Program Overview:The Integrated Training Program in Vaccinology (ITP-Vax) is a novel training program that will give college graduates and master’s level graduate students a 9-month research experience with mentorship from Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) investigators. Trainees will learn concepts in vaccinology and receive professional development skills. Trainees will also receive hands-on experience to help equip them for future success in a career in vaccinology.
At the start of the program, ITP-Vax scholars will participate in a Vaccinology Workshop that covers the basics of vaccinology from discovery through manufacturing to clinical trials and policy considerations. The workshop will consist of seminars led by CVD faculty, as well as experts from government and industry, and will cover topics such as the history of vaccination, disease burden, vaccine trials, ethical considerations, vaccine immunology, pediatric and adult vaccines, domestic and international vaccine policy, and modeling. ITP-Vax scholars will also attend CVD’s annual Frontiers in Vaccinology Symposium, a 2-day event where CVD faculty members present their data/projects, and a leading vaccinologist is invited as a guest speaker.
Scholars will complete a 9-month research project on a vaccinology related topic and will be paired with a CVD faculty member based on research interests. Projects may be clinical- or laboratory-based. Scholars will have the opportunity to present their research at University of Maryland Baltimore’s Graduate Research Conference.
ITP-Vax scholars will also attend professional development workshops on a variety of topics including: tips for applying to graduate/medical school, scientific communication, building successful mentor-mentee relationships, marketing your research, and networking, among others. Scholars will also receive training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR). In addition, scholars will have the opportunity to attend research seminars and journal clubs offered through the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Genome Sciences, and Department or Epidemiology and Public Health.
Potential scholars will have an undergraduate degree (or anticipated degree) in a vaccinology related field, e.g., microbiology, immunology, genetics, epidemiology, public health, with the intent to apply to a PhD or MD program within two years.
Applications should be emailed to Lauryn Butler (Lauryn.Butler@som.umaryland.edu) and should include: a CV or resume, college transcript (unofficial is acceptable), personal statement describing your interest in the program, and 1-2 letters of recommendation (sent directly to Ms. Butler).
Application deadline: May 30, 2025.