Program Description  

The postdoctoral research training program of the Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) is appropriate for physicians with clinical training in general pediatrics or obstetrics as well as many of the subspecialties of either discipline and for individuals with a Ph.D. degree in virtually any biological discipline. In conjunction with an established clinical subspecialty training program at Baylor College of Medicine or elsewhere, research at the CNRC can fulfill the research training component of many clinical subspecialty training programs.

The training program is generally two years in duration. However, a shorter program can be arranged for those wishing simply to gain expertise in a specific methodology. Longer periods of training also are possible, but funding by the CNRC is limited to two years.

Research training at the CNRC is a modification of the typical preceptor/trainee format involving supervision by the primary preceptor as well as a small research committee selected jointly by the preceptor and trainee. The research committee is responsible for approval of a written research proposal, review of progress, and identification of desired course work as well as the potential for collaboration with other research programs at BCM or neighboring institutions. The committee is chaired by the trainee's preceptor and can include any appropriate member of the faculty of BCM or another institution.

Formal requirements of the training program are minimal. These include attending a BCM-sponsored course entitled "Fundamentals of Clinical Investigation", which is equally appropriate for those pursuing non-clinical investigations. The course includes lectures on "Responsible Conduct of Research" as well as "Biostatistics". Trainees also are expected to participate in the weekly postdoctoral fellow's seminar and the CNRC's series of weekly research seminars. The former includes workshops concerning responsible conduct of research, preparation of a grant application and writing a scientific paper. Trainees are welcome to attend the seminars/lectures/rounds of any department at BCM or other institution within the Texas Medical Center . With appropriate advance arrangements, they can enroll in any of the courses offered by the Graduate School of BCM.

With approval of the Director of the specialty or subspecialty section and the Director of the CNRC postdoctoral training program, physicians who have completed the clinical component of specialty or subspecialty training elsewhere and are pursuing the research component of this training at the CNRC can participate in the clinical and research activities of the appropriate section.

How to Apply

Those interested in postdoctoral research training at the CNRC should review the various research opportunities described below and choose an area (or areas) of interest.  This information plus a curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation and any other pertinent information should be sent to:

William C. Heird, M.D.
Director, Postdoctoral Research Training Program
USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center
Department of Pediatrics
Baylor College of Medicine
1100 Bates Street
Houston, Texas 77030-2600

Dr. Heird will distribute this information to the investigators indicated and inquire about the possibility of incorporating a postdoctoral trainee into his/her/their research program. If so, the investigator will contact the applicant to discuss a mutually acceptable research project. The investigator will then submit a brief description of the proposed project plus the applicant's Curriculum Vitae and letters of recommendation to the Postdoctoral Screening Committee. All approved applications are then reviewed by an Executive Committee which makes final decisions about acceptance. Selection is based on applicant qualifications as well as the appropriateness of the proposed research project and availability of funding. 

Those interested in the program also can contact each faculty member directly to obtain additional information about his/her research as well as whether he/she can accept a postdoctoral trainee. For this purpose, e-mail addresses of the training faculty are included with the description of his/her research. Inquiries also can be directed to Dr. Heird.