Stanford Women's Reproductive Health Research Program 2027 Application RFA

Overview of the Women’s Reproductive Health Research Program

The primary goal of our Women’s Reproductive Health Research Program is to offer cutting-edge, mentored, multidisciplinary research career development for exceptional junior clinician-scientists dedicated to enhancing women’s reproductive health. We firmly believe that diversity in thought, experience, and methodology is essential to our mission.

This program effectively connects clinical practice with outstanding basic, clinical, and translational research, addressing the national deficit of qualified researchers in this vital field. Participants will engage in a comprehensive training plan designed to foster independence, tailored educational experiences based on individual skills and needs, extensive mentoring, hands-on research opportunities, and dedicated time within a dynamic research community. Scholars will focus on one of the following seven Research Focus Areas:

• Maternal-Child Health & Epidemiology
• Reproductive Biology
• Gynecologic Health Across the Lifespan
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Innovative Technology
• Social Medicine and Health Equity

Each scholar will benefit from a multidisciplinary mentorship team and access to extensive resources, along with the robust reproductive research infrastructure provided by the OB/GYN Department and beyond. The K12 Program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for scholars into independent investigator roles.

K12 Mentored Career Development Program

The K12 award includes a salary and a minimum of $25,000 annually for research support. It is anticipated that the research conducted during the K12 program will lay the groundwork for an independent NIH award (R01 or R21). Generally, scholars are expected to dedicate 9 person months (75% of full-time effort) to the K12 program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must exhibit outstanding capabilities in their fellowship research or early junior faculty roles. A strong dedication to an academic research career in women’s reproductive health is crucial, as demonstrated by relevant publications. Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Intend to pursue an academic research career.
• Hold an M.D. or D.O. degree.
• Have completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology.
• Be within 4 years of achieving board eligibility in their subspecialty.
• Have completed or be in the final year of postdoctoral fellowship training in obstetrics and gynecology or advanced clinical research training.
• Be able to commit at least 9 person months (or 75% of full-time effort) to research and career development (or 50% for surgical-heavy subspecialists).
• Not currently be or have been a Principal Investigator on an R01, R29, U01/U10, subproject of a Program Project, Center grant, or any individual mentored or non-mentored career development award (e.g., K01, K02, K08, K22, K23, K24, K25, K99).

Appointment Details

The number and type of available appointments each year will depend on the continuation of previously appointed scholars in the program. Currently, there is one open position set to begin in July 2027. Ongoing participation in the WRHRS Program will be contingent upon demonstrating progress toward independence and the continued need for support.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is between $175,000 and $193,000.

Commitment to Diversity

We are an equal opportunity employer and advocate for affirmative action. The core functions of research and education at our organization rely on the freedom of thought and expression. We value faculty who contribute to a respectful and open academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff from diverse backgrounds, identities, and perspectives. Candidates are encouraged to include a brief discussion in their research and teaching statements about how their experiences and work will promote these values.

Application Requirements

All applications for the K12 Stanford WRHR program must include the following:

• Cover Letter (optional)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Proof of M.D. or D.O. degree and completion of residency
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
• Three Letters of Reference
• Research Statement: A three-page document outlining your research plan, career aspirations, and potential mentors
• If a Lead Mentor has been identified, a letter confirming their commitment to the scholar and available resources.

Application Process & Deadlines

All applications will be evaluated by the Selection Committee, following a process similar to NIH peer review. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file. Review of applications will commence on August 1, 2026, and will continue on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interviews will begin in August 2026.

Key Personnel

Principal Investigator: Leslee Subak, MD
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Professor, by Courtesy, Department of Urology

Research Director and Recruitment Officer: Virginia D. Winn, MD, PhD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Director, Reproductive, Stem Cell and Perinatal Biology

Potential Mentors by Research Focus Area

Maternal-Child Health & Epidemiology: Brian Bateman, MD, MSC; Suzan Carmichael, PhD; Gary Darmstadt, MD, MS; Yasser El-Sayed, MD; Deirdre J. Lyell, MD; Gary Shaw, DrPH; Pervez Sultan, MD.

Reproductive Biology: Michael Angelo, MD, PhD; Katherine Bianco, MD; Catherine Blish, MD, PhD; Ruth Lathi, MD; Virginia D. Winn, MD, PhD; Bo Yu, MD, MS.

Gynecologic Health Across the Lifespan: Paul Blumenthal, MD, MPH; Bertha Chen, MD; Amy Dobberfuhl, MD, MS; Marcia Stefanick, PhD; Leslee Subak, MD.

Gynecologic Oncology: Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD; Oliver Dorigo, MD, PhD; Sarah Heilshorn, PhD; Brooke Howitt, MD; Erinn Rankin, PhD.

Innovative Technology: Nima Aghaeepour, PhD; Brice Gaudilliere, MD, PhD; Michael Snyder, PhD; Hyongsok Tom Soh, PhD.

Social Medicine & Health Equity: Catherine Benedict, PhD; Ian Gotlib, PhD; Debra Kaysen, PhD; Anisha Patel, MD, MSPH; Ciaran Phibbs, PhD; Holly Tabor, PhD.