Application Guide

This page describes the application process for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows interested in joining the B.I.O.N.I.C. Lab. The information below is current as of [ date ]. Application timelines and program details may change, please confirm current information through the linked Pitt graduate program pages.

For Prospective Graduate Students

Pitt graduate programs that route to the B.I.O.N.I.C. Lab

•         Department of Bioengineering PhD program, Swanson School of Engineering

•         Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh (CNUP) PhD program

•         Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), MD-PhD pathway

•         Affiliated programs in molecular biology, computational biology, and biomedical informatics

Application timeline

Each graduate program has its own application deadline, typically in the fall (early to mid-December) for the following fall start. Applicants should consult the relevant program's website for current deadlines. Applicants intending to rotate in the B.I.O.N.I.C. Lab should mention Dr. Kozai by name in their statement of purpose.

Rotation in the lab

Some programs are direct admit, others rotate before committing to a thesis lab. Rotations in the B.I.O.N.I.C. Lab are typically 8 to 12 weeks and involve a defined project linked to one of the lab's funded research aims. The lab welcomes rotations from all of the affiliated programs.

For Prospective Postdocs

Application format

Postdoctoral inquiries should be sent directly to Dr. Kozai (tdk18@pitt.edu) with the following materials.

•         Curriculum vitae

•         One-page statement naming the project on the Full Project Descriptions page that interests you and explaining how your background prepares you for it. Generic statements signal weak fit and reduce response rate.

•         Contact information for two references

•         Expected start date

•         Optional, a representative paper or preprint that demonstrates the skill set you would bring to the lab

Funding

Postdoctoral positions in the lab are typically funded through NIH and NSF grants, with active encouragement and support for trainees to apply for individual postdoctoral fellowships (NIH F32, K99/R00, foundation awards). The lab has a strong record of supporting fellowship applications, and trainee fellowship support is a core element of the training program.

FAQ

Do you accept rotations from outside the formal Pitt graduate programs?

Generally no. Rotations are coordinated through the affiliated programs and require formal program admission.

Can I apply for a fellowship to support a postdoc position?

Yes, and we encourage it. Coordination with Dr. Kozai before fellowship submission is essential, both to align project framing with active grants and to provide letter support.

Are international applicants welcome?

Yes. The lab has trained international graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from multiple countries, and the lab supports international trainees through the standard Pitt visa and immigration processes.

What is the typical PhD timeline in the lab?

PhDs in the lab typically complete in 5 to 6 years, with 4 to 6 first-author papers across the dissertation, and external fellowship support during all years post-rotation. Detailed alumni timelines are on the Where Our Trainees Go page.