Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program 2008 Application

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

The attached application materials for 2008 Smithsonian Institution Fellowships include the program guidelines, instructions, cover sheets, letters for your referees, and the publication, Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study. All these materials are also available at our Web site: www.si.edu/research+study.

Fellowships are offered by the Smithsonian Institution to provide opportunities for graduate students, predoctoral students, and postdoctoral and senior investigators to conduct research in association with members of the Smithsonian professional research staff, and to utilize the resources of the Institution. These fellowships are offered through the Smithsonian's Office of Research Training and Services, and are administered under the charter of the Institution, 20 U.S. Code section 41 et seq. Fellowship awards under this program are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Applicants who wish to conduct research at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory should contact the Fellowship Program Coordinator, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, 60 Garden Street, Mail Stop 47, Cambridge, MA 02138. Application requirements and deadlines may be different.

The publication, Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study, outlines Smithsonian research activities and lists the research staff. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact staff members to help identify potential advisors, determine the feasibility of the proposed research being conducted at the Smithsonian Institution, and the availability of relevant resources such as staff, collections, archives and library materials during the proposed tenure dates.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

1. Qualifications for Application

Applicants must propose to conduct research at the Smithsonian in one of its areas of research as outlined in the publication, Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study, for a period of three to twelve months, or ten weeks for the Graduate Student Fellowship. Past or current fellowship recipients are eligible to apply for another award.

No employee or contractor of the Smithsonian Institution may hold a Smithsonian fellowship during the time of his/her employment or contract, nor may an award be offered to any person who has been employed by or under contract to the Institution in the previous year, without the prior approval of the Office of Research Training and Services.

Applicants whose native language is not English are expected to have the ability to write and converse fluently in English. All application materials must be presented in English (foreign transcripts may be translated, see below).

Determination of the fellowship category for which to apply should be based on the anticipated academic level at the time the fellowship would begin:

Graduate Student Fellowships: When they apply, students must be formally enrolled in a graduate program of study at a degree-granting institution. Before the appointment begins fellows must still be enrolled and must have completed at least one full-time semester or its equivalent, or have completed the graduate program within the past four months. Graduate Student Fellowships are usually intended for students who have not yet been advanced to candidacy if in a doctoral program.

Predoctoral Fellowships: Students enrolled in a university as candidates for the Ph.D. or equivalent are eligible for predoctoral fellowships. By the time the appointment begins, the university must approve the undertaking of dissertation research at the Smithsonian Institution and certify that requirements for the doctorate, other than the dissertation, have been met.

Postdoctoral Fellowships: Applicants are eligible to apply for postdoctoral fellowships who have or will have received the Ph.D. or equivalent after January 15, 2001. The degree must be completed by the time the fellowship begins.

Senior Fellowships: Applicants who have received the Ph.D. or equivalent before January 15, 2001 are eligible to apply for senior fellowships. Senior Fellowship applications may be submitted one and a half years in advance (see below).

2. Application Submission and Deadline

All applications must be postmarked by January 15, 2008. Applications mailed after the deadline or received too late in the review process cannot be considered. Faxed or electronically submitted applications will not be accepted. Send applications to: Office of Research Training and Services, Smithsonian Institution, 470 L’Enfant Plaza Suite 7102, MRC 902 PO Box 37012, Washington, DC 20013-7012.

Exceptions to the above deadline and submission requirements can be made for certain supporting materials (such as transcripts, and letters of recommendation if sent directly by the referee).

Proposals Involving the Use of Live Animals
Applicants who wish to conduct research using live animals must submit their proposals for review by one of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC). Review for animal welfare concerns and approval of procedures by one of these committees must occur before a fellowship can begin. Applicants to the National Zoological Park (NZP) should contact Michael Jakubasz, Lab Manager, e-mail Jakubaszm@si.edu, to request the necessary form. Applicants to other Smithsonian Museums and Research Institutes should contact their advisor to determine the appropriate procedures for that unit.

Notification of decisions will be mailed on April 15, 2008.

