The program offers training for up to three predoctoral fellows who are accepted in one of several University of Minnesota PhD programs, as well as up to three postdoctoral fellows with PhD, MD, or equivalent degrees.

The positions offer up to a 4-5 year appointment for predoctoral training or a 2-3 year appointment for postdoctoral training, with a flexible start date, tuition benefits, an NIH stipend, and support for scientific meeting travel and other training experiences.

Trainees will engage in research that focuses on the biology of obesity, clinical research on human obesity, and applied studies of treatment and prevention in community settings.

Central to the MnOPT mission is having a strong mentoring environment for trainees organized around two training tracks:

•   Epidemiology/Behavioral Research
•   Basic Sciences/Clinical Studies

There will also be active efforts to facilitate transdisciplinary training between these areas in order to broaden trainees’ disciplinary horizons.

Trainees will receive interdisciplinary training through a required core course, a monthly obesity research group, and other regular seminars. They will participate actively in research. They will be mentored in communicating study findings in written publication formats and in oral presentations, grantsmanship, research ethics, and career development.

Training goals are accomplished by matching trainees with faculty mentors who guide trainees in developing the technical expertise and skills they will need to be successful, independent researchers.

There are 34 potential faculty mentors in the program.

For additional program details, download General Information and Policies.