Doctoral Scientists Prepared to Innovate
Biopharma Mentoring Partnerships for Career and Leadership Advancement
The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) offers an innovative academic–industry co-mentorship and fellowship model designed for PhD and PharmD trainees and recent graduates pursuing careers in biopharma and other FDA-regulated industries.
Industry Partners Interest Form
Program Leadership
Audra L. Stinchcomb, PhD, RPh, FAAPS, FAIMBE
Director of Pharmaceutical and Industrial Fellowships
Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Phone: (410) 706-2646
Email: astinchc@rx.umaryland.edu
Seeking Industry and Clinical Co-Principal Investigators
We invite experienced scientists, clinicians, and innovators to partner as co-mentors and co-investigators in this biopharma-focused training model.
- Biopharmaceutical development scientists
- Healthcare clinicians
- Regulatory professionals
- Food and cosmetic scientists
- Protein engineers
- Medical device experts
- Other FDA-regulated industry innovators
Why This Program Matters
PhD and PharmD students trained in academia gain strong technical expertise and scientific communication skills. However, many graduates entering biopharma face an unmet need: being industry-ready and prepared to lead.
National declines in PhD trainee numbers - driven in part by significant federal funding reductions - have created an urgent need for new training and funding models. At the same time, most PhD in pharmaceutical sciences graduates and many PharmD graduates seek careers in the biopharmaceutical industry.
Industry Co-Mentorship Model
This career acceleration model enhances academic training through structured, immersive industry experiences at partner organizations.
- Co-mentorship by UMSOP faculty and industry scientists.
- Onsite industry training ranging from one month to one year.
- Available to PhD candidates, PharmD candidates, and select new PharmD graduates.
- Hands-on experience in research and development, manufacturing, regulatory science, and clinical development.
Our Unique Industry-Focused Expertise
MS in Artificial Intelligence for Drug Development
UMSOP is home to a one-of-a-kind 30-credit MS in Artificial Intelligence for Drug Development program, providing cutting-edge training in machine learning and natural language processing across the drug development lifecycle.
MS in Regulatory Science
The award-winning MS in Regulatory Science program is a national model for graduate education in regulatory science, recognized with the 2025 AACP Graduate Education Special Interest Group Program Achievement Award.
UMSOP's Innovative Training Infrastructure
- Expert faculty from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences serve as co-mentors spanning discovery through clinical trials.
- On-site Applied Pharmaceutics Lab/GMP facility for small-batch clinical trial manufacturing.
- World-renowned Computer-Aided Drug Design Center.
- Mass Spectrometry Center supporting University-wide clinical trials.
- Manufacturing Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and in-line monitoring expertise at the Universities at Shady Grove.
Benefits of Participation
For Students and Trainees
- First-hand exposure to biopharma industry environments.
- Application of academic training to real-world product development and manufacturing.
- Enhanced readiness for leadership roles in FDA-regulated industries.
For Industry Partners
- Access to highly trained PhD and PharmD scientists.
- Opportunities to shape workforce training aligned with industry needs.
- Early engagement with future scientific and regulatory leaders.
For Faculty
- Deeper insight into evolving industry priorities
- Stronger translational research and training alignment
- Expanded academic–industry collaboration
Participate in a Model Training Program in Action
The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy partners with industry to prepare the next generation of PhD and PharmD scientists to innovate and lead in biopharmaceutical and other FDA-regulated industries.
Students: Learn how to apply for industry co-mentored training and fellowships.
Industry Partners: Explore opportunities to become a co-mentor or partner.