Postdoctoral Training

Objective

The objective of the DCM training program is to educate and train postdoctoral veterinarians in the conduct of biomedical research in a comparative medicine setting. The program consists of 3 years of cohesive practical and didactic training in research and medicine that promote a multidisciplinary approach to questions in biomedical science. The training is designed to expand upon the unique comparative knowledge, skills, and perspectives that veterinarians bring to biomedical research. In addition to the training program, postdocs have the option of pursuing an advanced degree through MIT's Department of Biological Engineering, the interdepartmental Microbiology Graduate PhD Program, or through the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine PhD in Biomedical Sciences Program.

Format

The basic format of the program is research in one of the Division’s many areas of inquiry interspersed with rotations vital to a comparative medicine program. The combined duration of research and rotations is three years. The Transgenics, Pathology and Diagnostic Laboratory, Large Animal Clinics & Surgery, Rodent Clinical Medicine, and Aquatic Medicine rotations are required. Molecular Biology techniques are taught in conjunction with a research project. Techniques of Experimentation provides opportunities for hands-on training of investigators.

The Committee on Animal Care (CAC = MIT’s IACUC) rotation is a part time, 6-month experience that may be concurrent with other rotations. Research interests and available projects are matched through conversations with the Director and a mentor group. The mentor group consists of several members of the Division’s senior staff. Extramural faculty may be engaged in this research depending on existing collaborations and the requirements of the project.

Transgenic Rotation

The objective is to provide an overview of the transgenic animal resources program.  The postdoc will share responsibility for the maintenance of donor and recipient animals in the transgenic colonies, will help coordinate hormone injections, breeding, and surgical implantations, and will become familiar with all aspects of gamete manipulations in transgenic research and assisted reproductive technologies.

Pathology and Diagnostic Laboratory Rotation

The objective is to provide an overview of the pathology and diagnostic laboratories and activities. The postdoc will share responsibility for necropsies, tissue processing, histopathologic evaluation, serologic and immunocytological assays, hematology, parasitology, and microbiology. The postdoc in pathology will be available for the purpose of assisting the pathologist.

Molecular Biology Rotation

The rotation will be placed in the Molecular Biology Laboratory of DCM. The objective is to provide an overview, hands-on experience, and basic principles of molecular biology techniques that are routinely used in our research projects. The postdoc will perform experiments, analyze the obtained data, and discuss the results with the rotation coordinator.

CAC Rotation

The objective is to familiarize postdocs with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) procedures and activities. Postdocs will attend scheduled meetings, perform site visits, evaluate protocols, and complete a project. 

Large Animal Clinics and Surgery Rotation

The objective is to integrate veterinary care principles with surgical model use and development, and promote a general knowledge of the biology of nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species. The postdoc will develop proficiency in the medicine and surgery of nonhuman primates and other laboratory animal species and learn about clinical and behavioral monitoring of these species, as well as their basic husbandry, through participation in care and oversight.

Rodent Clinical Rotation

The objective of this rotation is to integrate veterinary care principles with rodent model use and development and to provide postdocs with experience in the challenges of the rodent facility environment.

Techniques of Rodent Experimentation

The objective of this rotation is to assist investigators in learning new techniques or refinement of established techniques and research models and develop expertise in these procedures sufficient to instruct investigators.

Aquatic Medicine Rotation

The objective of the rotation is to and gain familiarity in the management of aquatic facilities and develop proficiency in the diseases of aquatic species commonly used in research.

Research

The Division sponsors research in several general areas:  molecular pathogenesis, infectious gastroenterology, and carcinogenesis. 

Faculty members funded in these areas are Drs. Kelly Pate, Susan Erdman and Zhongming Ge. They interact with a number of intramural and extramural collaborators. Research interests and available projects are matched through conversations with the Director and a mentor group. Research responsibilities include protocol development, experimental design, materials preparation and procurement, manipulation and care of experimental animals, data collection, management, and analysis, manuscript preparation, and public presentation.

Degree Option

Postdocs may choose to enter degree programs with which the Division is affiliated. Advanced degrees are offered through the Biological Engineering Graduate Studies in Applied Biosciences, the Microbiology Program, or through the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences. Formal application, followed by successful completion of a qualifying exam, thesis preparation and defense are required. The degree options must be discussed in advance with the Director.