Evaluation & Selection

September 1, 2023     Application Opens 

November 15, 2023    Application Closes

December 1, 2023    Mentor Letter Due

December 16, 2023    Department Head Letter Due 

Letter Instructions

Applicants are encouraged to address these points in their Education Background Statement

  • Applicants with the potential to bring to their academic research the critical perspective that comes from their understanding of the experiences of historically underrepresented groups in U.S. higher education or underserved by academic research generally.
  • Applicants in science, technology, engineering and math fields who can articulate how their research has the potential to serve the needs of groups that have been historically underserved by academic research.
  • Applicants who, in addition to their primary field of interest in math, science, engineering and technology fields, have the potential to make research contributions to understanding the barriers facing members of groups who have been historically underrepresented in these fields in U.S. higher education.  For example, studying patterns of participation and advancement of women, racial minorities and other domestic groups in academic fields in the United States where they are underrepresented; and evaluating research programs, curricula and teaching strategies designed to enhance participation of students from groups underserved by U.S. higher education.
  • Applicants in any field who have research interests focusing on underserved populations and understanding issues of racial or gender inequalities. For example, research that addresses issues such as race, gender, diversity and inclusion.
  • Research that addresses topics such as health disparities, educational access and achievement, disabilities, political engagement, economic justice, social mobility, civil and human rights and other questions of interest to historically underrepresented groups.
  • Artistic expression and cultural production that reflects culturally diverse communities or voices not well represented in the arts and humanities.

Applicants are encouraged to address these points in their Education Background Statement

The President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program seeks applicants who have the potential to contribute to higher education through their understanding of the barriers facing women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other members of groups underrepresented in higher education careers, as evidenced by unique life experiences and educational backgrounds. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Attendance at a minority serving institution, such as a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). 
  • Demonstrated ability to articulate the barriers facing women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other members of groups underrepresented in higher education.
  • Participation in higher education pipeline programs such as Puente, MESA, Summer Research Opportunity Programs or McNair Scholars.
  • Applicants with a record of academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities and other groups in fields where they are underrepresented.
  • Applicants who have demonstrated significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers such as economic, social or educational disadvantage.
  • Applicants with a record of leadership or significant experience performing public service to address the needs of our increasingly diverse society.

Candidates should identify a potential mentor and contact this mentor prior to applying to the program to ensure a match between the research interests and goals of the applicant and the potential mentor.

Candidates are evaluated by a panel of faculty reviewers in their own fields and in related fields. Faculty reviewers will evaluate candidates according to their academic accomplishments, the strength of their research proposal, and their potential for faculty careers that will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity through their teaching, research, and service.

Faculty reviewers may also consider the mentor's potential to work productively with the candidate and their commitment to equity and diversity in higher education. Faculty reviewers will submit their recommendations to the Executive Office of the President, where the final selections will be determined.

Faculty review committees may give additional consideration to applicants who:

  • Do not currently hold tenure track faculty appointments and who have not received faculty offers
  • Have not had significant postdoctoral experience typical of competitive tenure track candidates in their field (the average length of time spent in postdoctoral positions varies widely by discipline)
  • Do not currently hold postdoctoral appointments with their proposed mentor

Applicants who do not meet the above criteria should address their unique circumstances in their application. 

Applicants must hold or receive a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their discipline (JD, MD, MFA, DVM, EdD, etc.) from an accredited university.

Successful applicants must present documents demonstrating that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor employment visas for this fellowship. Please note that in compliance with federal law, all persons selected will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification upon hire. 

Information regarding citizenship, gender, race, and ethnicity is requested for statistical purposes only and will not be provided to the Faculty Review Committee.