The Program for Applied Research and Development in Genomic Medicine (PARADIGM) At the university of florida
The postdoctoral training program, PARADIGM, helps train clinicians and researchers who are poised to lead the next generation of scientists into an era where genomic medicine approaches are a routine part of patient care.
Francis Collins, M.d., Ph.D., Former Director of the National Institutes of Health
Decoding the Human Genome
"Decoding the human genome sequence is the most significant undertaking that we have mounted so far in an organized way in all of science. I believe that reading our blueprints, cataloguing our own instruction book, will be judged by history as more significant than even splitting the atom or going to the moon."
PROGRAM SUMMARY AND TRAINEE BENEFITS
The Program for Applied Research and Development in Genomic Medicine, or PARADIGM, is funded by the National Institutes of Health’s National Human Genomic Research Institute and will prepare trainees to be leaders in genomic medicine research and implementation. Trainees will receive didactic training tailored to their needs, extensive mentoring from world-renowned scientists, valuable clinical exposure in multiple areas of genomic medicine and stimulating career development opportunities in a robust, interdisciplinary research environment at UF.
The following are among the many trainee benefits of the program:
- Train in a rich research environment at the University of Florida.
- Gain in-depth knowledge in genomic medicine and research practices through a comprehensive didactic program that includes courses in genomic medicine, grant writing, biostatistics and more.
- Establish a primary research project that will support development of manuscripts, grant applications and presentations at UF and national meetings.
- Earn a graduate certificate in precision medicine to enhance training.
- Access to interdisciplinary learning opportunities at the University of Florida.
- Guidance from a primary mentor and mentoring committee who will support the trainee through the program.
- Spend at least 32 hours in a clinical genomic medicine setting to support implementation and broaden perspectives of the field.
- Substantial professional development training through exposure to several genomic medicine career pathways, seminar series events, annual UF research days and attendance at national and international meetings.
PROGRAM FACTS
Areas of Research Genomic medicine with an emphasis in: • Pharmacogenomics • Cancer genomics • Disease genetics/genomics
6 Number of Trainees
2 Years Duration of the Program (Optional third year is available)
Eligibility • U.S. citizen or permanent resident status • Holds doctorate degree • Preference will be given to those with a clinical doctorate
Application Deadline: March 15
Stipend Paid per NIH Postdoctoral Year Levels
PROGRAM LEADERSHIP
DEAN’S PROFESSOR OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
Stephen Kimmel, M.D., MSCE
UF COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS
CURRENT TRAINEES
CURRENT TRAINEE
Carl Rizk, M.D.
Faculty Mentor: Ali Zarrinpar, M.D., Ph.D.
RESEARCH PROJECT: “Genetic Mechanisms of Hepatic Fibrosis and Liver Cancer: Exploring CEACAM1’s Role in MASH and HCC Progression”
Dr. Rizk’s research investigates the genetic mechanisms driving the development of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis as well as the role of CEACAM1 glycoprotein and its’ interactions with genes previously implicated in the development of hepatic fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma by correlating the genetic variations of CEACAM1 with the severity of hepatic fibrosis and the development of liver cancer in patients with Metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Dr. Rizk’s will be also focusing on analyzing the effects of polymorphisms in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, HSD17B3, and MBOAT7 on CEACAM1 expression and their roles in the progression from hepatic steatosis to fibrosis as well as exploring the mechanisms through which modulation of CEACAM1 and interaction with insulin resistance affects susceptibility to Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in genetically modified mouse models.
Background: M.D., University of Balamand, Beirut Lebanon
CURRENT trainee
Andrew Brock, Ph.D.
FACULTY MENTOR: Thomas Schmittgen, Ph.D.
RESEARCH PROJECT: “Pancreatic Cancer Organoids from EUS-Guided Biopsies: A Precision Medicine Approach to Understand Therapeutic Responses”
Dr. Brock’s research focuses on the development of personalized 3D pancreas organoids derived from endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsies. To address interpatient heterogeneity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), he aims to establish a biobank of patient-derived PDAC organoids using fine needle aspirates obtained through EUS-guided core needle biopsies. As part of the PARADIGM postdoctoral training program, Dr. Brock will investigate the hypothesis that transcriptomic signatures from personalized patient-derived organoids—both before and after drug screening—can inform precision medicine strategies for PDAC, including treatment selection and early response detection. These organoid cultures will be screened to identify the most effective therapeutic agents, combinations, dosages, and treatment schedules for each individual patient. This information will guide personalized treatment decisions. Future studies will explore whether post-treatment transcriptomic analysis of organoids can identify biomarkers predictive of successful therapeutic outcomes, addressing the current limitations in timely evaluation of treatment efficacy during critical stages of disease progression.