3. Criteria for Selection

Applications are evaluated and fellows are selected, by scholars in appropriate fields, on the basis of the proposal's merit, the applicant's ability to carry out the proposed research and study, the likelihood that the research could be completed in the requested time, and the extent to which the Smithsonian, through its research staff members and resources, could contribute to the proposed research. The number of appointments made each year is determined by the availability of funds for the program. The Smithsonian Fellowship Program does not discriminate on grounds of race, creed, sex, age, marital status, condition of handicap, or national origin of any applicant.

4. Conditions of Appointment

Predoctoral, postdoctoral and senior fellowships are awarded for periods of three to twelve months. Appointment periods are in accordance with the applicant's proposal for the research, unless the length of tenure requested is considered by reviewers to be more than required. All graduate student fellowships are ten weeks long. In accepting an appointment, the fellow will be expected to devote full-time effort to the research proposed and to be in residence at the Smithsonian except for approved absences.

Financial support, in addition to a Smithsonian fellowship, for such purposes as research travel and equipment may be received from other sources provided that no special demands are made upon the fellow's time. Permission to receive additional stipend support must be requested in writing from the Office of Research Training and Services.

Graduate student, predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowship tenures must begin between June 1, 2008 and March 1, 2009. Senior fellowship tenures must begin between June 1, 2008 and September 15, 2009. It is important that applicants consider the following factors carefully when choosing the dates for the proposed fellowship: their academic schedule; completion dates of their preliminary exams, course work, or dissertation (if applicable); the schedule of their proposed advisor/host and the availability of required resources. Appointments of three months or longer must begin on either the 1st or 15th of the month. The dates of tenure proposed in the application (and any change of dates if the fellowship is awarded) should be selected in agreement with the proposed principal advisor.

In submitting an application for a fellowship at the Institution, the applicant does not incur any obligation to accept the appointment if selected.

5. Use of Smithsonian Facilities

Fellows will be provided with space to conduct their research within the department in which they are working. Applicants should consult in advance with their proposed advisor(s) regarding the availability of facilities and necessary equipment. The amount of support services available to the fellow will be determined by the workload of the department and the policy of the department chairperson and/or unit director. Fellows have access to the Smithsonian Institution Libraries with privileges which include borrowing library materials, interlibrary loans, intralibrary loans, document delivery, database searching, and reference assistance.

6. Stipends and Allowances 2008 - 2009

Predoctoral, Postdoctoral and Senior Fellowships: The stipend for Predoctoral Fellows is $25,000 per year (twelve months). The stipend for Postdoctoral and Senior Fellows (other than those in Earth and Planetary Science, see below*) is $40,000 per year (twelve months). Stipends are prorated for periods of less than twelve months. In addition to the stipend, allowances to assist with the fellow's research related expenses and for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian are possible. In most cases a maximum research allowance of $2,000 is available (see below for exceptions*). The amount awarded will be determined based upon the budget and justification presented by the applicant. The budget for the research allowance should not include costs for relocation to the Smithsonian, which is awarded separately. The Office of Research Training and Services cannot provide funds for the travel or living expenses of dependents.

Graduate Student Fellowships: The stipend for Graduate Student Fellows is $5,500. Graduate student fellowships are offered for a period of ten weeks only and are not available for periods of less or more than ten weeks. Relocation and research allowances are not offered for graduate student fellowships.

*Postdoctoral and Senior fellows in Earth and Planetary Science will be awarded a stipend based on $45,000 per year. They may apply for research allowances of up to $4,000. Pre and Postdoctoral and Senior fellowship applicants whose proposal involves molecular-based research may also apply for research allowances of up to $4,000.

All funds provided under Smithsonian fellowships, including stipends and research and travel allowances, are subject to tax.

If you have any questions about completing this application, please feel free to write or call this office. We look forward to receiving your application.

