Research Support & Development Faculty Physician-Scientist Collective Physician-Scientist Pathways Certificate Clinical Trialist Training Program Physician-Scientist Training Program NIH Resubmission Program Incentive Programs & Pilot Programs Residents & Fellows Postdocs & Career Scientists NIH Boot Camp Graduate & Medical Students Undergraduates Grant & Funding Services Guidance, Training & Resources Active Training Grants Funding Opportunities NIH Resources Timeline of Funding and Training Opportunities UCI Health Data Research Resources Webinars & Recordings Guidance for Proposal Submissions Biostatistical Resources NIH K and F Submissions Guide Training Grant Support FAQ Contact Us Clinical Trialist Training Program Office of Research — Research Support & Development Home Research Office of Research Office of Research: Research Support & Development Office of Research: Research Support & Development > Faculty Office of Research: Research Support & Development > Faculty > Clinical Trialist Training Program Overview The Clinical Trialist Training Program (CTTP) was established to increase the number of clinical investigators equipped to lead high-quality clinical trials and expand clinical research opportunities across the UC Irvine School of Medicine. The program combines foundational education, structured mentorship and departmental support to prepare faculty to become clinical trial investigators. Participants begin with an 11-week course on the conduct of clinical trials, taught by experienced UC Irvine principal investigators and subject-matter experts, that provides knowledge of the scientific, regulatory, operational and financial aspects of clinical research. CTTP partners with departments to provide protected research time, facilitate meaningful mentor-mentee partnerships through faculty incentives and offer ongoing guidance as participants develop the skills and experience needed to become successful clinical trialists. Through this multidisciplinary approach, the program aims to strengthen UC Irvine's clinical research workforce, increase access to innovative clinical trials for patients and foster the next generation of clinical research leaders. Eligibility Interest in serving as a principal investigator on clinical trials. Any faculty appointment in the School of Medicine with an active clinical practice. Commitment from the department chair or division chief to dedicate 10% FTE to clinical trial activities. Commitment from a senior investigator with experience leading clinical trials to serve as a mentor and guide the trainee in developing an independent clinical trial portfolio. To recognize this commitment, mentor incentives are available through the program. For additional information about mentor incentives, please contact the Research Development Unit. Program Milestones Year One Complete the required MS-BATS course titled "Clinical Trial Conduct." This training consists of weekly two-hour lecture sessions for 11 weeks, starting in January. Registration is paid for by the CTTP program. Serve as a sub-investigator on at least one to two clinical trials. Presentation of portfolio-building strategies, including the number of clinical trials in the pipeline. Year Two Serve as the primary investigator on two new clinical trials (e.g., national cooperative group, federal, state, industry or foundation/philanthropy sponsored). Presentation of the present and future portfolio (e.g., number of active clinical trials, number of patients enrolled, future strategies, including the number of clinical trials in the pipeline). Support The UC Irvine School of Medicine Office of Research will cover the registration cost for the required UC Irvine MS-BATS course titled "Clinical Trial Conduct," which serves as the foundational educational component of the Clinical Trialist Training Program. School of Medicine departments will provide 10% protected research time to enable trainees to complete the required coursework, participate in regular mentor meetings and develop their clinical research portfolio. The School of Medicine Office of Research will provide funding for travel and registration to attend clinical trial-focused workshops, conferences and specialized training courses. This support enables them to enhance their expertise, stay current with best practices and develop professional networks for conducting high-quality clinical research. How to Apply Provide the following prior to the application deadline: 1. Letter of Interest Please include: Area of clinical practice and populations you can enroll. List of senior investigators you would like to work with. Clinical indications of therapeutic areas you are most interested in pursuing, and similar clinical trials that are currently open to enrollment on CT.gov. Current or upcoming clinical trials within your department that may offer opportunities for you to participate as a sub-investigator. You, your mentor's and chair's perspective of the clinical trial landscape within your specialty area (e.g., active studies, unmet needs, emerging investigational approaches). 2. Letter of Support from a Mentor Please include qualifications (e.g., experience in actively conducting clinical trials, involvement in clinical trial design). 3. Letter of Support from the Department Chair 4. CV or NIH biosketch APPLY NOW Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 Have questions? For all inquiries, please contact the School of Medicine Research Development Unit. Contact Us