MOSAIC program details

Years 1 & 2

Goals

Enhanced mentorship, cross-institutional postdoc networking and skills development (e.g., CV and cover letter preparation, interviewing, oral presentation, methods for enhancing reproducibility).

Activities

  • Set up effective monthly one-on-one personalized mentoring connections between scholars and trained mentors who are not at the same institution, who will serve as the scholar’s primary mentor and advocate in the program.
  • Build communities of practice, with each cohort meeting bimonthly with a trained ASBMB faculty coach, to provide a safe space for group discussion and support through all stages of the K99/R00 award.
  • Introduce MOSAIC scholars to networks of fellow postdocs and other ASBMB molecular life scientists.
  • Train MOSAIC scholars in effective science communication through The Art of Science Communication course and invite them to speak at the national meeting.
  • Build a foundation of skill sets and experiences needed in preparation for successfully transitioning to independent investigator status.

Measurable outcome

Successful transition to a faculty position at an R1 institution at the end of year two.

Years 3 & 4

Goals

Skills development (e.g., proposal writing, lab management) and increased accountability at R00 institutions.

Activities

  • Support the successful transition of MOSAIC scholars to independent investigator positions through one-on-one mentoring and support from the community of practice.
  • Empower early-career researchers to successfully manage their laboratories and secure independent funding beyond the R00 award through participation in the IMAGE workshop.
  • Leverage annual meetings with institutional administrators to support the development and integration of career-development activities of MOSAIC scholars.

Measurable outcomes

Establish and staff laboratory and submit new NIH/NSF grant proposal.

Year 5+

Goals

Enhanced scientific mentoring, skills development (manuscript reviewing and publishing, training in cultural-sensitive coaching) and networking (e.g. via JBC editorial board).

Activities

  • Provide tailored coaching for the emerging roles of MOSAIC scholars as independent investigators and provide extended scientific networking within the MAC and the ASBMB at large.
  • Provide scientific mentorship and networking through editorial board activity.
  • Train first cohort in their 5th year in cultural-sensitive coaching.
  • Invite graduating scholars to return to the ASBMB MOSAIC and IMAGE programs to serve as mentors.
  • Contribute to increasing diversity within the ASBMB and the molecular life sciences workforce nationally.

Measurable outcomes

Attain new grant funding and prepare manuscript(s) for publication.