Application overview

2026 ASPIRE on the Road: Boston
Mon, April 27- Wed, April 29, 2026
Boston, MA
Hosted by the BRET Office of Career Development, Vanderbilt University

Application deadline: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at noon

This event will provide Vanderbilt University biomedical PhD students and postdocs the opportunity to spend time with area biotechnology and pharma companies learning about career paths, hearing from key leadership, touring the facilities, and meeting with Boston-area alumni.

A maximum of 12 trainees will be selected to participate. Airfare and shared hotel accommodations will be covered by the ASPIRE Program for those selected.

Eligibility requirements
1. Applicants must be affiliated with a School of Medicine or VUMC PhD or postdoctoral program.

2. PhD students must have passed their qualifying exams before the application deadline.

3. Applicants must be able to attend the full site visit in Boston, April 27- 29, 2026; this will require departure from Nashville on Sunday April 26, 2026, with return the evening of Wednesday, April 29.
To complete your application you will need to upload the following documents to this survey

1) A current 2-3 page resume as a word document highlighting academic accomplishments and other experiences relevant to this event (File name: Last_First_AOTR2026_resume). If you need help with formatting your resume, please see this resource, or consider coming to a CV/resume drop-in clinic ahead of the deadline.

2) A cover letter (1 page max) as a word document describing your interest in a research and development career in the biotechnology or pharma industry, what types of relevant career development activities you have participated in prior to this (ASPIRE or otherwise), and what you hope to gain from such an experience. ( File name: Last_First_AOTR2026_cover letter). Resource found here

Your application is not complete until you upload these items.

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