The University of Kentucky Center for Clinical & Translational Science includes a thriving career development program for predoctoral, postdoctoral, early career researchers, and research professionals. In addition to scholar support, cornerstone activities that reach across the campus include team science and mentor training, four seminar series, launching new educational programs, and the annual research symposium.

The CCTS career development program, now called UKatalyst, was developed into a robust resource for advancing careers by Thomas Kelly, PhD, who is retiring.

Opportunity

This senior role includes serving on the Executive Committee of the CCTS UM1 award, oversight and mentorship in the NCATS-funded grants for scholars (two T32s and the K12 with consideration for serving as MPI for the K12), overseeing the mentor training program, as well as guiding workforce development programs of the UM1 with a talented program director and staff team. We invite applications from faculty with a vision for training the next generation of translational scientists, empowering investigators, and extending resources across the UK campus.

Eligibility

This role requires applicants who:

• Are tenured associate or full UK professors eligible for NIH funding.
• Have a strong history of extramural funding with human participants.
• Understand translational science principles and research design to accomplish translational science aims.
• Have proven success mentoring faculty, trainees, students, and research staff.
• Experience developing innovative educational programs and workshops for staff, students, and faculty.
• Possess strong communication and team leadership skills.
• Bring creativity to program growth, improvement, and tracking of outcomes.
• Secure support from their department or division leadership to apply.

Application Process

The application is a REDCap form that requires:

1. A statement of interest describing:
   • Motivation to lead the career development activities of the CCTS.
   • Prior or current roles in career development programs.
   • Your involvement across colleges, centers, and institutes.
   • Perception of campus needs for scholar and workforce career development.
   • How this role aligns with your career goals.
2. A current CV that includes a list of mentoring experience (e.g., names and training programs of mentees; mentee outcomes) and a recent NIH biosketch.
3. Contact information for three references, including two faculty who are not mentees and one mentee.

Timeline

• Application Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026, 5 p.m. ET
• Notification of Interviews: No later than Friday, August 14, 2026, 5 p.m. ET
• The position will begin on institutional funding as soon as possible, with transition to UM1-based funding on the Notice of Grant Award start date.

Questions?

Dr. Katherine Hartmann, CCTS director, is available for informational meetings. Contact Laura Connolly (Laura.Connolly@uky.edu) to schedule.