Apply here by 11/16/2026 to be part of SPNSOR.

*Registration and email verification are required. Please see detailed instructions below.

Why do I need a mentorship network?  

No single mentor can provide everything a researcher needs to succeed.

Researchers benefit from networks of mentors, sponsors, peers, and collaborators who offer different forms of expertise, guidance, encouragement, and professional opportunity. Yet many early-career scientists lack the tools and resources to intentionally develop these networks.

SPNSOR moves beyond traditional one-to-one mentorship by helping researchers:

• Identify their professional goals and unmet mentorship needs.

• Map their existing mentorship networks and identify gaps.

• Find and engage mentors, sponsors, and collaborators.

• Strengthen communication and navigate challenging mentorship relationships.

• Develop the confidence and skills to actively manage their professional development.

At the heart of SPNSOR is mentorship agency—the ability to recognize, seek, and mobilize the mentorship and resources needed to advance one's goals.

Am I eligible?

We are currently recruiting postdoctoral scholars who are:  

• early career [0-1 year] postdoctoral and clinical fellows, and

• in biomedical (including clinical and behavioral) fields.

What does the program offer?

1. Networking opportunities with renowned experts on scientific mentorship.

2. Conference and travel funds to attend a 1-day mentorship symposium at SUNY Downstate. 

3. Seven virtual sessions, 1.5 hours each, on propelling one's research career by maximizing your mentorship network.

How is the program structured?

The program will start with an in-person session at the Mentorship Symposium, followed by 7 virtual sessions via Zoom. 

Mentorship Program Modules:

• January 15th – Session 1 – In-person Mentorship Symposium in NYC

• January 20th – Session 2 – Goal Setting

• January 27th – Session 3 – Mentor and Resource Mapping

• February 3rd – Session 4 – How to Find Mentors

Two-week break for Virtual Mentoring and Networking

• February 17th – Session 5 – Maintaining Your Mentor Network and Wellness

• February 24th – Session 6 – Negotiating Needs within Your Mentoring Relationships

• March 3rd – Session 7 – Navigating Challenging Relationships, Power, and Conflict 

• March 10th – Session 8 – Moving Ahead in Your Mentoring Journey

Post-program follow-up:

• 3-month focus group check-in: June

• 6-month survey follow-up: September

Who will I meet?

Some of the facilitators, coaches, and planning team:

past spnsor speakers

We've also had various experts lead SPNSOR sessions:

How to apply

To access the study application, please follow these steps:

1. Scan the QR code on the study flyer or click the application link.

2. Register for MyMentorAtlas by creating an account.

3. Verify your email address using the verification email you receive.

4. Return to the original QR code or application link.

5. Complete the application to determine your eligibility for the study.

Application Deadline: November 16, 2026

Note: This program is part of an NIH-funded, IRB-approved (1981725-3) randomized controlled study by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (PI: Marcus Lambert, PhD). 

Interested individuals will apply for the SPNSOR Program, but participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups:

• Intervention Group: Receives mentorship network support.

• Control Group: Continues with usual mentorship + mentor-up training.

All participants (both groups) will be evaluated periodically to assess outcomes, helping us understand the effectiveness of the SPNSOR intervention.

Participants will be asked to complete surveys and focus groups. They will be compensated up to $100 for these activities.