In-kind LC-MS/MS profiling support for new assistant professors

Gaikwad Steroidomics Laboratory (GSL) is pleased to announce the GSL Early Career Pilot Award, designed to help new investigators generate preliminary data for grant applications, publications, and new research directions. Selected applicants will receive in-kind LC-MS/MS profiling support using eligible standard GSL assays.

2026 Award Recipients Announced

Gaikwad Steroidomics Laboratory is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 GSL Early Career Pilot Award.

Dr. Alec Follmer — University of California, Davis
“Determination of Lyase Intermediates and Allosteric Control of Cytochrome 17A1 Activity”

Dr. Filipa Rijo-Ferreira — University of California, Berkeley
“Exploring Host Metabolite Influence on Malaria Parasite Timing”

Dr. Ezgi Hacisuleyman — The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute
“Decoding Activity-Dependent Cholesterol Metabolism at Synapses in Neural Circuits”

GSL congratulates the 2026 awardees and looks forward to supporting their exciting research.

[Read the full announcement]

Important Dates

  • Applications Open: April 6, 2026
  • Application Deadline: May 8, 2026, 5:00 PM Pacific
  • Award Notifications: June 5, 2026
  • Recipient Acceptance Deadline: June 19, 2026
  • Sample Submission Window: July 6 – August 28, 2026
  • Target Completion of Awarded Analyses: December 31, 2026

Eligibility

  • Assistant professor
  • Within first 5 years of initial appointment
  • One application per PI
  • Projects must fit eligible standard GSL assays

What the award provides

Awards typically provide in-kind support for analysis of up to 25 samples using eligible standard GSL LC-MS/MS profiling services. In exceptional cases, support for up to 50 samples may be approved based on scientific merit, assay fit, and program capacity.

Eligible assays

  • Androgen Profiling Screen
  • Estrogen Profiling Screen
  • Progestogen Profiling Screen
  • Corticoid Profiling Screen
  • Bile Acid / Bileomic Profiling Screen
  • Neurosteroid Profiling Screen
  • Oxysterol Profiling Screen

Program scope

This program supports selected standard GSL LC-MS/MS profiling services only. Custom assay development, non-standard matrices, regulatory studies, and clinical diagnostic testing are not included in this award program.

How to apply

Download Application Materials

Publicity

Awardees may choose whether to be publicly listed by GSL. Public announcement is optional and based on recipient consent.

Contact

Questions: pilotawards@gaikwadsteroidomics.com