Mentorship Program - IMPACTT microbiome

IMPACTT Mentorship Program

About the Program

Who is mentorship for?

The IMPACTT mentorship program aims to support and advance the research careers of Senior Postdoctoral Fellows with at least three years of experience, scientists with other titles such as Research Associates who may not have an independent lab yet, and Early-Career Researchers within the first three years of their first faculty appointment at a Canadian academic institution. This mentorship program aligns with the IMPACTT goal of strengthening the Canadian microbiome research community by helping its emerging microbiome researchers establish significant research programs and build their research networks. Mentee-mentor pairs are supported by IMPACTT for two years within each cohort.

What kind of mentorship can be expected?

Each mentor-mentee pair will develop their own relationship focused on the mentee’s needs. Mentorship from an experienced microbiome researcher will provide mentees with the guidance necessary to develop their independent research program and build a strong scientific network. We suggest that mentors and mentees connect with each other every 3 months, but each pair can create a schedule that works best for them. Mentorships will be formally supported for two years with the hope of promoting lasting relationships.

Perks of our mentorship program

Mentors and mentees will have their transportation, registration, and accommodation covered for our annual Having IMPACTT: Advancing Microbiome Research Symposium. This is a great opportunity for mentees to grow their network and share their research within the Canadian microbiome community.

Feedback about the program

“This program was hands down the best mentorship program I have ever participated in.”

“It was a fantastic experience as it allowed me to connect with a world leading microbiome researcher.”

“[This program] helped to build my network of microbiome researchers in Canada and allowed me the opportunity to gain extremely valuable insights from an experienced Canadian researcher.”

“[I] learned skills about networking, collaboration and managing a lab.”

Who is Eligible?

Senior postdoctoral fellows* with at least 3 years of postdoctoral research experience who intend to apply for their first faculty position in the area of microbiome research in the near future.
Scientists with other titles* such as Research Associates who may not have independent labs yet but are working towards independence in their research.
Early career investigators* who started their first faculty appointment less than 3 years ago and whose research program focuses on aspects of the microbiome.

* Affiliated with a Canadian institution

Note: Candidates who are not currently in Canada (but otherwise meet our eligibility requirements) + are actively applying for positions at a Canadian institution are eligible to apply.

Apply to the Mentorship Program

The application window for our 2024-2025 mentorship cohort is 01 Nov 2023 – 31 Jan 2024. Don’t forget to sign up for updates about our mentorship program so you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Have more questions about how to apply? See our Application Q&A section or email [email protected]

Apply Here

1. Download the 2023-2024 application here
2. Make sure you have your updated CV
3. Fill out all sections of the application, including:
  - Your personal information
  - 2-3 suggested mentors
  - Acknowledgement of eligibility
  - Statement of intent
4. Save your both your application and your CV as PDF documents
5. Submit your application and CV by email to [email protected] with the subject line “Mentorship Program Application”

Application Deadline: 31 January 2024
Decisions will be released by 28 February 2024

Application Q&A

What information do I need to include if I’m not currently in Canada?
If you’re not currently in Canada but otherwise meet our eligibility requirements, you’ll need to indicate this on page 2 of your application. You’ll need to include information about what positions and institutions you’re currently applying to in Canada, and proof of applications may be required.

Do I need to reach out to potential mentors myself?
No. We ask you to suggest 2-3 potential mentors whose field and expertise you believe aligns with your career goals, but you do not need to contact them to get their permission. If you are selected to participate in our mentorship program, we will contact potential mentors on your behalf.

Am I guaranteed to get paired with one of my suggested mentors?
No. We try to pair mentees with a suggested mentor as often as possible, but there are many factors that come into play when making these pairings, including mentor availability. If you are selected to participate in our mentorship program, we’ll make sure to pair you with an enthusiastic mentor who was specifically chosen for you based on your application.

Do I have to suggest IMPACTT Leads as mentors?
No. You are welcome to suggest any researcher as a mentor as long as they meet the eligibility requirements:

The mentor should be an established microbiome researcher at a Canadian academic institution.
The mentor should be outside your current institution and province.
You should have no prior professional relationship with the mentor (e.g. PhD or postdoctoral supervisor).

Meet our Mentorship Cohorts

See our past and present mentorship cohorts and click on the announcement links to read more about our mentees!
Note that the mentee institutions listed are those they were affiliated with when applying to our mentorship program and are not necessarily current.