RCSA Fellows

Be an RCSA Fellow

RCSA Fellows will access professional development programming and support through the cohort community, and receive a supportive, multi-year experience including preparation for a job search, including a mock interview experience; guidance throughout the job search process; and transition to a tenure-track faculty position with support to take on the many faculty responsibilities in addition to research. RCSA will provide funds to travel to the mock interview site; travel support to cover the costs of attending the annual cohort meeting; funds to support dependent care expenses during the mock interview and annual meeting; and additional professional development programming and one-on-one support.

It is expected that Fellows will access, engage, and fully participate in the programming and resources that RCSA will provide. The Fellows’ time commitment will be carefully considered so as not to impede their productivity and success in their current postdoctoral activities.

Eligibility

RCSA Fellow nominees are postdoctoral scholars with a Ph. D. in chemistry, physics, astronomy, or allied field, who do not hold a tenure-track faculty position. 

Application

The application process includes two steps with two different deadlines.

1. The RCSA Fellows Nomination form is prepared by a Cottrell Scholar, Holland Awardee, Scialog Fellow or Scialog Facilitator from the physical sciences, or Fellows Advisory Committee Member. The form consists of:

  • contact information for the nominee; and
  • a confidential nomination letter

2. Nominees who conform to RCSA Fellows guidelines will be notified by October 3, 2024, and invited to submit an RCSA Fellows Initiative application form consisting of four documents:

  • a cover letter regarding a career objective as an academic scientist, which may also address the background or lived experiences of the nominee that have shaped the nominee’s perspectives, academic and professional experiences, and career goals;
  • a full-length curriculum vitae; and
  • a 2-page research proposal and a 2-page statement of teaching plans that foreshadow the candidate’s faculty job application materials.

All nomination and application materials must be received through RCSA’s PRISM portal.

Deadlines

  • Nomination materials from the nominator are due by 11:59 pm Pacific time September 23, 2024.
  • Application materials from the nominee are due by 11:59 pm Pacific time November 4, 2024.

Selection Criteria

Review of application packages will consider the quality and significance of the nominee’s scientific achievements, proposed research, and teaching plans that foster an inclusive teaching and learning environment and aspire to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access goals in the physical sciences as a future faculty member.

RCSA Fellows will be announced by March 1, 2025, and will convene for a conference June 3-4, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona.