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CARTI Training Track FAQs

Eligibility Criteria

Who is eligible to participate in CARTI Training Tracks?
To participate in the CARTI Training Tracks you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are a senior postdoctoral fellow (MD, PhD, MD/PhD) or an early-stage faculty member at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with prior research experience.
  • You have a research mentor or mentoring team, and an existing basic science, translational, or clinical research project to serve as the basis for a federal grant application, OR you are a clinical researcher with a well-defined research project you aim to pursue. 
  • You have a letter of support from your department chair guaranteeing at least 20% protected time (eight hours per week) over a six-month period to conduct research and training. 
  • You have NOT served as a Principal Investigator on an NIH or federal research (R) or career development (K) award. Postdoctoral fellows with a K99/R00 ARE eligible to apply.

Who is considered an early-stage faculty member?
We use an extended version of the NIH definition of early-stage investigator:

You must have completed your terminal research degree or finished your post-graduate clinical training, whichever is later, in the past 10 years and not previously been a PD/PI of an independent federal award. 

If I do not meet the definition of an early-stage faculty member can I still apply?
Exceptions can be made based on prior research experience, a clear commitment to research, and need for additional training. Prior to applying, please contact Yarlene Williams at ywilliams@som.umaryland.edu to discuss your eligibility.

I am a co-investigator on an NIH/federal grant, am I still eligible?
Yes, you may serve in a supportive role such as a co-investigator, on a grant and still be eligible to apply for a CARTI Training Track. Anyone who has served as a principal investigator on a federal grant is no longer eligible.

Mentors

Am I required to have a mentor to apply?
Yes, all applicants are required to have a research mentor who provides guidance to the CARTI scholar as they develop and execute a research project. We recommend CARTI scholars conduct research that is complementary to their mentor's ongoing research. If you do not have a research mentor please contact Marey Shriver (mshriver@som.umaryland.edu) for assistance in identifying a potential mentor.

Does my mentor need to be at the University of Maryland, Baltimore?
Yes, your primary mentor must hold a faculty position at the University of Maryland Baltimore (UMB). Mentoring teams or committees may include outside faculty but the chair must be on faculty at UMB.

What are the expectations for research mentors?
Mentors are expected to meet regularly--weekly or bi-weekly--with their CARTI scholars to provide guidance on the proposed research project. Specifically, mentors are expected to provide guidance on the design and execution of the research project, overcoming any research obstacles, and feedback on the capstone grant application. 

What should my mentor(s) provide in their letter of support?
Mentors should provide a 1-2 page letter that specifically describes the following:

  • Their ongoing research
  • Their qualifications as a mentor including number of previous mentees and where they are now
  • The applicant's need for additional training and how that fits into their career goals
  • The mentorship the applicant will receive during their participation in the CARTI Training Track, including frequency of meetings and type of guidance to be provided

Time Commitment & Training Activities

How long is the CARTI Training Track?
Each CARTI Training Track typically runs about six months.

How much time should I dedicate to the Training Track?
CARTI scholars are expected to commit at least eight hours a week (20% effort) to research and training activities.

Does my department need to approve my participation in the CARTI Training Track?
You are required to submit as part of your application a letter of support from your department chair guaranteeing you at least 20% protected time (eight hours per week) to participate and complete all required activities.

If I am selected as a CARTI Scholar, can I participate in only the didactic instruction, and not the experiential learning and capstone project?
CARTI Training Tracks are designed to be completed in full and participants are required to compete every element. 

Application Submission

When are applications due?
Application due dates will be announced on the CARTI website and on the downloadable application document. 

Where do I submit my application?
Please submit your application as a single PDF by email to Yarlene Williams at ywilliams@som.umaryland.edu. 

What should my application include?
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All applications must include:

  1. Cover page
  2. UMB curriculum vitae (CV)
  3. 1-2 page personal statement
  4. 1 page summary of proposed research project 
  5. Letter of support from research mentor
  6. Letter of support from your department chair

Information Sessions

We plan to hold a live information session each time we announce an upcoming Training Track. Registration information will be posted on the CARTI home page and in our monthly newsletter. 

Watch the recording of our June 18, 2024 Zoom information session about the Basic Science Research Training Track and application process. (Use passcode !Jt.M!3a)