Training Program in Neurovirology

Training Sites:

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine


The NIH sponsored program offers training to postdoctoral trainees in research related to viruses that affect the central nervous system or that are used as vectors to deliver genes to the nervous system. The trainees are given a solid background in virology and molecular biology and, through formal coursework, are introduced to neurological problems where the discipline can play a role. The program is conducted by 10 trainers, each of whom has independent funding, and who work on DNA and RNA viruses including: human immunodeficiency virus, murine neurotropic retroviruses, coronaviruses, bunyaviruses, and herpes viruses. Each trainee selects one of the laboratories for his/her primary research project, but has free access to other trainers for advice, technical help, and collaboration. Weekly trainee research seminars provide constant interchange between trainees and trainers. The institution also has an extensive didactic program in neurosciences, virology, microbiology, and gene therapy, that can be individually tailored to each trainee in order supplement the laboratory experience. An executive committee provides formal advice when necessary. Seminar series, conferences, and retreats supplement the laboratory-based program. Information about individual investigators can be found either in their personal web pages or at http://www.med.upenn.edu/micro/faculty.html.

TRAINERS

Interested candidates should send curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to:

Dr. Francisco González-Scarano
Program Director
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Dept. of Neurology
264 Clinical Research Building
415 Curie Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6146
Tel (215) 662-3389
Fax (215) 573-2029
scarano@mail.med.upenn.edu