2010 POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN CONSERVATION RESEARCH – THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
2010 Post-doctoral Fellowship in Conservation Research – The Society for Conservation Biology for doctoral students
Scholarship Introduction:
The Society for Conservation Biology is pleased to solicit applications for the David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program. These Fellowships enable outstanding early-career scientists based at a United States institution to improve and expand their research skills while directing their efforts towards problems of pressing conservation concern for the United States. The Program especially encourages individuals who want to better link conservation science and theory with pressing policy and management applications to apply. We envision that the cadre of scientists supported by the Smith Fellows Program eventually will assume leadership positions across the field of conservation science. Fellows are selected on the basis of innovation, potential for leadership and strength of proposal.
Eligibility for Scholarship:
Eligible individuals must have completed their doctorate within the past five years or by the time the award is made in 2010. Applicants who have not yet completed their doctorate must clearly indicate on the application the date the degree is expected.
Each Fellow will receive an annual salary of $50,000 plus benefits, with the post-doctoral position expected to run for two consecutive years. In addition to the stipend, each Fellow receives a travel budget of over $8,000 and a research fund of more than $33,000 across the 2-year fellowship period.
Fellows will spend up to four weeks per year during their fellowship attending orientation and training events. These offerings provide opportunities to cultivate professional networks and to gain better understanding of applied research needs. Fellows will participate as a group in three or more Program-sponsored meetings, conferences, or professional development events each year. Each Fellow also will consult with their mentor(s) to identify and secure additional opportunities to learn about problems and issues in applied conservation. Beyond these obligations, Fellows are expected to pursue the research outlined in their proposal full-time.
How to apply:
• Cover letter: Applicants should provide a compelling narrative of her/his interest in conservation, evidence of leadership and innovation, and how the fellowship could facilitate a unique and interdisciplinary plan for professional development. Applicants should not use cover letters to restate or extend material presented in the proposal, personal statement, and vita. Thoughtful, well-crafted cover letters improve the likelihood that competitive proposals will be identified during the initial stages of proposal evaluation.
• Title Page: Include applicant’s name, contact information, project title, academic sponsor and research institution, reference names and institutions, and conservation practitioner sponsor (if known).
• Research Plan: The 8-page research plan should include the following:
a. abstract,
b. background section,
c. statement of objectives,
d. approaches and methods,
e. anticipated results,
f. research schedule,
g. relevance to conservation science and practice
h. Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae.
Application form for Scholarship:
http://www.conbio.org/smithfellows/apply/#app
Important Dates:
All applications materials must be received by September 18, 2009. Interviews will be conducted in January 2010. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified of the status of their application by January 31, 2010. Funds are available for Fellows to start anytime between March and September 2010.
Source:
http://www.conbio.org/smithfellows/apply/
