AppalTRUST Scholar Program
SEEKING FACULTY SCHOLARS WITH RESEARCH INTEREST IN TOBACCO REGULATORY SCIENCE IN APPALACHIA
Scholar Program Overview
The University of Kentucky Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team (AppalTRuST) is currently seeking applications from faculty interested in participating as tobacco regulatory science (TRS) scholars. The AppalTRUST Scholars Program is a mentored, two-year faculty development opportunity designed to build capacity in TRS research focused on Appalachian populations. Faculty scholars will participate in career enhancement activities offered through our Career Enhancement Core and gain hands-on experience in TRS engaging with our AppalTRUST projects and cores. This program combines structured training, mentorship, and opportunities for pilot funding to support early-stage investigators in developing competitive, independent TRS research trajectories.
Key Program Features
- TCORS Affiliation and Access to Rich Secondary Data: Access to AppalTRUST secondary data and resources available through our TCORS network.
- TRS Training: Continued education and development in the latest advancements in Tobacco Regulatory Science.
- Multilevel Mentorship: Scholars are supported at every stage by experienced TRS researchers and faculty.
- Integrated Research Pipeline: A seamless progression from secondary data analysis to pilot studies to grant proposal development.
- Commitment to Dissemination: Support dissemination opportunities that contribute to the broader TRS community.
- Community-Engaged Research: Introduction to community-engaged research practices and networks. mission.
Program Eligibility
Applicants must hold a research-intensive (>25% of time allocated to research) faculty position at University of Kentucky (e.g., assistant professor, research assistant professor). Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2026, with a start date of September 1, 2026.
Year 1: Building Capacity in Tobacco Regulatory Science through Training and Secondary Analysis of AppalTRUST Data
Funding: Up to $20,000
During the first year, AppalTRUST faculty scholars will build capacity through tailored TRS training and mentorship while advancing scholarly productivity using existing AppalTRUST data.
Required Activities:
- Completion of bi-annual Individual Development Plan (IDP) and reflections
- Monthly mentoring meetings
- Participation in monthly TRS training, Writing Accountability Groups (WAGs), and career development programming
- Monthly Work in Progress (WIP) updates
- Required attendance for EAB meeting (September)
Required Scholar Products:
- Works-in-progress presentation at annual ELEVATE Showcase
- Submission of at least one TRS abstract to a professional organization/conference
- Submission of at least one peer-reviewed manuscript using AppalTRUST data (secondary data analysis)
Year 2: Advanced TRS Training and Pilot Research Implementation
Funding: Up to $20,000
During the second year, AppalTRUST faculty scholars will focus on implementation of a pilot study aligned with NIH Tobacco Regulatory Science Program and FDA CTP Research Priorities.
Required Activities:
- Implementation of TRS pilot research project
- Completion of bi-annual Individual Development Plan (IDP) and reflections
- Monthly mentoring meetings
- Participation in monthly professional development training
- Participation in monthly Writing Accountability Group
Required Scholar Products:
- Pilot presentation at annual ELEVATE Showcase
- Draft of pilot manuscript
- Plans for submission of at least one external grant application
Application Process
Compile the following information into one PDF file and submit via the link below:
- Letter of Interest (2 pages max) indicating your interest in TRS, particularly with rural populations, and describe how the TRS scholar program aligns with your career goals and research trajectory.
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Individualized Training Plan (ITP) (1-2 pages max) clearly defining the training needs and identify specific courses, workshops, conferences, or other training opportunities you will use to fulfill these needs in Year 1. Please include attendance at SRNT annual meeting (if offered) and up to one additional disciplinary conference in year 1.
- Year 1 Training and Professional Development budget and budget justification (2 pages max) which includes specific justifications for each budget item or category, conference travel costs, and other eligible costs (e.g., publication fees, software licenses, books, or training materials), and faculty effort.
- Department Chair Letter of Support