Rochester Early-Stage Investigators Network (RESIN)

Goals

RESIN works across departments and centers to optimize and support training for early-stage investigators from across the translational spectrum. We help early-stage investigators develop the skills and knowledge to innovate and improve the efficacy and efficiency of translation, from discovery to implementation and dissemination within the Learning Health System and beyond. By providing guidance and support, we aim to help you apply for and obtain career development grants.

RESIN is a collaborative effort among the UR CTSI, clinical and basic science departments and the Office for Faculty Development. Our activities complement, and do not replace, individual department and center efforts to support early-stage investigators. We also support the University’s efforts to become a fully inclusive, equitable, anti-racist and multicultural organization by helping departments recruit and support diverse faculty.

Contact

If you have questions about RESIN, please email Kimberly Marino, Kimberly_Marino@urmc.rochester.edu.

RESIN Leadership

The RESIN group is made up of members of the UR CTSI, clinical and basic science departments, and the Office of Faculty Development. Our steering committee includes:

• Jennifer Howitt Anolik, M.D., Ph.D.
• Stephen R. Hammes, M.D., Ph.D.
• Elaine L. Hill, Ph.D.
• Robert G. Holloway, M.D., M.P.H.
• Thu Le, M.D.
• Thomas J. Mariani, Ph.D.
• Camille A. Martina, Ph.D.
• Homaira Rahimi, M.D.
• Laurie A. Steiner, M.D.
• Alfred Vitale, M.S., Ph.D.
• Kimberly A. Van Orden, Ph.D.
• Edwin van Wijngaarden, Ph.D.

Resources

K-Bank: A Collection of K-Grant Application Documents

Available to University of Rochester faculty and staff with a NetID, the K-Bank contains over 40 documents from successful K01, K08, K23, KL2, and K99 award applications from URMC faculty. This growing resource includes full grant submissions as well as individual research plans, career development plans, specific aims, and summary statements. Tap into the K-Bank to help guide your next K application.

Research Methods Forum

The Research Methods Forum provides an interactive setting for investigators to present new and developing research ideas to multidisciplinary experts in clinical research methods to get feedback and develop collaborations. Early-stage investigators who plan to apply for a UR CTSI Pilot or KL2 award are especially encouraged to participate in the forum.

Early Stage Faculty Boot Camp

The Early-Stage Faculty Boot Camp, a free, one-year career development course, is designed to help senior instructors and assistant professors at URMC identify the skills they need to advance their careers. The course will connect you with local resources and help you frame your career and set an individual plan for the future.

Junior Faculty Biomedical Research Association

The Junior Faculty Biomedical Research Association (JFBRA) is an academic peer group designed to serve the unique needs of early-stage PhD and MD faculty to promote their success in scientific discovery, funding, publications, mentoring, teaching and service to the University of Rochester and the greater Rochester community. The JFBRA is just one of many offerings of the UR SMD Faculty Development.

Translational Science Training Resources

The UR CTSI can help you build competency and cultivate the characteristics of a translational scientist with both local and national education and career development resources. Learn more about our Translational Science Training Resources.

Program History

The RESIN program started in 2020 as a joint effort between the UR CTSI and the K-club, which is a forum for review of mentored grants prior to submission by junior faculty. During that first year, the emphasis was on optimizing the K-club while also offering additional career development opportunities to early-career researchers. An early initiative was the creation of the Early-Stage Investigator Network Leadership Team, which worked to centralize resources on platforms like the CTSI Education Blackboard site.

Recognizing the need for a support system for early-stage investigators, the RESIN team sought feedback from about 80 junior faculty and proposed a curriculum focused on their priorities, including mentoring, grantsmanship, and career development skills. 

In 2021, the program’s key initiatives included planning workshops in collaboration with the Junior Faculty Biomedical Research Association (JFBRA) and the Office of Faculty Development and emphasizing support for underrepresented groups, including better support in manuscript writing and lab management. By 2022, the focus shifted towards improving the efficiency of K-award submissions. That year saw the creation of a mentor list to facilitate better guidance and support, followed by the launch of a series of workshops targeting essential skills of interest to junior faculty.

Throughout 2023, RESIN introduced mock study sections to provide critical feedback to applicants, refined the KL2 letter of intent process, and updated the program’s vision and goals to reflect the evolving needs of early-stage investigators. The team also brought in important representation from the SMD graduate education and postdoctoral affairs program and addressed mentor shortages. 

RESIN continues to leverage its collaborations to provide workshops and professional development for early career researchers. Since the launch of the program, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of K awards at URMC. RESIN supports current awardees, many of whom are in the process of transitioning to R awards. Offering career development opportunities and resources remains a priority, reflecting the program’s vision of creating a supportive environment for early-career investigators.

Past Workshops