Office of Trainee Affairs (OTA)

Research education and training is vital to the mission of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children's Hospital. As a top 10 free-standing pediatric research center and an academic affiliate of The Ohio State University, AWRI has an outstanding faculty dedicated to training and mentoring the next generation of scientists in pediatric research.

AWRI Investigators are teaching faculty in various departments at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, including the departments of Pediatrics, Pathology, Surgery, Otolaryngology and Psychiatry.

As a result, many students and trainees are based at AWRI, including undergraduates, graduate students, residents and fellows in pediatrics and pediatric surgery and post-doctoral fellows. Instruction occurs in informal and formal didactic sessions, one-on-one interactions and hands-on laboratory training.

The Office of Trainee Affairs (OTA) oversees these training opportunities and the numerous programs, events, activities and resources available to support those who participate in them, including the Research Institute’s Trainee Association (RITA), the AWRI postdoctoral association.

Mission
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
NPA Affiliate Membership
Individual Development Plans
OTA Events

Our Mission

The mission of Office of Trainee Affairs is to empower trainees and enhance the training environment of AWRI.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Our research is strengthened by our diversity. We are committed to building a culture of inclusion where trainees feel respected, valued and free to be who they are. Join us. We welcome your unique experiences and perspective.

NPA Affiliate Membership

Because Nationwide Children’s is a sustaining member of the National Postdoctoral Association (NPA), our postdocs are entitled to NPA affiliate memberships at no additional cost. 

Affiliate members are entitled to an array of benefits including a subscription to NPA’s official monthly newsletter, access to members-only NPA web content, opportunities to serve on NPA committees and more. Follow the instructions on the NPA website to join.

Individual Development Plans

We encourage all graduate students and postdocs to complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to discuss with their PI at least annually. Postdocs are encouraged to complete and update their IDPs prior to their annual reviews to discuss them at that time.

Please email the OTA with any questions.

Download the Latest IDP Form

Postdoctoral Scientist Virtual Information Session

Join us for a virtual postdoctoral scientist information session with Talent Acquisition partners on June 5, 2023 from 10-10:45 a.m.

Learn about the many research and postdoctoral career opportunities available at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute (AWRI) at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the important and exciting work taking place here and our continued growth and expansion. The virtual access link will be sent to registered participants.

Register Now Learn More

Visit our website to view all open positions in AWRI, including postdoctoral positions, and apply.

Questions?

Unable to make it, but still interested in learning more? Email ResearchTalent@nationwidechildrens.org to connect with a Talent Acquisition partner.

Trainee Association

The Research Institute’s Trainee Association (RITA) was created in 2013 to help better train and prepare trainees for their “next steps.”

Postdoctoral

Nationwide Children's offers Postdoctoral opportunities for those individuals who recently received their degree in many of The Research Institute's research laboratories.

Graduate Students

First-year graduate students are able to do short rotations though The Research Institute laboratories prior to committing to their thesis laboratories.

Medical Students

Medical students may apply for research opportunities, with eight-week programs during their third year and four-week elective programs during their fourth year of medical school available.

Medical Fellows

Nationwide Children’s offers high-quality, nationally recognized fellowships in a wide range of pediatric subspecialties, most of which include opportunities in basic or clinical research. 

High School and Undergraduate Students

The Research Institute offers high school and undergraduate students summer research experience for credit or pay.

Travel Awards

Awards of up to $1,500 are available to trainees for travel, within the United States, to a conference or meeting to present original research. There are three annual award cycles.