Howard University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program Mission & Values

Purpose

Howard University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program (HUPIF) serves to develop post-doctoral fellows with competency and the skill set necessary to serve as integral leaders in academia, biopharmaceutical industry, policy arena, research enterprise, and the U.S. Government inclusive of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our fellows will participate in cutting-edge projects and provide expertise on unique patient health challenges in partnership with their respective fellowship programs.

Our Team

Our Partners

We currently partner with over 13 companies, hospitals, and institutions across the nation representing over 60 post-doctoral fellowship slots as we build tomorrow's health care leaders.

Our esteemed partners also include the FDA, Children's National Hospital, Georgetown Hospital, Howard University Hospital, and Uptown Research Institute. Depending on the fellowship program, fellows will gain professional training at Howard University along with specialized experiences at a partner company site, the FDA, or with one of the hospitals located in the Washington, DC area.

Our Fellows

Within the framework of the Howard University College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program, we take pride in cultivating a robust pipeline of exceptionally talented post-doctoral candidates.

Our commitment to excellence is underscored by the diverse academic origins our fellows, who represent a tapestry of over 30 esteemed colleges and universities from across the nation. These individuals bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to our program, fostering a rich and dynamic learning environment that is poised to make a profound impact on the pharmaceutical industry and beyond.

FAQs

What is the Howard University Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship (HUPIF), and how does it differ from other programs?

The HUPIF Program has partnerships with over 13 biopharmaceutical companies, and we provide professional development, practical academic experiences, and clinical experiences where appropriate as part of the fellowship. Howard University College of Pharmacy (HUCOP) is the only college of pharmacy in our nation’s capital and is close to all regulatory bodies including the FDA. The fellowship program strives to be a premier program by offering opportunities in teaching, learning, research, leadership, and service locally and globally. Your experience during the fellowship can be customized based on your professional aspirations and needs.

What qualifications do I need to apply for a pharmaceutical fellowship?

A recent graduate from a PharmD or PhD program or those who will obtain a PharmD or PhD within the current application period and are eligible to work in the United States by the start of the fellowship.

Can I submit multiple applications at the same time?

Yes. When completing your application, select the number of positions for each company/functional area you are applying to.

Can I apply for multiple functional areas within the same company?

Yes. Please submit a letter of intent for each functional area.

What documents are required for the application?

You will need to submit your transcript, CV (curriculum vitae), 3 recommendation letters and a letter of intent for each position you’re applying for.

Which format is advised when I upload my documents?

Please ensure that all your documents are in PDF format before uploading.

How can my recommendation writers send my recommendation letters directly to the program?

Within your application portal there is a link to be shared specifically to your letter writers. Please have them upload their letters of recommendations directly to that link for completion.

Is prior pharmaceutical/research experience necessary to be considered for the fellowship?

All qualified candidates are screened whether they have experience or not.

Are international students eligible to apply for the pharmaceutical fellowship?

If an international student has been granted authorization to work in the United States pending their transition to a permanent status, they may be eligible to apply to our program. Each case is handled individually so you must speak directly with the HUPIF leadership team.

Is there an interview process, and if so, what kind of questions can I expect during the interview?

Yes, there will be multiple rounds of interviews specific to your functional area including a general screening interview.

Are there opportunities for networking and professional development during the fellowship?

Yes, fellows attend various professional conferences, work with a personal development coach, and work on interprofessional projects. There are also monthly professional development workshops.

Is the duration of the fellowship 2 years or 1 year?

Most fellowships are 2 years, but there are a few one-year options. Each company and functional area will specify their exact duration.

Are there opportunities for publication or presentation of research findings during or after the fellowship?

Yes, one requirement is for each fellow to work on a publication and present their findings at a professional meeting or conference.

Will I be offered health insurance?

Yes.

When can a candidate expect to hear of a final decision?

Different companies have varying timelines. During your interview, please remember to communicate with your interviewers about next steps including dates and timelines.

On average, how many interviews can a candidate expect to go through?

This is company-specific but expect 2-3 rounds of interviews.

Will interviews be conducted at MidYear?

This will be based on the company, and you will be contacted with that information during the process.

What classes are fellows expected to teach to get the teaching certificate?

This depends on your functional area and will be assigned as appropriate.

Are the fellowships remote or in person?

This depends on the requirements of the company and functional area. Some positions are remote, hybrid or fully onsite.

What are professional development opportunities for the fellows?

Fellows have the opportunity to attend courses at the Howard University campuses, gain PMP certification, teaching certification, and access to licensure resources among other things. There are other professional development resources that will be provided to fellows at Howard and at the respective partner companies. Professional development is often guided based on the functional area.