Train the Trainer Program
A program for principal investigators and lab heads, building the skills and materials to run structural biology training in their own labs—covering cryo-EM/cryo-ET workflows, sample prep, and data processing. Funded by an NIH R25 award, modeled on the SBGrid train-the-trainer approach.
Program Goals & Eligibility
Equipping principal investigators to bring structural biology training capacity into their own labs.
Program goals
- ✓ Build a pipeline of PIs and lab heads equipped to run structural biology training within their own labs.
- ✓ Pair didactic coursework in structural methods with hands-on bench and computational experience across the lab's active workflows.
- ✓ Give each participant a ready-to-use curriculum and materials to deploy training in their home institution.
- ✓ Connect participating labs to the broader structural biology community through workshops, conferences, and collaborating institutions.
Eligibility
- • Principal investigators and lab heads running or building a structural biology research program.
- • Interest in structural biology, biophysics, or precision health research.
- • Priority given to labs at institutions underrepresented in structural biology, per NIH R25 program goals.
- • No prior cryo-EM training experience required.
Program Structure
A two-phase design carrying participants from coursework to running training in their own lab.
Coursework & Rotations
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01
Structural Methods Coursework
Didactic training in protein biochemistry, cryo-EM/cryo-ET theory, and computational structural biology.
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02
Hands-On Workflow Rotations
Direct experience across the lab's active workflows — protein purification, grid preparation, data processing, and model building.
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03
Responsible Conduct of Research
Data management, reproducibility, and research ethics training, as required for NIH-funded programs.
Independent Project
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04
Curriculum Development Plan
Each participant builds a training plan scoped to their own lab's equipment, projects, and goals.
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05
One-on-One Mentorship
Paired with a faculty or senior scientist mentor for the duration of the program, with regular progress check-ins.
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06
Presentation & Dissemination
Participants present their training plans at a capstone symposium and are supported toward conference presentation.
Program at a Glance
Key facts for prospective applicants.
Multi-year
Coursework plus mentored research
Nashville, TN
On-site, lab and microscope access
Small cohort
Small cohort, one-on-one mentorship
NIH R25 support
See application for details
What's included
Program Goals in Practice
What the program is designed to deliver for every participating lab.
Cohort-based
Since program launch
New lab curricula
Participants launch training in their own labs
Participant co-authorship
Peer-reviewed, program-contributed
Long-term mentorship
Support continues beyond the appointment
Program Leadership
Directed by Dr. Davis and mentoring faculty across the lab's collaborating groups.
Dr. Jamaine Davis
Program Director — Associate Professor & Assistant Dean, Frist College of Medicine, Belmont University; Principal Investigator, Davis Lab.
Dr. Piotr Sliz
Program Co-Lead — Founder/PI, SBGrid; Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School & Boston Children's Hospital.
Apply to the program
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the program director and mentoring faculty. PIs and lab heads should submit materials—review and admission decisions are handled there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Train the Trainer program.
Who is eligible to apply?
Principal investigators and lab heads building or expanding structural biology training capacity in their own labs.
Is the program funded?
Yes—the program is supported through an NIH R25 award for the duration of each participant's appointment.
Do I need prior training experience?
No prior training-delivery experience is required; an active structural biology research program is expected.
What happens after I apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview with the program director and prospective mentors.
Can I continue past the initial appointment?
Some participants continue as long-term collaborating trainers within the lab's broader capacity-building network.
Who can I contact with questions?
Reach the program director directly—see contact details in the footer below.