Apply & Eligibility

The Oklahoma Geroscience Training Program supports predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers who are committed to advancing the understanding of aging biology and pursuing careers in geroscience research. Trainees benefit from interdisciplinary mentorship, structured career development, quantitative training, and a collaborative research environment spanning OU Health, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), and the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center.

The program seeks applicants with strong research potential, demonstrated scientific curiosity, and a commitment to addressing important questions related to aging, resilience, and age-related disease. Selection is based not only on academic achievement, but also on research productivity, career goals, scientific engagement, and alignment with the program's mission.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by a committee consisting of Program Directors, participating faculty, and current postdoctoral fellows. Candidates are evaluated holistically based on academic achievement, research potential, commitment to aging research, and the scientific quality and feasibility of their proposed work.

Successful applicants are paired with a primary mentor and co-mentor and enter a structured training pathway designed to accelerate scientific development and career advancement.

Postdoctoral Eligibility

Postdoctoral fellows may self-nominate or be recommended by participating faculty mentors. While many applicants are already conducting aging-related research within participating laboratories, the program also recruits nationally through professional networks, scientific meetings, and aging-focused training communities.

Applicants submit:

NIH-style biosketch
Research plan
Career goals statement
Letters of support

Selection is based on prior research accomplishments, scientific potential, relevance to geroscience, and readiness for independent research careers.

Predoctoral Eligibility

Predoctoral trainees are recruited through the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences (GPiBS), which serves as the primary training pipeline for the T32 program. Prior to applying, students are expected to gain
meaningful exposure to geroscience through coursework, seminar participation, and laboratory experiences with participating faculty.

Eligibility for T32 support requires successful completion of the doctoral qualifying examination. This requirement ensures that trainees enter the program with a defined dissertation research direction and the foundational knowledge needed to benefit fully from advanced training opportunities.

Applications include:

NIH-style biosketch
Research plan
Career goals statement
Letters of support

Applications are reviewed competitively by the T32 Selection Committee.