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FIRST Application

Application Deadline: Monday, February 1, 2021

If accepted into the program, the start date for all fellowship recipients is September 1, 2021.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for this program, postdoctoral fellows must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Be near graduation or have received a Ph.D. degree or equivalent
  • Have completed no more than 2 years prior postdoctoral training in a research laboratory
  • Have commitment from research mentor to support your salary for year one
  • Show scientific potential. This will be judged from academic record in graduate school, the recommendation of your thesis advisor and other thesis committee members, as well as your  ability to explain your research during the interview and brief summary
  • Show teaching ability. This will be judged by the clarity of your presentation, enthusiasm for teaching and for this program, as well as the ability to make known your views during the interview

 

Identify Research Mentor

  • Prior to submitting your online application, you must identify a research mentor that you have discussed possible research opportunities with via phone or video conference and the research mentor has agreed to fund the initial year of your fellowship.  The FIRST program will fund years two through four.  Failure to identify a potential research mentor prior to your application submission may result in your application not being reviewed.
  • Select a mentor from the Research Mentor List. If you identify a research mentor not on this list, your prospective mentor is required to submit a Research Mentor Application and be approved by the FIRST Leadership before you can be accepted into the program.

 

Complete the Online Application

Application components:

1.  Complete the online application

2.  Upload the following documents:

  • Curriculum Vita
  • A Letter from you addressed to the program director, Dr. Lou Ann Brown, that includes:
    • Why you are interested in FIRST
    • Your research experience
    • Your interest in teaching
    • Your career plans after fellowship training
  • Photograph of yourself
  • Two letters of reference (under most circumstances one letter should be from your thesis advisor)*
  • A Letter from your proposed research mentor endorsing your application to the FIRST program and indicating their commitment to fund year one of the fellowship*
  • An NIH style Biosketch from your proposed research mentor illustrating commitment to mentoring and training

* Letters from referees can be uploaded to your application, or referees can submit letters in confidence directly to the FIRST Program.

 

 

FIRST Application Form

Interview

  • Based on the initial review of your application, candidates are selected for an in-person interview with various members of FIRST Leadership, FIRST Executive Committee, and current FIRST Fellows.
  • Additionally, if you have not met with your proposed research mentor, interviews times will be set for applicants to meet with prospective mentors and lab members, and other appropriate faculty.
  • Interviews are 1-2 days and are generally scheduled between February and March each year. Successful candidates will be notified in mid-February if they have been selected for an interview.

 

Questions?  Contact Angela Shennette, Sr Program Coordinator, FIRST Program.

 Emory University does not discriminate in admissions or access to its programs and activities on the basis of race/color, ethnicity, national origin, religion/creed, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.