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Apply for the Schmidt Science Fellows Program by Monday, May 1

April 17, 2023

Northwestern University will nominate up to seven doctoral students/alumni for the Schmidt Science Fellows Program,  conducted in partnership with The Rhodes Trust. The program allows students with extraordinary records of leadership in STEM to spend 12-24 months conducting research tangentially related yet pertinent to their doctoral work in a world-class laboratory and participate in a series of global seminars. 

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Fellows receive a personal stipend of $100,000 a year (for up to two years, a total of up to $200,000 of support during their fellowship), full coverage of conference expenses, and support to develop the skills and perspectives needed to become future leaders in science and society. Fellows pursue a postdoctoral placement at a world-leading laboratory, anywhere in the world, working in a different discipline to that of their PhD.

During the first year as a fellow, they participate in a varied and challenging Global Meeting Series that introduces new research ideas, techniques, and questions, in addition to a tailored training program including communication, leadership, and management skills. Fellows also benefit from a personalized mentoring program, providing professional development support from experienced and internationally accomplished scientists. At the completion of the fellowship year, senior fellows join the community of alumni for ongoing support, collaboration, interaction, and programming opportunities. 

ELIGIBILITY

In order to be eligible for nomination to the Schmidt Science Fellows application process, candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • Have conducted their graduate degree in the natural sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Sciences), Engineering, Mathematics, or Computing – and all sub-disciplines therein.
  • Expect to complete all of the requirements for the conferral of their PhD in one of these fields between May 15, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
  • Be available for the entire period of the 2024 program, from April 2024 to November 2025 including onboarding activities, attendance of the Global Meeting Series, and a Senior Fellows event.
  • Be nominated by a designated senior official at one of our nominating partner institutions.
SELECTION CRITERIA

Schmidt Science Fellows are encouraged and supported to take an ambitious scientific risk when considering their postdoctoral placement. A candidate’s proposed research pivot (change in area of research) should represent a genuine and innovative disciplinary departure from their PhD studies, with a clear goal towards gaining new skills in a new area and establishing field-leading interdisciplinary lines of research with potential for high reward and societal impact. 

Applications for the Schmidt Science Fellows program will be judged against the following selection criteria:

  • Clear record of academic achievement of the highest quality in the sciences and an extraordinary degree of intelligence.
  • High degree of intellectual curiosity combined with energy and creativity; a record of continuous innovation and/or use of new technologies.
  • Interest in pursuing 12-24 months of postdoctoral study in a field different from the applicant’s PhD discipline and a belief that interdisciplinary science and the taking of appropriate scientific risks are important for the advancement of discovery.
  • History of effective collaboration with diverse team members.
  • Desire to use one’s personal talents and science to make a positive difference in society and the world.
  • Genuine and demonstrable potential for science leadership; displaying perseverance, resilience, a moral compass, and a galvanizing force of personality.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all candidates. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status marital or civil partner status, race, color, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion, or belief.

INTERNAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Assemble as one PDF in the listed order:

  1. Complete Curriculum Vitae (no page limit)
  2. A brief description of your PhD research (up to 500 words)
  3. A brief description of any outputs you wish to highlight during your PhD (up to 350 words)
  4. Pivot - Primary Research Discipline (i.e., Biology)
  5. Pivot - Secondary Research Discipline (i.e., Physics)
  6. Complete Fellowship Research Proposal:
    1. Title
    2. Description of how your proposed Fellowship research represents a disciplinary pivot from your PhD (in up to 200 words)
    3. Proposal Outline
    4. Proposal (up to 1000 words); this does not have to be linked to a specific lab at this stage․
  7. Description of your approach to collaboration (up to 200 words)
  8. General goals for postdoctoral placement (Max 200 words)
  9.  Three possible placements that list:
    1. PI and /or Group
    2. Institution
    3. Reason for consideration (max 150 words)
  10. Personal motivations and interests (up to 500 words)
  11. "How the Schmidt Science Fellows program would benefit you?" (up to 500 words)
  12. Lay summary of your PhD research (in up to 100 words)
  13. "In 1-2 short sentences, describe how you hope your research can make a positive impact on the world," (up to 25 words). Please begin your statement with "I plan to․․․”
  14. The names and emails of three to five references (maximum highly recommended) who will email confidential letters to Elizabeth Lewis Pardoe by 8:00 AM CDT on Monday, 1 May 2023.
CONTACT

Please email Elizabeth Lewis Pardoe, Director, Office of Fellowships with any questions.

Categories: Fellowships