Application

Applications for the Tri-I MMPTP fellowship training slots are filled on a rolling basis, pending availability. Due to the nature of this NIH grant, only US Citizens or Permanent Residents (green card holders) are eligible. 

We have open fellowship training slots available August 1, 2025. Applications are being accepted now and slots will be filled on a rolling basis.

After consulting with one or more of the training faculty, the application for admission to the program includes the following:

  • A cover letter from the applicant, which provides (i) a description of the applicant’s overall career goals and (ii) a career development plan that indicates how the Tri-I MMPTP will be used to implement and support those objectives.
  • The applicant’s CV.
  • A letter from the prospective Tri-I MMPTP mentor(s) indicating the mentor’s commitment to the applicant’s research and career development, as well as evidence of funding to support the proposed research project for the duration of the fellowship, which can be renewed annually for a maximum of 36 months. The mentor must affirm that discretionary funds are available to provide items currently disallowed by NIH training grants (e.g., textbooks, some software) and, if necessary, to  provide other institutionally provided supplements beyond what the T32 covers.
  • The mentor’s biosketch in the five-page NIH biosketch format.
  • A table showing the mentor’s postdoctoral experience for the last five years. [Mentor Table].
  • A synopsis of the proposed research project, written by the applicant and/or the sponsoring mentor. (Maximum three pages, including figures and tables but excluding references. Use Arial 11-point font with 0.5 inch margins on all sides).
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Optional supplementary material: Copies of up to two of the applicant’s publications.

​Email all application materials to Melissa Palmer at melissa.palmer@duke.edu.  For further information, email or call Melissa Palmer at 919.684.2814.

Note: Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the recommenders. Applicants will be informed when the application is complete.​

Each application will be evaluated by the members of the Admissions Committee on a scale of one to four in three broad areas and weighted as indicated:

  • Proposed research project (25%);
  • Applicant’s potential (50%);
  • Mentor’s experience, track record and commitment (25%).

Research Proposal

The research proposal will be evaluated according to its significance, innovation, experimental design and feasibility, as well as its appropriateness for the applicant’s experience and as a training vehicle to develop the research skills described in the career development plan.

Applicant’s Potential

The applicant’s potential to become an independent and productive scientist of outstanding caliber will be assessed by (i) the career plan, CV, and letters of recommendation, which document the applicant’s goals and accomplishments to date; (ii) the likelihood that the Tri-Institutional MMPTP appointment will contribute substantially to the applicant’s career plan; and (iii) specific proposals to ensure adequate monitoring and evaluation of the trainee’s progress.

Mentor’s Qualifications

The mentor’s qualifications and ability to direct the proposed research relate to (i) the mentor’s ability to provide resources for the research project, including the ability to allocate discretionary funds for items not covered by the NIH and/or a health insurance supplement, if necessary; (ii) the mentor’s postdoctoral training experience; and (iii) the mentor’s commitment to the trainee’s career development plan.

Detailed instructions are provided in the following files: