Women’s Reproductive Health Research (K12) at Stanford Program

The Women’s Reproductive Health Research (WRHR) at Stanford Program, funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (1K12HD103084), provides state-of-the-art, mentored, multidisciplinary research career development for outstanding junior clinician-scientists who will impact and improve women’s reproductive health. Diversity of thought, experience and approach are fundamental principles of our program.

The WRHR at Stanford Program bridges clinical care with excellence in basic, clinical and translational research to address the national shortage of qualified investigators in this discipline. The Program includes a structured training plan of sufficient duration to achieve independence; individualized didactic education based on skills, competencies, and needs; extensive team-based mentoring; hands-on research; and protected time with immersion in a vibrant research community. Each Scholar will have a multidisciplinary mentor team as well as access to a wealth of resources and the rigorous reproductive research infrastructure of the OB/GYN Department and beyond.

The aim of this program is to catalyze growth of women’s reproductive health research in a uniquely fertile environment. WRHR at Stanford is synergistic with several Stanford School of Medicine programs focused on innovation in precision medicine, global health, gender equity, and sexual and gender medicine. Our cadre of WRHR Scholars will be well poised to improve the reproductive health of women over the lifespan.

We have an excellent pipeline of diverse Scholar candidates and comprehensive collateral resources. Two WRHR Scholars will be supported each year of the 5-year program. Duration of support for each Scholar will average 2-3 years, thereby providing training for 4 Scholars.

Scholars will be nationally recruited to pursue one of seven Research Focus Areas in which Stanford demonstrates exceptional strength and breadth: 1) Maternal-Child Health & Epidemiology, 2) REI & Stem Cell Biology, 3) Gynecologic Health Across the Lifespan, 4) Gynecologic Oncology, 5) Perinatal Biology, 6) LGBTQ+ Health, and 7) Innovative Technology & Precision Health. Scholars will develop essential skills and a portfolio of research projects to propel their transition to independence.

Candidates must: 1) be planning an academic research career; 2) physicians holding the M.D. or D.O degree; 3) have completed postgraduate residency training in obstetrics and gynecology; 4) be no more than 4 years after attaining board eligibility in their subspecialty; 5) have completed or be in the final year of fellowship training in obstetrics and gynecology, if the candidate has chosen to subspecialize, or advanced training in clinical research; and 6) not be or have been PI on an R01, R29, U01/U10, subproject of a Program Project, Center grant, or individual mentored or non-mentored career development award (e.g., K01, K02, K08, K22, K23, K24, K25, K99). Salary and academic rank will be commensurate with experience and achievements.

Faculty appointment will be in the Academic Series level commensurate with the Scholar’s training and experience (i.e., Assistant Professor or Instructor). The number and type of appointments available in any one year depend in part on the number of previously appointed Scholars continuing in the Program. Continuation of participation in the WRHRS Program will depend on evidence of progress toward independence and on continuing need for support.

K12 Stanford WRHR applications must include:

1. Cover Letter (optional)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. 2 Letters of Reference
4. Statement of Research. 2-page letter of intent outlining your research plan and career goals. (Suggested headings: Specific Aims, Background/Significance, Approach, Future Directions, and Career Goals)
5. Statement of Contributions to Diversity (optional)

For questions, please contact Dr. Paul Blumenthal at pblumen@stanford.edu or Dr. Virginia Winn at vwinn@stanford.edu