The Ph.D. postdoctoral track is a two to three year basic research training program for the specialized instruction of Ph.D. recipients in MRDD, with special emphasis on genomics and molecular-based therapies. The program is designed to provide the postdoctoral trainee with a "total immersion," protected environment to pursue research related to MRDD. More senior postdoctoral trainees also are involved in the day-to-day interaction with, and partial supervision of, predoctoral trainees' research activities. Postdoctoral trainees also are required to present at journal club, to give a research seminar every six to eight months, to participate in the MRDD Research Day and Retreat, and to take an active role in the laboratory research meetings and seminars. The research seminars are presented in the Postdoctoral Research Conference, which is attended by Ph.D. and M.D. postdoctoral fellows, predoctoral students and faculty. In addition, they will be required to attend our monthly MRDD Seminar Series. They may also audit and participate in any of the courses available campus-wide for our predoctoral trainees. Postdoctoral trainee progress is evaluated formally by the Program Directors, in consultation with their Preceptors, every six months (or more frequently, if needed), but the daily interaction between the trainee and the preceptor serves as the primary vehicle for assessing trainee progress. Our postdoctoral trainees usually choose a basic science research project, but some have sought training in cytogenetics, biochemical genetics or molecular genetics so that they can meet the requirements of the American Board of Medical Genetics for certification in these disciplines. In view of the shortage of highly trained professionals in these areas, particularly in biochemical genetics, our program plays an important role in the training of competent scientists to fill these positions.