IRACDA at OHSU provides an integrated training experience that combines mentored research, teaching training, and career development to prepare postdoctoral scholars for careers in academia. Throughout their appointment, scholars receive individualized mentorship and participate in programming designed to strengthen their research, teaching, leadership, and career development skills. 

Throughout the program, fellows will attend: 

• Seminars and journal clubs 
• OPA events and career development seminars 
• Monthly IRACDA and OHSU seminars 
• Quarterly meetings with OHSU co-directors 
• Annual meetings with research mentors and OHSU co-directors 
• Monthly meetings with Director and Teaching Mentor 
• Interprofessional Education and Leadership Conference (optional) 
• Pacific Summer DEI Book Club (optional) 
• Scientific Conferences 

Individualized Training Pathway 

The IRACDA at OHSU program is funded through August 31, 2028, and the grant will conclude at that time. Appointment lengths and training experiences will vary based on each scholar's start date. Every scholar will participate in the program's core research, teaching, and professional development curriculum, with activities thoughtfully adapted to provide a comprehensive training experience within the time available. 

Core Program Components

Regardless of appointment length, all scholars participate in a coordinated program that integrates research, teaching, and professional development. 

Mentored Research 

Research is the cornerstone of the IRACDA at OHSU experience. Scholars conduct mentored research with OHSU faculty while developing the skills needed for successful, independent research careers. 

Throughout their appointment, scholars participate in activities designed to strengthen scientific rigor, communication, and career readiness. 

Research Training Includes: 

• Complete Individual Development Plan (IDP) 
• Ethics of Science/Responsible Conduct of Research (NIH-required) 
• Methods for Enhancing Reproducibility (NIH-required) 
• Scientific presentations 
• Attend skills building workshops 
• Manuscript preparation and publication 
• Grant writing and funding strategy workshops 
• Career planning and goal setting 

Training opportunities are tailored to each scholar's experience and appointment length. 

Teaching and Pedagogy 

IRACDA scholars receive formal training in evidence-based teaching through our partnership with Pacific University and gain practical experience in undergraduate education. 

Teaching experiences are designed to build confidence in course design, inclusive teaching practices, classroom management, and student engagement. 

Teaching Experiences Include: 

• OHSU’s Training Future Faculty 
• Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 
• Moodle training 
• Brave Space training 
• Classroom observations with faculty feedback 
• Course planning and instructional design 
• Teaching undergraduate courses 
• Reflection and teaching portfolio development 

Teaching activities are adapted to each scholar's appointment while maintaining the program's emphasis on evidence-based pedagogy and inclusive learning environments. 

Professional Development 

Scholars participate in professional development activities that support a successful transition to academic careers. 

Professional development opportunities include: 

• OHSU Mentorship Academy 
• Faculty career panels 
• Academic job search preparation 
• Mentorship and leadership development 
• Networking opportunities 
• Workshops focused on creating inclusive research and learning environments 

Individualized Training 

Each scholar works with program leadership and mentors to develop a training plan that reflects their appointment length, career goals, and prior experience. Programming is intentionally sequenced so that scholars receive meaningful research, teaching, and professional development experiences throughout their time in the program. 

As the program approaches its conclusion in 2028, the curriculum will be thoughtfully adapted to ensure all scholars receive a comprehensive and impactful training experience during their appointment.