Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

IRACDA Program Overview

working in the lab

The Tufts IRACDA program provides up to four years of training. A typical course of training is diagrammed below and includes research, career development and teaching activities. The schedule is flexible according to the goals of each trainee. For example, it is possible for a trainee to complete the teaching assignment in the second or third year.

  • Year One

    Research Teaching Career Skill Development
    Begin Research Seminars & workshops on pedagogy Form & meet with Mentoring Team
    Responsible Conduct of Research Mentor an undergrad Writing Series #1: Preparing F32 applications
    Research-focused seminars & journal clubs N/A Other career skills workshops
    Tufts IRACDA Research Retreat N/A National IRACDA conference
    Attend national research meeting N/A N/A

    Year Two

    Research Teaching Career Skill Development
    Continue research Visit partner schools Scholar Mentoring Team meetings
    Develop publication strategy Prepare for teaching assignment Writing Series #2: Scientific publications
    Research-focused seminars & journal clubs Attend Graduate Institute for Teaching Other career skills workshops
    Tufts IRACDA Research Retreat Seminars & workshops on pedagogy National IRACDA conference
    Present at national research meeting Mentor an undergrad or PREP trainee N/A

    Year Three

    Research Teaching Career Skill Development
    Continue research Develop & present course at partner school Scholar Mentoring Team meetings (focus on job search and transition plan)
    Work on publications Seminars & workshops on pedagogy Writing Series #3: Grant writing
    Research-focused seminars & journal clubs Mentor an undergrad Job search workshops
    Tufts IRACDA Research Retreat N/A National IRACDA conference
    Present at national research meeting N/A N/A

    Year Four

    Research Teaching Career Skill Development
    Complete research & publications Additional teaching experience Scholar Mentoring Team meetings
    Research-focused seminars & journal clubs Workshops on pedagogy Coaching during faculty job search
    Tufts IRACDA Research Retreat Mentor an undergrad Other career skills workshops
    Present at national research meeting N/A Attend IRACDA conference

    Begin Independent Faculty Position

  • Tufts IRACDA scholars have access to a wide range of career development activities and workshops each year. While many are organized by IRACDA, these groups also sponsor activities that directly benefit Tufts IRACDA scholars.

    In addition, the Tufts Postdoctoral Association and Boston Postdoctoral Association sponsors many career development and social events.

    Examples of workshops offered this past year include:

    • Delivering an Engaging Scientific Presentation
    • Classroom accessibility
    • Page-One Specific Aims Workshop Series
    • Designing Equitable Assessments
    • Trauma Informed Teaching
    • High Impact Scientific Writing
    • Using Perusall in the Classroom
    • Cultivating a Mentoring Ecosystem
    • Disruption, Resilience, and Transformation: What's Next for Learning and Teaching?
    • Code-switching in Academia – How to Navigate from Your Community into Academia
    • Research Mentor Training
    • Teaching and Learning in the Diverse Classroom
    • Social Media and the Modern Scientist