Office of Research Training and Services
Smithsonian Institution
MRC 902 PO Box 37012
470 L'Enfant Plaza Suite 7102
Washington, DC 20013-7012

WWW: www.si.edu/research+study
Phone: 202/ 633-7070
Fax: 202/ 633-7069
E-mail: siofg@si.edu

For express mail services:

Office of Research Training and Services
Smithsonian Institution
470 L’Enfant Plaza SW Suite 7102
Washington, DC 20024

 

GENERAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Combine Parts 1, 2, 3, & 4 and Submit Six Application Sets (Original Plus 5 Copies):

1. Completed cover sheet.

2. Research proposal.

3. Curriculum vitae.

4. Transcripts.

Include Parts 5 & 6 with the Original Application Set:

5. Letters of reference from two appropriate persons selected by you.

6. Self addressed, stamped envelope, if you cannot receive email notification.

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH APPLICATION PART

1. Cover Sheet: Complete the attached two-page form, which must be signed and dated.



2. Research Proposal:
   
   A. Abstract of the proposed research, not more than one page.

   B. The full statement of your research, NOT MORE THAN 1500 WORDS. (Maximum six pages typescript, double spaced, excluding all other parts of the application, such as the abstract and bibliography.) Please use white paper, approximately 82 by 11 inches (210 mm x 297 mm). Type or print legibly in dark ink. Do not use type smaller than 12 point or 10 pitch. In preparing your proposal, be sure to provide and address the following:

   • A description of the research you plan to undertake at the Smithsonian Institution, including the methodology to be utilized.
   
   
   
   • The importance of the work, both in relation to the broader discipline and to your own scholarly goals.
   
   
   
   • Justification for conducting your research at the Smithsonian and utilization of research facilities and resources.
   
   
   
   • Identification of the member of the Smithsonian's research staff who might serve as your principal advisor/host. Also identify potential co-advisor(s) and/or consultant(s) if applicable. The publication, Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study, contains the necessary information on staff research specialties and current departmental interests to help you determine which staff members are best suited to your research needs. Research staff may be named by applicants to serve as principal advisors, co-advisors or consultants. Affiliated research staff may be named as co-advisors or consultants if they will be in residence during at least a portion of the tenure period proposed. You are strongly encouraged to correspond with your proposed advisor(s) as you prepare your proposal.

   C. Estimate of time period for each phase of the research proposed.

   D. Budget and justification for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct the research itself (excluding stipend and relocation costs). You are encouraged to discuss potential research costs with your proposed advisor(s) before submitting your application. If the funds required to support the research exceed the maximum research allowance of $2,000, please explain the source of additional funds. Applicants for graduate student fellowships are not eligible for research and travel allowances, and should not submit budget justifications.

   E. Bibliography of literature relevant to the applicant's proposed research.

3. Curriculum vitae, including previous and current fellowships, grants, and/or awards, and a description of your research interests. Also, if English is not your native language, describe the level of your proficiency in reading, conversing, and writing in English.

4. Transcripts (or other materials when transcripts are not issued) from all appropriate institutions are required, except for senior fellowship applications. Applicants for graduate student fellowships must submit undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Applicants for predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships need only submit graduate transcripts. Unofficial photocopies are acceptable. If transcripts or other materials are not in English the applicant should provide translations.

5. Letters of reference evaluating your proposal from two persons familiar with your work. Attached are copies of an explanatory letter to send to your referees along with your proposal. Please note that all reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been specifically waived by the referee. Do not list Smithsonian staff members as your referees; they will have the opportunity to review your application after it is submitted.

Letters of reference should be ENCLOSED WITH YOUR APPLICATION in sealed envelopes signed by the referee across the flap. Therefore, be sure to obtain these letters in sufficient time to meet the deadline date. If necessary, reference letters can be submitted after the deadline date; however, they may arrive too late to be included for review.

6. Notification of receipt of your application will be sent to you by email as soon as possible after the packet is received, to the email address provided on the application form. If you cannot receive email notification, please enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope with your application.

Notification of receipt of an application does not necessarily mean the application packet is complete if certain parts are being mailed separately to the Office of Research Training and Services.

The application should be sent to:

Office of Research Training and Services
Smithsonian Institution
MRC 902 PO Box 37012
470 L'Enfant Plaza Suite 7102
Washington, DC 20013-7012

For express mail services use the following address:

Office of Research Training and Services
Smithsonian Institution
470 L’Enfant Plaza SW Suite 7102
Washington, DC 20024

APPLICATIONS POSTMARKED AFTER JANUARY 15, 2008 CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.

