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Overview of the Women's Reproductive Health Research Program

The primary goal of our Women's Reproductive Health Research Program is to offer cutting-edge, mentored, multidisciplinary research career development for exceptional junior clinician-scientists dedicated to enhancing women's reproductive health. We believe that diversity in thought, experience, and methodology is essential to our mission.

This program connects clinical practice with outstanding basic, clinical, and translational research to tackle the national deficit of qualified researchers in this field. Participants will engage in a comprehensive training plan designed to foster independence, tailored educational experiences based on individual skills and needs, extensive mentoring, hands-on research opportunities, and dedicated time within a dynamic research community. Scholars will focus on one of the following seven Research Areas:

• Maternal-Child Health & Epidemiology
• Reproductive Biology
• Gynecologic Health Across the Lifespan
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Innovative Technology
• Social Medicine and Health Equity

Each Scholar will benefit from a multidisciplinary mentoring team and access to a wealth of resources, supported by the robust reproductive research infrastructure of the OB/GYN Department and beyond. The K12 Program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for scholars as they progress toward becoming independent investigators.

K12 Mentored Career Development Program

The K12 award includes a salary and a minimum of $25,000 annually for research support. It is anticipated that the research conducted during the K12 program will lay the groundwork for an independent NIH award (R01 or R21). Generally, participants are expected to dedicate 9 person months (75% of full-time effort) to the K12 program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must exhibit outstanding capabilities in their fellowship research or early junior faculty roles. A strong dedication to an academic research career in women's reproductive health is crucial, as demonstrated by relevant publications. Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Intend to pursue an academic research career.
• Hold an M.D. or D.O. degree.
• Have completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology.
• Be no more than four years post-board eligibility in their subspecialty.
• Have completed or be in the final year of postdoctoral fellowship training in obstetrics and gynecology or advanced clinical research training.
• Be able to commit at least 9 person months (or 75% of full-time effort) to research and career development (or 50% if in a surgical-heavy subspecialty).
• Not currently or previously be a Principal Investigator on an R01, R29, U01/U10, subproject of a Program Project, Center grant, or any individual mentored or non-mentored career development award (e.g., K01, K02, K08, K22, K23, K24, K25, K99).

Appointment Details

The number and type of available appointments each year will depend on the continuation of previously appointed Scholars in the Program. Currently, there is one open position set to begin in July 2027. Ongoing participation in the WRHRS Program will be contingent upon demonstrating progress toward independence and the continued need for support.

Salary Information

The anticipated salary range for this position is between $175,000 and $193,000.

Commitment to Diversity

We are an equal opportunity employer and actively promote affirmative action. The core functions of research and education at our organization rely on the freedom of thought and expression. We value faculty who contribute to an inclusive and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates are encouraged to include a brief discussion in their research and teaching statements about how their experiences and work will advance these values.

Application Requirements

All applications for the K12 program must include the following:

• Cover Letter (optional)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Proof of M.D. or D.O. degree with completion of residency
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Three Letters of Reference
• Research Statement: A three-page outline detailing your research plan, career aspirations, and potential mentors
• If a Lead Mentor has been identified, a letter confirming their commitment to the Scholar and available resources.

Application Process & Deadlines

All applications will be evaluated by the Selection Committee, following a process similar to NIH peer review. Submissions must be made as a single PDF file. Applications will be reviewed starting August 1, 2026, and will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interviews will commence in August 2026.

Key Contacts

Principal Investigator: Leslee Subak, MD, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Research Director and Recruitment Officer: Virginia D. Winn, MD, PhD, Director, Reproductive, Stem Cell and Perinatal Biology

Potential Mentors by Research Focus Area

Maternal-Child Health & Epidemiology: Brian Bateman, MD, MSC; Suzan Carmichael, PhD; Gary Darmstadt, MD, MS; Yasser El-Sayed, MD; Deirdre J. Lyell, MD; Gary Shaw, DrPH; Pervez Sultan, MD.

Reproductive Biology: Michael Angelo, MD, PhD; Katherine Bianco, MD; Catherine Blish, MD, PhD; Ruth Lathi, MD; Virginia D. Winn, MD, PhD; Bo Yu, MD, MS.

Gynecologic Health Across the Lifespan: Paul Blumenthal, MD, MPH; Bertha Chen, MD; Amy Dobberfuhl, MD, MS; Marcia Stefanick, PhD; Leslee Subak, MD.

Gynecologic Oncology: Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD; Oliver Dorigo, MD, PhD; Sarah Heilshorn, PhD; Brooke Howitt, MD; Erinn Rankin, PhD.

Innovative Technology: Nima Aghaeepour, PhD; Brice Gaudilliere, MD, PhD; Michael Snyder, PhD; Hyongsok Tom Soh, PhD.

Social Medicine & Health Equity: Catherine Benedict, PhD; Ian Gotlib, PhD; Debra Kaysen, PhD; Anisha Patel MD, MSPH; Ciaran Phibbs, PhD; Holly Tabor, PhD.