Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines may offer significant promise, but few scientists specialize in the technology.
Moderna (NSDQ: MRNA) is looking to inspire a new generation of scientists and clinicians to focus on mRNA research with a new fellowship program. The program will support a range of applications within domains such as medicine, basic research, epidemiology, pharmacology and nursing.
For the first year of the program, which will launch in 2022, the company is aiming to select roughly 50 fellows from around the world to focus on mRNA-based treatments of infectious diseases.
Individuals selected for the program will receive guidance from a supervisor and fellow.
The term of fellowship will range from one to three years. The program also will provide a salary of up to $75,000 and annual expenses of up to $100,000.
“We’re at a critical moment for mRNA vaccine development,” said Dr. Greg Poland, director of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group and chair of the fellowship program. “The time is now for investing in talent and idea generation that will propel a new era for research of mRNA approaches to infectious disease – and eventually, other therapeutic areas,” he continued in a press release.
An independent steering committee will manage the program.
Applications for the first year of the program are due by Dec 31, 2021.