FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where and when will the next Symposium be held?

The next Symposium will be online and is planned for October 4-6, 2023.

Register Now: https://bit.ly/ISFS2023-Registration

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2. Who can attend the Symposium?

Registration is free and open to all. We encourage participation from faculty, postdocs, graduate students and undergraduates (regardless of institutional affiliation) to provide a broad platform for selected Fellows and speakers.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

All mid-to-late stage postdocs (or equivalent non-tenure track title), ready or almost ready for the U.S. academic job market in any U.S.-based lab, are eligible. The program works best for scientists who will be applying to assistant professor positions the Fall of the Symposium or the following year.

4. Who is encouraged to apply?

Postdocs ready or almost ready for the U.S. academic job market, whose published (peer-reviewed) or near-published (e.g., preprint) work is in the biological sciences, who have contributed significant advances in scientific discovery, and/or are from historically under-represented and/or disadvantaged backgrounds in biological sciences are encouraged to apply. All Fellows selected will be offered an honorarium.

5. I am not yet on the job market for faculty positions, should I wait until next year to apply?

Not at all! Mid-stage postdocs also welcome - apply now!

6. I only have a pre-print, should I apply?

Yes! If you have contributed significant advances to your field of study, are from a historically under-represented background in the biological sciences, and are interested in pursuing a career in academic research as faculty, we encourage you to apply.

7. I am a postdoc outside the U.S. Can I still apply?

We welcome applications from postdocs currently in U.S labs. If your circumstances are unusual (2-country postdoc), please write to us at info@intersectionssciencefellows.com to confirm eligibility to apply.

8. Are there any citizenship requirements?

There are no citizenship requirements. Citizens of any country are welcome to apply.

9. When are applications due?

The deadline for applications is listed in the “For Applicants” tab.

10. What should I include in my Research Statement?

Research statements should showcase your development as a scientist as well as your scientific trajectory as an independent scientist, up to 1 (one) page.

One can refer to the following hyperlinked resources on writing a Research statement: 

• Video of “What is a research statement” - Drs. Dirk Remus and Iestyn Whitehouse from The Sloan Kettering Institute

• Drafting a Successful Research Statement Guide written by ISFS 2020 Post-Symposium committee 

• Example of Research statement from 2020 cohort Fellow Jonathan Lynch:

• Samples from UCSF:

11. What should I include in my Diversity Statement?

Diversity statements should include (a) Knowledge about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and its importance in the Sciences, (b) Plans for Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, up to 1 (one) page. It can span a range of lived experiences, including marginalized backgrounds, and/or demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in academia.

Please refer to the following resources as examples for diversity statements:

• Link 1: https://diversity.ucsf.edu/sites/diversity.ucsf.edu/files/Contributions_to_Diversity_Statement_Examples.pdf

• Link 2: https://physicalsciences.ucsd.edu/_files/examples-submitted-diversity-statements.pdf

12. When will Fellows be announced?

The timeline for Fellowship announcement is posted on the “For Applicants” tab.

13. Will the talks be live or pre-recorded?

The talks will be live to maximize engagement with our Fellows.

14. I only wish to attend the symposium and not participate as a fellow, can I still participate in the workshops?

The workshops will be available only to Fellows and Organizers.

15. I’m not a postdoc, can I still apply?

Some applicants may have titles including postdoc, research associate, and in some cases associate research scientist or research assistant professor. You are welcome to apply if you are in a post-PhD, non-PI position and are ready for the academic tenure-track market.

16. I’m already a faculty member. How can I contribute?

If you would like to contribute your time and mentorship to Fellows of future Symposia, refer to our For Faculty page, fill out this survey, and contact us at info@intersectionssciencefellows.com!

17. I’m having trouble accessing the application. What do I do?

Please reach out to us ASAP at info@intersectionssciencefellows.com.

18. My question isn’t listed here! How do I get more information?

Please email us at info@intersectionssciencefellows.com.