BACKGROUND: Ph.D., University of Florida
CURRENT TRAINEE
Christelle Lteif, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
FACULTY MENTORS: Julio Duarte, Pharm.D., Ph.D. and Larisa Cavallari, Pharm.D.
RESEARCH PROJECT: Genetic and Clinical Predictors of Opioid Effectiveness and Misuse in Postoperative Pain Management
Dr. Lteif’s current research explores how genetic variation in the gene encoding the CYP2D6 enzyme influences pain control with commonly prescribed opioids, specifically hydrocodone and oxycodone, in the context of postoperative pain management. By evaluating both genotype-predicted and phenoconverted CYP2D6 metabolizer status, her work aims to determine whether the effectiveness of hydrocodone and oxycodone is impacted by CYP2D6 function. Her project also investigates clinical, demographic, and genetic predictors of opioid persistence and misuse following surgery. Leveraging data from a large-scale pharmacogenetic trial, this research seeks to inform more personalized opioid prescribing strategies that optimize pain relief while minimizing the risk of prolonged opioid use and misuse.
BACKGROUND: Pharm.D., Lebanese American University; Ph.D., University of Florida
CURRENT trainee
Jean Malave, Pharm.D.
FACULTY MENTOR: Larisa Cavallari, Pharm.D.
RESEARCH PROJECT: “Assessing Predictors of P2Y12 Inhibitor Response in Post-PCI Patients”
Dr. Malave joined the Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research as a Ph.D. student after earning his Pharm.D. from the University of Florida. His research focuses on evaluating the impact of clinical, genetic, and social determinants on P2Y12 inhibitor response following percutaneous coronary intervention. Dr. Malave’s long-term goal is to identify actionable factors to guide personalized P2Y12 inhibitor prescribing and to identify patient populations that may benefit most from pharmacogenetic testing.
BACKGROUND: Pharm.D., University of Florida
CURRENT trainee
Maksymilian Pilecki, M.D.
FACULTY MENTOR: Shannon Wallet, Ph.D.
RESEARCH PROJECT: “Regulation of the Tumor Microenvironment in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma”
Dr. Pilecki is a third-year general surgery resident at the University of Florida and a doctoral student in the Biomedical Sciences Program. He aspires to pursue a fellowship in complex general surgical oncology following the completion of his residency. His professional vision is rooted in the integration of clinical excellence and scientific innovation to improve outcomes for patients with cancer. Dr. Pilecki is particularly interested in pancreatic cancer tumor immunology and the epigenetic regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment, where he aims to contribute to the evolving landscape of cancer biology. His long-term goal is to build a career that bridges patient care and translational research, fostering meaningful advancements in oncologic treatment. Through this dual commitment, he seeks to play a role in shaping the future of personalized cancer therapy.
CURRENT trainee
Peter Ramdhan, Pharm.D.
FACULTY MENTOR: Chenglong Li, Ph.D.
RESEARCH PROJECT: “Integrative Structural and Quantum-Based Analysis of CYP450 Enzymes for AI-Driven Drug-Gene Interaction Prediction”
Dr. Ramdhan joined the Department of Medicinal Chemistry as a Ph.D. student after earning his Pharm.D. from the University of Florida. His research focuses on integrating quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics to study the effects of genetic mutations on drug metabolism, with a particular emphasis on CYP2C19 and Clopidogrel. His long-term goal is to develop an AI model that incorporates detailed structural and quantum chemical analyses to improve the accuracy and reliability of CYP variant-drug response predictions. He ultimately aims to translate insights from this model into a framework that can guide in vitro functional studies, improving personalized medicine and drug safety.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to submit the application materials listed below by March 15.
- CV
- Personal statement (In two pages or less, describe your background, interest and experience in genomic medicine and your career goals)
- Research plan or goals statement (If you are a UF postdoc planning to stay in your current lab, you should describe your primary research project and mentor. If you are not a UF postdoc, please describe which of the three focus areas you are interested in pursuing and the type of project you would like to pursue. Also, please include mentors with whom you would be interested in working.)
- Three letters of recommendation (mailed by referee to Erica Elwood at the address below)
- Unofficial transcript (mailed to Erica Elwood at the address below)
ONLINE FOrm
Submit Your Application
Applicants to the PARADIGM Training Program need to complete this form.
MAILING ADDRESS
Erica Elwood, M.H.A., CCRP
Research Manager
UF College of Pharmacy
1225 Center Drive
PO Box 100486, Office 3309A
Gainesville, FL 32610