Immunogenetics

Jennifer Zhang, PhD, Program Director(Link opens in new window)

UCLA Immunogenetics Fellowship Director-in-Training (DIT) Program

The UCLA Immunogenetics Fellowship DIT Program at the UCLA Immunogenetics Center, under the supervision of Drs. Jennifer Zhang and Elaine F. Reed, offers comprehensive training in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics. The center supports solid organ (renal, heart, lung, liver, intestine) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant programs across multiple institutions.

This two-year fellowship is designed to equip trainees with the knowledge, experience, and skills required to become histocompatibility directors. Fellows may be considered for a two-year extension (total of four years) based on performance, competency, and departmental funding. The program prepares candidates for board certification by the American College of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ACHI) and HLA Laboratory Director certification by the American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI).

Program Goals

The fellowship provides training in:

Advanced Techniques – Hands-on experience with cutting-edge diagnostic tools in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics.
Clinical Consultation – Understanding the clinical applications and patient populations served.
Laboratory Management – Principles of effective lab operations and administration.
Certification Preparation – Comprehensive training to prepare for ACHI board certification.

Eligibility & Application

Candidates must hold one of the following:

M.D., D.O., or D.P.M. licensed to practice in California
Ph.D. or D.Sc. in biological or chemical sciences, medical technology, or laboratory science (DCLS) with relevant backgrounds in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, or organic chemistry.

Application Timeline

July 1 – January 31: Applications accepted for the following year’s training cycle.
November – January: Candidate interviews.
February: Selection decisions finalized.
March: Notification of selected candidates.

Recruitment for the 2025–2027 fellowship begins July 1, 2025.

The Director and Training Director will select candidates for interviews, which will be conducted between November and January. Final selection will be made by the end of February, with notifications sent in March.

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