scientist. After completing the mentored phase, the Fellow will transition directly into an Assistant Professor position in the Genetics Department with independent lab space, a competitive start up package, salary support, and 75% protected time for research. We expect the program to drive the success of the next generation of exceptional young scientists. 

Terms of Appointment: 

Fellow Phase (2-5 years): 

  • A salary of $80,000 with annual increases
  • Fully paid Relocation costs
  • Benefits in accordance with Washington University policies for Staff Scientists
  • Annual Research and Academic Development Fund of at least $50,000 per year
  • A faculty mentor who will host the Fellow in their lab
  • A mentoring committee composed of senior faculty at Washington University that will provide career, research, and grant-writing support.
  • Administrative support for grant submission and lab management
  • Optional: Membership in the Washington University School of Medicine Mentorship to Enhance Diversity in Academia (MEDA) program and/or participation in the NIH-funded COMPASS program, which provides training in lab management, leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Faculty Phase

  • Salary support
  • Competitive Start-up package
  • Independent lab space
  • Guarantee of 75% protected time for research

Eligibility: Ideal candidates for the Fellow to Faculty Program will be outstanding graduate students, recent PhD graduates, or early-stage postdoctoral researchers in their first two years of their postdoctoral research. More senior postdoctoral researchers are eligible to apply as are current Washington University graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. 

Scientists from groups that have been identified by NIH as underrepresented in science are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Application Instructions

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential faculty mentors in any department at Washington University to assess their interest in hosting them during the Fellow Phase before they apply for the program. Applications should be submitted to Genetics-F2Fpgm@email.wustl.edu and must include the following items: 

  • Curriculum Vitae 
  • A two-page description of the applicant’s past and current research and future research goals (Arial 11–point font, 0.5-inch margins). 
  • A one-page description of the applicant’s past and current mentoring experience and mentoring philosophy, including cross cultural mentoring and/or mentoring across differences (Arial 11-point font, 0.5-inch margins). 
  • A brief letter of support from one faculty member at Washington University who is willing to serve as the Fellow’s research mentor during the initial Fellow phase of the program. The mentor may be in any department at Washington University School of Medicine. 
  • The names and email addresses of three people who can serve as references for the applicant’s research and mentoring expertise. One reference may be a mentee of the applicant. 
  • All documents should be compiled into and submitted as a single PDF document. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting March 15, 2024. Chosen applicants will first be interviewed virtually, followed by an invitation for an in-person visit to present their research and to meet with relevant faculty members at Washington University. 

For questions, queries, or informal discussion or guidance about the program, please email Dr. Jim Skeath at jskeath@WUSTL.EDU. 

EEO/AA Statement 

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. 

Diversity Statement 

Washington University School of Medicine’s culture of collaboration and inclusion is the foundation for success in everything it does. The School of Medicine recognizes that by bringing together people from varying backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise, it can develop richer solutions to complex scientific questions, train culturally sensitive clinicians and provide health care in a way that best serves our diverse patient population. To support these values, the School of Medicine is deeply committed to building a diverse and inclusive community in which everyone is welcomed and valued. As the School of Medicine engages more fully with the community around it and appeals more broadly to student talent, it has adopted a clearer priority on diversifying its own ranks. Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid and employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, socio-economic status, genetic information. We implement policies and practices that support the inclusion of all such potential students, trainees and employees and are committed to being an institution that is accessible to everyone who learns, conducts research, works and seeks care on our campus. We provide reasonable accommodations to those seeking that assistance.