Build your skills.
Expand your network.
Advance your research.
The Early Career Accelerator Program in Environmental Health brings together UCSF early career scholars for monthly meetings on career development — covering time management, job applications, CVs and biosketches, research ideas, grant writing, paper submissions, and presentations. The program is directed by Drs. Amy Padula and Joshua Robinson.
Guest speakers from the EaRTH community join to share career advice, discuss diversity in academia, and critique papers. Participants must be able to attend ~10 meetings (5 on-campus, 5 virtual) during the 9-month program (schedule below), with the option to continue afterward. No environmental health background required — just interest.
Those who complete the program can apply for a competitive pilot award of up to $7,500. Awards are subject to application review and funding availability.
If you have questions about this program, email EaRTH.
Program highlights
- 9-month professional development program
- Monthly meetings featuring:
- Interactive, in-person workshops on campus
- Virtual scientific presentations from guest speakers across the EaRTH community
- Individual Development Plan (IDP) created with a dedicated faculty mentor team
- Training in:
- Grant writing
- Science communication
- Pilot project development
- Career planning and professional growth
Who can apply?
- PhD students, postdoctoral scholars, and junior faculty
- Must be able to attend all (5) in-person meetings, including the EaRTH Annual Research Forum
Funding opportunity
Participants who successfully complete all program requirements will be eligible to apply for a competitive research pilot award of up to $7,500. Funding eligibility is contingent upon meeting all program requirements. Pilot awards are competitive and subject to application review and available funding.
Program Dates (2026/27)
Dates are subject to change; advanced notice will be provided. Monthly meetings (on-campus and virtual) are typically held on the third Tuesday of the month from 11:00am – 12:00 pm PT (unless stated otherwise).
| Date | Time (PT) | Location | Description |
| 08/11/26 | 9 am | Apply here | Application window opens |
| 09/08/26 | 11:59 pm | -- | Application deadline |
| 09/15/26 | -- | Selection notice | |
| 09/22/26 | 11 am - 12 pm | Virtual | Kick-off meeting |
| 10/20/26 | 11 am - 12 pm | Virtual | Scientific presentation |
| 10/29/26 | 12 pm - 4 pm | Mission Bay | EaRTH Center Annual Research Forum |
| 11/16/26 | 11 am - 12 pm | On-campus | Training workshop |
| 12/15/26 | 11 am - 12 pm | Virtual | Scientific presentation |
| 01/19/27 | 11 am - 12pm | On-campus | Training workshop |
| 02/16/27 | 11 am - 12 pm | Virtual | Scientific presentation |
| 03/16/27 | 11 am - 12 pm | On-campus | Training workshop |
| 04/20/27 | 11 am - 12 pm | Virtual | Scientific presentation |
| 05/18/27 | 11 am - 12 pm | On-campus | Training workshop |