Md-leics

MD-LEICS

MD-LEICS

Leipzig Clinician Scientist Program in Modern Diseases

Young physicians are invited to apply for the new 3-year Clinician Scientist program of Leipzig University funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The combined clinical and scientific program focusses on translational research in the field of modern diseases (e.g. metabolism, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cardiometabolic complications, eating disorders).

Investigating non-communicable 'Modern Diseases' is a central topic of the Faculty of Medicine at Leipzig University. The aim of MD-LEICS is to sustainably promote Clinician Scientists in modern diseases through protected research time (50-75%) and an attractive structured curriculum for interdisciplinary clinical and scientific qualification.

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Scientific aims

The MD-LEICS program aims to

Characterize predisposing and protective factors contributing to pathogenesis of modern diseases on population and individual level.

Identify vulnerable periods and windows of opportunities to prevent or successfully treat modern diseases across the lifespan.

Develop scalable, novel strategies for detection, prevention, and therapy of modern disease, based on the understanding of risk factors and mechanisms.

Translate recent advances in basic sciences into innovative clinical applications for the management of modern diseases.

Qualification concept and Mentoring

Through the MD-LEICS program, we provide interdisciplinary clinical and scientific qualification and access to cutting-edge research facilities and state-of-the-art labs. The qualification concept comprises four elements:

Scientific qualification in modern diseases

Research rotation with protected research time

Clinical education / residency, partly credited towards Residency and Fellowship Training by the State Chamber of Physicians of Saxony

Professional skills training

To ensure a balanced clinical, scientific, and academic career development for the Clinician Scientists, the program is integrated in a multidisciplinary mentoring concept. Within the MD-LEICS program, each Clinician Scientist will have continuous mentors (scientific/project mentor, external mentor, and head of the department of the host institution).

Gender equality and balance of family life

All MD-LEICS institutions provide a work, research, and study environment that promotes equal opportunities and a family-friendly work-life balance. We are committed to create a work- and training-space that fosters all project staff to start a family and care for family members. We do this by supporting a family-friendly environment (e.g. flexibility in working hours, services to help find child-care onsite with dedicated nursery services and emergency childcare options available) and offering career development specifically tailored towards women scientists (topics include presentation and negotiation skills, networking, balancing research, clinical care and family commitments, and leadership training). During maternity protection and parental leave, projects can be extended based on a written application. Parental leave during MD-LEICS is encouraged, and research projects can be extended if requested by the respective clinician scientists during parental leave. Furthermore, part-time work is facilitated (up to 50% reduction of the clinical part). In case of maternity protection, parental leave, and/or child/elder care, student assistance/research assistance can be requested, and a rapid review process of the steering committee will allocate financial resources for short-term positions.