SCTR KL2

The NIH-funded KL2 is intended to train both clinical and non-clinical research scientists.

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Mentored Career Development - Junior Faculty

KL2 Impact by the numbers: 14 alumni, 93% hold academic positions, 79% are an associate professor or professor, 86% have extramural research funding

SCTR KL2 Multidisciplinary Scholars Program in Clinical and Translational Science

The SCTR KL2 program equips scholars with a supportive environment, start-up research funds, and access to program faculty to provide expertise and guidance in conducting a clinical research project. This program is intended to train a multidisciplinary workforce of both clinical and non-clinical research scientists.

The KL2 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 KL2 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.
  • 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
  • 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

Hannah Espeleta 

Hannah Espeleta, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Nursing
College of Nursing
Project: Improving Reach, Quality, and Equity in Child Maltreatment Prevention
Mentor: Ken Ruggiero

Russell Spencer-Smith, PhD 

Russell Spencer-Smith, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
College of Medicine
Project: Targeting CRAF in KRAS-driven lung cancer
Mentor: John P. O’Bryan

Lauren Powell DO 

Lauren Powell, D.O.

Assistant Professor

Department of Pediatrics
College of Medicine
Project: Implementation of a Shortened TB regimen in Ethiopian children using CFIR
Mentor: Susan Dorman

Past Scholars (PDF)   

Scholar Resources

Leadership

Contact

Diana Lee-Chavarria

Diana Lee-Chavarria, MA

Workforce Training and Development Manager
843-792-8205
leeachar@musc.edu