The Center for Drug Design, Development and Delivery (CD4) invites Georgia Tech doctoral students engaged in research in the area of drug design, development and delivery to apply for fellowships including a stipend and research funds. The stipend levels, advisor’s cost-share requirements, and responsibilities of the fellow are described in detail below. These funds have been made available through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) program.

CD4 fellowship awards are expected to be announced by early July 2012 for funding starting Fall semester 2012 and continuing through Summer semester 2013 (i.e., for 12 months). The stipend for this fellowship will be at the standard stipend level of the department in which the fellow is enrolled plus a $3,000 supplement. This stipend will be paid with a combination of funds from the CD4 fellowship program and the fellow’s thesis advisor. The amount provided by the CD4 fellowship program will be determined by the fellow’s financial need level according to federal guidelines administered by the Georgia Tech financial aid office. In the past, financial need levels have varied widely, with a representative value of about $18,000. Thus, the cost-sharing contribution of the thesis advisor cannot be predicted until the fellow’s financial need level is determined. In addition, the CD4 fellowship program will provide $5,000 to support research, travel and educational activities by the fellow, in consultation with his/her advisor.

There are four eligibility requirements for a CD4 fellowship: (1) candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, (2) candidates must be pursuing a Ph.D. degree (although they need not have passed the qualifying exam yet), (3) candidates must have significant financial need and (4) research must be on at least one of the program focus areas: (i) drug design, (ii) development of drugs or genes and (iii) delivery of drugs or genes.

Drug design includes creation of new compounds for pharmaceutical applications. Drug development includes synthesis, purification and other aspects of drug production. Drug delivery includes formulations, devices and methods to control drug transport into and within the body. These focus areas are intended to broadly encompass topics relevant to pharmaceutical research.  Current CD4 fellows cannot apply for a second consecutive year of support.  Students who were CD4 fellows in years prior to the 2011-2012 academic year are eligible. The primary basis for evaluation of CD4 fellowship applications is (i) demonstrated interest and direct activity in pharmaceutical research, as evidenced by prior and planned activities in the field, (ii) academic credentials, as demonstrated by grades, GRE scores, research and other accomplishments, and (iii) recommendation letters. Applications from all eligible candidates are welcome.  Women and underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged to apply.  

For complete applicant criteria/program information, contact Donna Bondy.