Guidelines and Application
The Heising-Simons Foundation invites applications for the 51 Pegasi b Fellowship. The fellowship provides an opportunity for recent doctoral scientists to develop innovative instrumentation or to conduct novel theoretical and observational research in planetary astronomy. Planetary astronomy brings together research efforts of two fields—planetary science and astronomy—to characterize planetary systems. The fellowship supports postdoctoral fellows to advance our fundamental understanding of exoplanets, solar system science, planet formation and evolution, planetary atmospheres, protoplanetary disks, or other closely related topics.
The fellowship recognizes early-career investigators of significant potential and provides them with the opportunity to conduct independent research. Each recipient will receive a three-year grant of up to $375,000 to cover salary, benefits, highly-flexible discretionary spending (e.g., travel, family care, moving expenses, research equipment, personal computers, etc.), and indirect costs. Awarded postdoctoral fellows are expected to carry out a strong, coherent research program in planetary astronomy.
The Foundation anticipates awarding six to eight fellowships this year, based on the quality of submissions. The Heising-Simons Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion . Thus, we particularly welcome applications from individuals who belong to groups that have been historically underrepresented in planetary sciences and astronomy such as women, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to diversification of the field.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants may come from any academic institution or research lab, both nationally and internationally.
- Applicants are not required to have US citizenship; however, all visa and work permit paperwork is the responsibility of the fellow and host institution.
- Applicants must have received a doctoral degree in astronomy, physics, earth and planetary sciences, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline. Doctoral degrees must be awarded after August 31, 2009 and before August 31, 2019.
51 Pegasi b Fellowship research must be pursued at one of the following participating institutions:
| – California Institute of Technology | – University of California, Berkeley |
| – Massachusetts Institute of Technology | – University of California, Santa Cruz |
| – Pennsylvania State University | – University of Chicago |
| – Princeton University | – University of Texas, Austin |
| – University of Arizona | – Yale University |
Applications
Interested candidates are asked to submit an online application, and will be asked to include:
- Abstract of your Ph.D. dissertation
- Curriculum Vitae
- Samples of your journal or conference publications (up to 3 samples)
- Two letters of recommendation from your Ph.D. advisor, a senior collaborator, or scientific mentor
- Science research proposal describing the work you want to perform as a 51 Pegasi b Fellow (up to three pages)
- Brief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement detailing personal experiences, professional skills, and/or willingness to engage in activities that will advance DEI in the field
Applications for the 2019 Fellowship will open August 6, 2018. Please visit this page at that time to access the application portal.
All applications must be completed and submitted by October 1, 2018 at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time.