APPLICATION FOR SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Please read the instructions and the information for applicants carefully, then prepare SIX SETS of the complete application (original plus five copies) in accordance with those instructions. DEADLINE: JANUARY 15 (POSTMARK)

1. Applying For (check only one):

Graduate (10-week)
Predoctoral
Postdoctoral
Senior

2. Name: (circle one) Dr. Ms. Mr.

(family name)

(first name)

(middle initial)

3. Female Male (circle one)

4a. Complete residence address:

Telephone number:

4b. Complete office address:

Telephone number:

4c. Address to which all correspondence should be sent: Residence Office

4d. E-mail address:

5. Short title of proposed research:

5b. Does your research involve the use of live animals:

Yes

No

6. Please indicate the name and museum or research unit of the proposed Smithsonian staff member(s) with whom you wish to work. If applicable, please list additional members of the Smithsonian research staff with whom you wish to consult as indicated in your proposal:

Principal Advisor: Museum/Unit

Co-Advisor: Museum/Unit

(if applicable)

Consultant(s): Museum/Unit

7. Tenure which you propose for your work at the Smithsonian:

Total tenure length:

Dates (month/day/year): 

from: 

to:

8. Amount of research allowance requested, from your proposal's budget (if applicable): $

COVER SHEET 1 of 2

Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Application

9a. Current affiliation: (institution, university, or employer) (your title)

9b. All degrees held, universities, and dates of conferment (month, year):

(degree) (university) (date of conferment)

(degree) (university) (date of conferment)

(degree) (university) (date of conferment)

9c. Degree expected, university, and anticipated date of conferment (month, year):

(degree) (university) (date of anticipated conferment)

9d. Name of dissertation/thesis advisor (if applicable):

9e. Dissertation/thesis title or short description (if applicable):

10. Names and addresses of two persons whose letters of reference you are enclosing:

11. Universities from which you are enclosing transcripts. (Senior Fellowship applicants need not provide transcripts.)

12. Please indicate how you first learned about the Smithsonian Fellowship Program:

13. This fellowship would require you to relocate:

from (nearest major city):

to (Smithsonian facility):

14. For non-U.S. citizens:

Citizenship

Country of Permanent Residence

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Type of Visa if currently in the U.S.

Length of Time on Current Visa

I am applying for a Smithsonian Institution Fellowship as described in the 2008 information for applicants.

Signature and Date

COVER SHEET 2 of 2

Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Application

Smithsonian Institution

Office of Research Training and Services

September 2007

To Referees of Smithsonian Fellowship Applicants:

The Smithsonian Institution offers fellowships to provide opportunities for graduate students and scholars to conduct research at the Institution, in association with members of its research staff. You are being asked by an applicant for a Smithsonian Fellowship to serve as a referee and to evaluate the enclosed proposal.

Please provide an evaluation of the proposal, considering the scholarly merit of the proposed research and the likelihood of the applicant conducting it successfully at the Smithsonian. We also solicit your comments regarding the applicant's ability and his or her potential contribution to the field. In addition, we ask that you disclose any perceived conflict of interest in providing a reference for this applicant.

All reference letters will be considered confidential and the contents will not be revealed to the applicant unless confidentiality has been specifically waived by the referee. Please send your letter to the applicant in a sealed envelope signed over the flap. All reference letters should be enclosed by the applicant with the completed application form and proposal. Therefore, please send your letter in sufficient time for the applicant to meet the deadline date of January 15, 2008.

The application, consisting of the proposal, academic records, and two supporting letters, will be reviewed by members of the Smithsonian's research staff. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the proposal's merit, the ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed research and study, and the extent to which the Smithsonian, through its staff members and resources, can contribute to the proposed research.

Your careful assessment of this application will help us to maintain high standards in our fellowship programs. We appreciate your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Catherine F. Harris
Director

Office of Research Training and Services
Smithsonian Institution
MRC 902 PO Box 37012
470 L'Enfant Plaza Suite 7102
Washington, DC 20013-7012

WWW: www.si.edu/research+study
Phone: 202/ 275-0655
Fax: 202/ 275-0489
E-mail: siofg@si.edu