NIH T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship: Natural Products Research

Posted on May 18, 2026

The UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy—consistently ranked in the top ten nationally for NIH funding—is seeking a high-caliber postdoctoral trainee for its long-standing T32 program. This fellowship offers a premier interdisciplinary environment for scientists dedicated to the discovery, safety, and efficacy of bioactive natural products.

Program Overview

  • Start Date: August 16, 2026.
  • Duration: Supported for up to two years.
  • Mission: To prepare the next generation of scientists for leadership roles in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory agencies.
  • Research Focus: Pharmacognosy and bioactive natural products research in complementary and integrated health.

Exceptional Training Opportunities

Trainees benefit from trans-disciplinary approach coordinated in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSCI). Key components include:

  • Professional Development: Creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and participation in "Grant Writing for New Investigators".
  • Scientific Rigor: Mandatory training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and Natural Products Integrity.
  • Networking & Outreach: Opportunities for national conference presentations and public outreach via the Atkins Garden Walk.
  • Mentorship: Active mentorship from well-funded, highly regarded faculty.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR).
  • Education: Must have completed all Ph.D. requirements (preferably in pharmacognosy, medicinal chemistry, or a related field).
  • Commitment: Trainees must dedicate their activities fully to the T32 program.

Interested candidates must submit the following for review:

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  2. Research & Training Summary (1-2 pages): Outline the project and its relevance to pharmacognosy and bioactive natural products research and identify a UIC T32 mentor.
  3. Project Milestones & Funding Plan: Outline completion dates and describe plans for individual funding efforts (e.g., F32) in coordination with the identified UIC T32 mentor.
  4. Three Letters of Recommendation: one must be from the Ph.D. advisor; all must be sent directly to the program.
  5. By mentor One-page nomination including: current funding that can support instrumentation and laboratory supplies for the candidate’s project; plan on how the mentor will contribute to the T32 training program.

How to Apply

Application Deadline & Questions: for questions and to submit nomination packages, please contact T32 Program Coordinator, Elizabeth Ryan (ryan@uic.edu); deadline is June 12, 2026.

Program Directors Drs. Guido Pauli and Jimmy Orjala