Application Guidelines
A downloadable set of these guidelines is available here.
Introduction – The CFAR Bioinformatics Core
The University of California San Francisco-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research (UCSF-Bay Area CFAR) supports a robust interdisciplinary program dedicated to advancing HIV research. The CFAR Bioinformatics Core (also supported by the UCSF AIDS Research Institute) plays a central role in this mission by providing expertise in data analysis and integration, computational method development, and mentorship for HIV/AIDS investigators. Led by Dr. Gabi Fragiadakis and Dr. Sulggi Lee (Co-Directors), along with Senior Data Scientist, Al Abdellatif (Computational Lead), the Core is launching a second cycle of its Deep Dive Collaboration Awards. These awards are designed to support a multi-tiered approach that includes:
Comprehensive support through consultation (office hours), shared data resources, and community-building initiatives
Development and implementation of novel computational methods
Sustained, in-depth bioinformatics collaboration spanning study design, analysis, and final presentation of results
How Does this RFA Work?
This Request for Applications (RFA) invites investigators to collaborate with the CFAR Bioinformatics Core on projects that
Address a clear and compelling bioinformatics or computational need, and
Have the potential to significantly impact HIV/AIDS research
Eligible applicants include faculty at all ranks, with priority will be given to early-stage investigators. Applicants must be affiliated with UCSF or partner institutions (e.g. Gladstone, Vitalant, SFDPH, SFVAMC). Project principal investigators are able to name a “Lead Researcher” who can be at the trainee level (e.g., postdoc, clinical fellow, graduate student) who can also participate in the project. Investigators with questions about eligibility are encouraged to contact the Core Directors.
Selected awardees will be receive substantial dedicated support in the form of protected time from the Core’s Computational Lead, tailored to projects needs (e.g., up to 25% effort for 2 years). Project durations may range from a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 3 years. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the CFAR Bioinformatics Core in advance to estimate the appropriate level of effort.
Important: This RFA does not provide direct funding to applicants. Instead, it supports projects through dedicated bioinformatics personnel effort contributed by the CFAR Bioinformatics Core.
Project Types
Applications will be considered across two primary categories (either or both are allowed):
Primary data analysis or integrative analysis of existing datasets
Development of computational methods or bioinformatic pipelines aligned with specific HIV research goals
Pre-Application Consultation
Investigators are strongly encouraged to consult with the CFAR Bioinformatics Core prior to submission to assess project fit and scope. To schedule an office hours appointment, please contact Al Abdellatif (al.abdellatif@ucsf.edu). Consultations should be requested no later than 5 days prior to the application deadline.
Note regarding Data Sharing on the Data Library
CFAR Bioinformatics is committed to maximizing the impact of its collaborations by sharing project data through the UCSF Data Library, whenever feasible. The UCSF Data Library is a web-based platform designed to host, curate, and share multi-omic data, under the scientific leadership of Dr. Gabi Fragiadakis. As part of our commitment to transparency and collaboration, the CFAR Bioinformatics Core will utilize the Data Library for both storage and curation, as well as to facilitate data sharing among investigators. At the conclusion of each project, we aim to share the resulting data with the broader UCSF HIV/AIDS research community, provided that data sharing is compatible with the project’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines. Applicants will be asked to specify whether data sharing is feasible for their project(s) in accordance with the associated IRB approval.
Selection and Awards
Proposals will be evaluated based on several criteria, including but not limited to:
Timeliness and Data Integrity: The applicant’s ability to provide data promptly to the CFAR Bioinformatics Core and to process it using standard analysis pipelines and data integrity protocols.
Innovation: The novelty of the dataset, research questions, and proposed analytical approach.
Relevance to HIV/AIDS Research: The potential of the proposed project to advance the understanding, treatment, or prevention of HIV/AIDS and related conditions.
UCSF, the UCSF-Bay Area CFAR, and the UCSF AIDS Research Institute do not use race, gender, sex, or other protected categories or proxies for protected categories in the selection process for the Deep Dive Collaboration awards. We comply with all Federal and State Antidiscrimination laws such as Title IX, VI, VII, and CA Proposition 209 and AM 2925 and any additional prevailing laws.
Collaboration Awards will be granted for project timelines ranging from 6 months to 3 years. We anticipate awarding 2-3 Collaboration Awards per cycle. Awardees will be required to submit annual progress reports, as well as a final report upon completion of the project.
Key Dates
Application Issued: Friday, April 24th, 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, May 22nd, 2026 5p
Estimated Award Announcement: Friday, June 12th, 2026
Submission Details
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss applications with CFAR Bioinformatics Leadership:
Al Abdellatif al.abdellatif@ucsf.edu
Gabi Fragiadakis gabriela.fragiadakis@ucsf.edu
Sulggi Lee sulggi.lee@ucsf.edu
Complete CFAR Bioinformatics proposals; comprised of the Application Form and a biosketch for the PI (and lead researcher if different from the PI), must be submitted via email to al.abdellatif@ucsf.edu no later than 5:00 PM on the date of the application deadline. All application materials should be provided in .docx format.
