BRAIN Post Doc Fellowship: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are current UVA post docs eligible to apply?
A:
No - internal, currently UVA-employed post docs were initially eligible to apply in 2023 if they were no more than 2 years into their post doc here at UVA and no more than 3.5 years from their PhD (based on K99 eligibility restrictions). Subsequent cycles are restricted to external post doc recruits.
Q: What are the expectations of BRAIN post doctoral fellows, if selected?
A:
Selected post docs are required to participate in professional development workshops, meet regularly with a mentorship committee, and write F32s, K99s, or similar grants.
Q: Are BRAIN post docs required to pursue a specific career path?
A:
The BRAIN post doctoral fellowship is designed to support UVA post docs in neuroscience who are committee to pursuing a career in academia. While we recognize the value of all scientific careers, the goal of this program is to encourage and promote the future of excellent neuroscience faculty at this institution and others.
Q: What are the expectations of the BRAIN post doctoral mentors?
A:
Mentors of selected post docs must be committed to the training and development of the selected post doc and agree to continue to pay the post doc at the elevated rate after the BRAIN fellowship expires (2 years).
Q: Are there any restrictions on how the $5,000 research and professional development funds may be used?
A:
The research and professional development funds may be used to purchase research supplies (including laptops or other technology used for research projects), cover travel and conference expenses, enroll in professional development or continuing education courses, etc. Expenses must be approved by the faculty mentor.
Q: How do I apply to be a BRAIN post doctoral fellow?
A:
Applications should be submitted through our online form. The application is comprised of 4 required components prepared by the post doctoral applicant and their mentor:
1) Applicant biosketch
2) Mentor biosketch - must include trainee record and UVA neuroscience research community engagement record (e.g. NGP directorship, serving on review committee)
3) Mentoring Statement - the mentoring plan should be written by the mentor specific to the applicant, similar to what would be submitted for an NIH F or K award
4) K99 Plan - must include specific aims (1 page) and proposed timeline for submission of a K99 or other proposed grants (up to 1 additional page)
Q: How will applications be reviewed and post doctoral fellows selected?
A:
Applications will be reviewed by a small, multidisciplinary committee on a rolling basis. Candidates who pass the initial committee review will be asked to interview with Brain Institute leadership and/or members of the review committee during the recruitment process (or as a part of the application process for current post docs). For selected post docs, the Brain Institute will work with the designated department to coordinate offer letters and financial set up.
Q: How does the recruitment process work for new post docs who are external to UVA?
A:
UVA PIs who are interested in recruiting a new post doc for their lab should follow the normal departmental process for posting a position for hire and interviewing candidates. The post doc recruit and mentor can apply to the BRAIN fellowship during the recruitment process and, if selected, the Brain Institute will coordinate to provide language for the offer letter and access to the additional funds after hire.