The Training Program in Cell and Molecular Dermatology seeks to prepare physicians and scientists for careers in skin-related sciences. The program fosters the development of postdoctoral fellows who perform basic, translational, and clinical research in investigative dermatology within the University of Michigan Medical School.
Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), our long-standing T32 training program provides an exciting and supportive learning environment that integrates numerous disciplines in dermatological science. In this program, fellows are typically supported for two years to perform research under the supervision of faculty from both within and outside of Dermatology.
Our research program offers training opportunities in molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, immunology, biochemistry, systems biology, and bioinformatics. Faculty in our program have expertise in cutting-edge technologies including single-cell multiomics, high-resolution spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, genome-wide association studies, mouse transgenesis, and data analysis using artificial intelligence tools. Our researchers collaborate with the School of Engineering and Life Sciences Institute and have access to 53 core facilities offered by the Medical School, including the Advanced Genomics Core, the Bioinformatics Core, the Transgenic Animal Model Core, and many others.
Our clinical research program offers training opportunities in general dermatology, cutaneous oncology, cosmetic dermatology, and clinical pharmacology. Activities in these areas interface closely with the basic research program to facilitate the study of normal and abnormal human skin, as well as skin exposed to ultraviolet light and surgical intervention. Our clinical research program also features training in drug trial design and execution, therapeutic device testing, and outcomes analysis. Other ongoing activities include studies that integrate epidemiologic and molecular data in longitudinal patient cohorts.
Responsible Conduct of Research
As the social impact of biomedical research steadily increases, it is more important than ever to ensure that all trainees exercise a strong ethical compass in the conduct of research. The Department of Dermatology offers instruction in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), which includes topics such as: Introduction to Responsibility in Research; Responsible Authorship, Mentoring, and Collaboration; Responsible Data Management Practices; Professional Conduct and Misconduct; Conflict of Interest; and Protections for Human and Animal Subjects of Research. In addition, we organize a monthly department-wide Dermatology Research Conference where an ethics case study (from the collection “Research Cases for Use by the NIH Community”) is presented and discussed.
Applicants for fellow positions should possess an M.D./Ph.D., M.D., or Ph.D. degree and should have an interest in developing a long-term career in skin-related research. Restrictions imposed by the NIH limit these positions to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, additional positions, funded by other mechanisms, may be available for qualified individuals who do not fall into either of these categories.
How to Apply
We are strongly committed to increasing the participation of individuals from racial and ethnic groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research, and individuals with disabilities. To apply for a position in our research training program, please send a copy of your CV and the area of research training that interests you to:
Drs. James T. Elder, M.D., Ph.D. and Sunny Wong, Ph.D.
Co-Directors of T32 Training Program, University of Michigan Department of Dermatology
[email protected]
Please contact us for specific questions about our postdoctoral research training program.
- Allison Billi, MD, PhD*
- Arul M. Chinnaiyan, MD, PhD
- Pierre Coulombe, PhD
- Andrzej A. Dlugosz, MD*
- Bo Duan, PhD
- James T. Elder, MD, PhD*
- Gary J. Fisher, PhD*
- Johann E. Gudjonsson, MD, PhD*
- Simon Hogan, PhD
- J. Michelle Kahlenberg, MD, PhD
- Carole Parent, PhD
- Lam C (Alex) Tsoi, PhD*
- John Varga, MD
- Sunny Y. Wong, PhD*
(* indicates appointment in the Department of Dermatology)
- Hisham Bazzi, PhD
- Christopher K. Bichakjian, MD*
- Kelly Harms, MD, PhD*
- Paul Harms, MD, PhD
- Yolanda R. Helfrich, MD*
- Mio Nakamura, MD*
- Jeffrey S. Orringer, MD*
- Matthew T. Patrick, MEng PhD*
- Olesya Plazyo, PhD
- Taihao Quan, MD, PhD*
- Mrinal Sarkar, PhD*
- Monique Verhaegen, MS, PhD*
- John J Voorhees, MD*
- Frank Wang, MD*
(* indicates appointment in the Department of Dermatology)
