About
Faculty who are newly promoted to associate professor are often expected to transition to leadership roles, manage larger research teams, chair committees, and navigate this complex new career stage with a shifting constellation of support. The literature reflects that early, mid-career faculty can benefit from professional development during this critical career phase.
The LEADS Pathway Program supports the well-being and leadership development of mid-career faculty in the translational, biomedical research workforce who are committed to improving health for all in Wisconsin and contributing varied perspectives given their professional or personal experiences. Special consideration will be given to those applicants whose prior work experience, area of research, community service, or other accomplishments are predictive of benefit for populations that have health disparities. The program aims to support scholars’ well-being, enhance their leadership skills, and improve retention during this critical career stage. Ultimately, the program will seek to foster self-efficacy and academic persistence, help mid-career faculty thrive, and promote resiliency and sustainability.
The LEADS program offers a professional development experience through four key components.
- Cohort sessions are held every other month, featuring guest speakers on topics such as leadership, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
- Individual mentoring provides scholars with personalized guidance from senior faculty outside their departments, focusing on culturally aware career development.
- Executive coaching supports scholars in achieving specific goals, such as self-advocacy, resource negotiation, and career strategy, with funding for tailored sessions.
- Networking events every six months, connecting LEADS and other Pathway Program faculty participants and alumni, fostering community, and offering opportunities for collaboration and connection.
How to Apply
The LEADS program offers 8 spots in the program every year. For a complete program description and eligibility, please refer to the request for applications (RFA).
Eligibility Requirements:
- Individuals who qualify as mid-career faculty:
- Associate Professor in rank ≤ 4 years or
- Assistant Professor within 6 months of your tenure review
- Tenure or Clinical Health Sciences (CHS) track
- Research scholarship falls within the biomedical translational research spectrum.
Individuals who have overcome adversity in their life/career. The RFA appendix provides a non-exhaustive example of possible scenarios that capture challenges and barriers to a career in academia/biomedical research.
Scholar Selection: We encourage applications from scholars who have professional experience that will contribute unique perspectives. We seek scholars who aspire to leadership roles in key mission areas of department/school/UW. Special consideration will be given to those applicants whose prior work experience, area of research, community service, or other accomplishments are predictive of benefit for populations that have health disparities.
The LEADS Program Manager will review each application for completeness and to ensure eligibility criteria are met. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Pathway Program faculty leads. All reviews will consider applicant qualifications and program cohort fit.
- Submit an application for LEADS. Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the deadline, as indicated in the RFA.
- Chair Letter Template.
The LEADS Pathway Program is committed to building a welcoming learning environment. The program invites highly qualified candidates from across a wide spectrum of disciplines who meet the eligibility requirements.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please feel free to email Program Manager Gillean Kitchen.
Funding for LEADS was provided by the UW School of Medicine and Public Health from the Wisconsin Partnership Program through a strategic grant awarded to the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. The UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research also receives funding from NIH-NCATS Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) UL1TR002373.
