NOAA C&GC Fellowships: How to Apply

Application deadline: 15 January 2009

There is no application form. Please send the information specified below.

Applications must be submitted in electronic form and preferably in portable document format (pdf), via e-mail attachments sent to vspapply@ucar.edu. Reference letters should also be sent electronically, but we will accept hard copies or faxes. (see references page)

Candidates may wish to refer to the database of host institutions.

Please send the following materials to the UCAR / Visiting Scientist Programs:

• A cover letter stating the name of this program.
• Curriculum vitae with a list of publications.
• Names and addresses of at least four professional references. Applicants are responsible for contacting referees to have letters sent to UCAR/VSP by the application deadline. One letter must be from thesis advisor, but not from a potential host, and letters from more than one institution are encouraged. Referees should be directed to the online reference requirements.
• PhD dissertation abstract, including title of dissertation.
• Proposed project description. Description must be titled, not to exceed five pages including figures and appendices, (minimum 12 pt. type size). Proposals must be specific and describe an actual research project. Applicants are encouraged to seek help from mentors in writing the project description.
• Statement of relevance to the NOAA Climate and Global Change Program as defined above (one-page limit).

Tips for Applying

• Clearly state the desired host(s) and host institution(s) in the cover letter of the application.
• Statement of Relevance should be a separate statement apart from your proposal.
• Reference letters from multiple institutions are preferred.
• More than four letters of reference is helpful to the review committee.
• Encourage referees to address placement in class and provide specific comments on level of scholar.
• Encourage referees to comment on candidates proposal for this program.
• When seeking an appropriate host scientist to work with, talk with them about ability to provide a reasonable office environment (office, workstation, basic clerical support when needed, telephone and fax support.) These costs are to be borne by the hosting institution.
• Mentoring is an explicit responsibility of the host scientist. A potential host must agree to encourage the development of scientific independence by making themselves available to talk with the post doc on a regular basis and by providing opportunities for the post doc to move toward leadership roles.