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SCTR K12 Mentored Career Development Program

The SCTR K12 provides mentored, protected research time to help promising new scholars grow their independent translational science careers. It focuses on turning discoveries from the lab, clinic, and community into real-world solutions that improve health for individuals and communities.

K12 Impact by the Numbers

17 Alumni
94% Hold Academic Positions
65% Associate Professor or Professor
76% Have Extramural Research Funding

Meet the New Scholars

Beginning May 1, 2026, SCTR proudly welcomes the newest members of the SCTR K12 Mentored Career Development Program.

Read the Full Story

K12 Program Overview

The K12 aims to increase clinical research capacity and to transition early-stage investigators to an independent research career through a guided, mentored program that provides 75% protected time.

Scholars appointed to the K12 program receive:

  • Didactic training to support their continued career progression.
  • Mentored support to develop an extramural grant application.
  • Professional development opportunities to support their transition to independent researchers.
  • Annual research funding and salary support.

Annual Research Funding

  • Salary support of up to $120,000 plus fringe
  • $25,000 in project funds to purchase research supplies and small equipment
  • $1,000 towards travel funds to attend a relevant scientific conference

Eligibility

  • Full-time faculty appointment at MUSC at the time of appointment
  • Rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor at the time of appointment
  • Health professional doctoral degree (or equivalent) – either clinical or non-clinical
  • Ability to commit 75% FTE for training and clinical research activities
  • Candidates must be starting basic, translational, and/or clinical research projects that are based in clinical and translational science.

Current Scholars

Sam Crowley, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Neurology
Jessica English Assistant Professor, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Medicine wearing a white coat

Jessica English, M.D., MSCR

Assistant Professor, Rheumatology

Russell Spencer-Smith, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology


Leadership

Aimee McRae-Clark, Pharm.D., BCPP

Director, Office of Research Integrity
Professor, Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Neurosciences

Susan Dorman, M.D.

Faculty Director, Center for Global Health
Professor, Infectious Diseases

Contact

Diana Lee-Chavarria, MA

Assistant Director, Operations, Translational Science Education & Workforce Development - SC Clinical & Translational Research (SCTR) Institute