The UF Training Program in Chemosensory Science (TPCS) NIH T32, supported by the NIDCD, is accepting applications for a predoctoral fellow slot beginning start of the fall semester, 2025. The selected trainee will be eligible for up to two years of stipend and tuition support, funds for travel to present research, and funds to cover additional trainee-related expenses (i.e., laptop/tablet to support research).
Whether you know it or not, many of you work on a question which touches on the chemosensory sciences. The study of the chemical senses (smell, taste, chemesthesis and internal chemosensing) has broad impacts on human health, including:
- the control of disease vectors and parasites through disruption of host seeking or reproduction
- the effects of smell or taste impairments (e.g., anosmia, phantom tastes, etc.) on eating, nutrition, safety, interpersonal relationships, and the incidence of emotional disorders
- the understanding whereby drug abuse and misuse is potentiated by the perceptual components of the drugs (e.g., the aroma of alcohol, the throat hit of nicotine)
- the engagement of smell and taste to promote healthy eating
- the contribution of maladaptive chemosensory behaviors to overconsumption and its related diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, cancer, etc.)
- the understanding of the neural basis for a broad range of neurological and psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and more.
Moreover, the study of the chemical senses will contribute to our fundamental, curiosity-driven appreciation for how humans and other animals process chemical signals, including work at the ligand, receptor/channel, neural, cognitive/affective, and/or behavioral levels.
Eligible trainees must:
- Be enrolled in one of the five TPCS-affiliated doctoral programs (Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, Entomology & Nematology, or Food Science and Human Nutrition).
- Have successfully completed two semesters of coursework in their home program, maintained at least a B average in their coursework, and otherwise be in good standing in their graduate program.
- Have been accepted into a TPCS Program Faculty Laboratory for dissertation research. There are nearly 20 UFCST faculty who are TPCS mentors. To inquire about becoming a TPCS mentor, please contact the Program Director, Dr. Dan Wesson (danielwesson@ufl.edu) to discuss. Trainee candidates can apply if their mentor is also applying to become a TPCS mentor.
- Intend to conduct dissertation research focused on chemosensory science.
- Be willing to complete all TPCS requirements (see below)
- Be otherwise T32-eligible by NIH rules (e.g., US citizen or green card holder)
- Complete reporting requirements on-time to the TPCS leadership.
In addition to all requirements of their individual graduate programs, TPCS trainees will attend and benefit from monthly professional development workshops, seminars, and lunches with seminar speakers who are leaders in their fields. Trainees will also complete the following courses either before joining or while a member of the program (in year 1 or 2 of support):
- GMS 6070 Sensory Biology (Spring semester)
- GMS 7795 Topics in Chemosensation journal club (two Fall semesters)
- GMS 7877 Responsible Conduct of Biomedical Research (or approved equivalent)
- GMS 6096 Introduction to NIH Grant Writing (or approved equivalent)
Typically, new trainees will be entering their second year of their Ph.D. program, but students at other points in their programs will be considered.
To apply, the trainee applicant should send the following as a single pdf by email to danielwesson@ufl.edu with heading “TPCS Application” by end of day Monday, April 14th, 2025. The applications will be reviewed by an internal committee.
- A CV/Biosketch (preferably in the NIH Biosketch format)
- A brief (1-2 page) statement about your planned research in chemosensory science and your goals for training in chemosensory science
- Undergraduate and graduate school transcripts (copies of undergraduate transcripts submitted as part of the graduate school application are acceptable)
- A letter of support from your mentor. This letter must include an explicit statement agreeing to support the trainee’s participation in all TPCS activities.
- A letter from your Department Chair affirming their commitment to provide necessary financial support for you to complete your degree after the period of TPCS financial support has ended.
Please share this opportunity with candidates!
Email TPCS T32 Director Dan Wesson (danielwesson@ufl.edu) if you have any questions.