EDUCATION + OUTREACH

Training

 

Graduate Training

The Graduate School of Northwestern University awards the PhD degree. A prospective graduate student must select a PhD degree program within the Graduate School at the time of application. Examples of degree programs relevant to Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology training include Chemistry, Life and Biomedical Sciences (IGP/IBiS), Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (NUIN), and Engineering.  The Graduate School requires the completion of nine formal courses of instruction and a PhD thesis in the program area.

The PhD Program in Life and Biomedical Sciences at Northwestern University offers a cluster program in chemical biology and drug discovery. The cluster provides a multidisciplinary platform for students from the life and chemical sciences to learn the fundamental aspects of modern drug discovery while also delving more deeply into their respective disciplinary research interests. The cluster brings together students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty from across our two campuses and hospital affiliates for a unique and innovative experience.

It is recommended that any graduate student who specializes in drug discovery take the Advanced Topics in Drug Discovery course as one of their nine courses required by The Graduate School. Other formal coursework is selected based on: 1) the degree program requirements and 2) an area of specialization customized to the individual student in consultation with advisors. To augment formal coursework, students are encouraged to participate in key activities offered by the Center for Molecular Innovation & Drug Discovery.  Such activities include a visiting lecture series and an annual symposium.

For the thesis research, trainees in chemical biology and drug discovery select a primary thesis advisor, and a secondary advisor from a different academic discipline as a way to facilitate interdisciplinary educational development.

To explore further details, contact individual faculty or write us at drugdiscovery@northwestern.edu.


Postdoctoral Training

The postdoctoral training program provides an environment and research experience for junior scientists in areas relevant to drug discovery and integrative chemical biology. The goal is to prepare trainees for successful careers as independent scholars. Trainees select a primary research advisor in one disciplinary area and a secondary advisor from a different academic discipline. The curriculum includes an Advanced Topics in Drug Discovery course offered once a year, a visiting lecture series and specialty workshops that are held throughout the year, and an annual symposium.

To explore further details, contact individual faculty or write us at drugdiscovery@northwestern.edu.