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The NSF-Simons Center for Quantitative Biology at Northwestern University is a place where mathematical scientists and developmental biologists intensely work together on a broad range of questions arising from investigations into the biology of animal development. The NSF-Simons Fellows Program, is an independent postdoctoral fellowship, which attracts early-career scientists with diverse backgrounds and exceptional promise, is designed to enhance interaction and collaboration among participants in order to stimulate creative thinking and interdisciplinary science.

NSF-Simons Fellows are people who will eventually be leaders in the interdisciplinary field combining mathematics and quantitative biology. Fellows are drawn from the ranks of recent Ph.D. graduates and conduct their independent research under the mentorship of the Center. The Center provides an exceptional and unique interdisciplinary environment and provides research funds for the appointment.

The scientific goals of the Center require new approaches to studying the growth and development of living organisms. To promote innovation and creativity, the Center uses the support from the Simons Foundation and the NSF to provide generous salary and research support for early-career scientists at the beginning of their independent research careers. The intent of this program is to release these scientists from the requirement to raise their own grant support, and to encourage risk-taking in their research.

Description of Appointment

Appointments are for a non-renewable three-year term. Fellows are expected to conduct independent research under the mentorship of the Center.  One position is currently available.

Appointment includes:

• Highly competitive salary with fringe benefits
• Research budget
• Travel funds
• Office shared with another NSF-Simons Fellow
• Access to Center research laboratories

As of August 2022, this program is on hold till further notice.

Eligibility

We are looking to recruit diverse young mathematical scientists who are interested in sustained collaborations with experimentalists focusing on challenging problems in developmental biology. Applicants should have completed a PhD degree (or its equivalent), preferably in pure or applied mathematics, physics, or engineering. The degree must have been completed within the last 18 months or within 36 months of the start of the appointment. Prior interdisciplinary experience is not required. Applications from women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged.

Expectations

Fellows are expected to conduct independent research under the mentorship of the Center. Fellows participate in the vibrant intellectual life of the Center, including seminars, workshops, research meetings, and journal clubs. Fellows are encouraged to communicate their expertise and knowledge with Center members in these forums. In addition, Fellows also play a role in the teaching mission of the Center, working with Center investigators to develop undergraduate or graduate courses in quantitative biology.

Application

To submit your application, send it as an email attachment to NSF-Simons-QBio@northwestern.edu . Please write in the Subject line: NSF-Simons Fellow Application

Materials required for submission:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Summary of previous research accomplishments (2-page limit)
• Statement of Purpose to pursue a career at the interface of mathematics and biology (1-page limit)
• Research Proposal (2-page limit, 1 additional page for citations)
• Names and contact information of three references to provide letters of recommendation.
• Copies of two publications in which you are an author, co-author or contributor

All materials must be submitted as one file in PDF format with your last_first name as the filename. Formatting of all documents should be in 11-point font, single spaced, with 0.5-inch margins. Embedded figures are acceptable.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of Recommendation should be emailed directly from your recommender to NSF-Simons-QBio@northwestern.edu

For further questions about the NSF-Simons Fellows search, please contact NSF-Simons-QBio@northwestern.edu