Program overview

The Knight Cardiovascular Institute (KCVI) T32 research training program Training in Translational Science and Cardiovascular Research launched July 1, 2023, with five years of funding from the National Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood (NHLBI).

The program trains postdoctoral M.D. physician-scientists and Ph.D. biomedical scientists in cardiovascular translational research.

The program will accept three fellows each year for two years of training.

Areas of research focus

The program includes three broad and overlapping scientific areas of cardiovascular research listed below, together with specific areas of research focus:

Training is enhanced by the opportunity to learn and apply state-of-the-art imaging modalities (MRI, PET, CT, angiography, ultrasound, OCT, two-photon microscopy) in small and large animal models of cardiovascular disease, as well as humans.

Program faculty

The program includes 33 faculty; 11 in each research area. Faculty belong to 17 OHSU departments and research centers, and bring diverse expertise and perspectives to training in cardiovascular research. Areas of expertise include:

• Atomic structure of receptors and ion channels
• HDL proteomics
• Platelet biology
• Cardiovascular development
• Viral-endothelial interactions
• Non-human primate models of cardiovascular disease
• Research on obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis in humans and animal models

Program Director: Nabil Alkayed, M.D., Ph.D., Director of Research, OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute 
Program Co-Director: Monica Hinds, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU School of Medicine

Program structure

Fellows select one of three training hubs that correspond to the research areas. Fellows and mentors in each hub closely interact through monthly journal clubs, research conferences and seminars that are specific to their area of focus, in addition to KCVI-wide activities.

The training program consists of a core didactic curriculum, elective courses, research project, training in research ethics and professionalism, and career counseling.

Didactic education includes courses on the pathophysiology and molecular genetics of cardiovascular disease, translation research methods, research design, and data analysis. Fellows also undergo training in responsible conduct for research, leadership, team science, scientific writing and grantsmanship.  

How to apply

Applicants must:

• Have a graduate degree (i.e. M.D., D.O., Ph.D., D.V.M., Pharm.D., D.D.S., etc.).
• Be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national of the United States, or have Permanent Resident status.

Applications must include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research experience, proposed science, and career goals (2 pages max)
• Letter of reference from your proposed mentor plus two additional letters of recommendation
• Medical school or graduate school transcript (external candidates only)

Submit application materials via email in a single PDF to Dr. Nabil Alkayed, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine.

Applications are due April 30 for July 2024.

Selected applicants will be interviewed by the Program Recruitment and Selection Committee.

To learn more about the application process, please contact Program Director, Dr. Nabil Alkayed.

OHSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.