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Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship in Life Sciences for the benefit of Black Future

Categories: Post-Doc/Fellowship

Date: 6/11/2021

The School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) invites applications for up to 3 postdoctoral research scholar positions in the life sciences, who seek to advance the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and have experience working with and within groups historically underrepresented in higher education in the United States.

The School of Life Sciences, part of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, invites applications for Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow positions (3), with an anticipated start in the 2021-2022 academic year. Fellows will conduct research in an area of the life sciences, and will bring life experiences and expertise that promote diverse representation in the life sciences, and/or bring research programs that address biological questions relevant to issues of disparity faced by Black communities and by communities of Color more broadly. Fellows will conduct independent and productive research programs in collaboration with a faculty mentor in the School of Life Sciences, including production of relevant scholarly products and mentoring of students in research. Fellows are also expected to engage with other Fellows in building a peer mentoring community and forwarding the ASU Charter mission of increasing inclusion and diversity. We seek applicants and nominations from those who have experience teaching, mentoring, and developing research in ways that effectively address individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Postdoctoral Fellows are full-time, academic year positions with the possibility of conversion to tenure-track faculty positions. Salary is based upon qualifications. Individuals employed as Postdoctoral Fellows may not hold multiple, non-benefits eligible appointments at Arizona State University.

The postdoctoral scholars selected will join a cohort of 10-15 other postdoctoral scholars at ASU as part of the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The goal of the program is to support the career development of outstanding Ph.D. recipients with great potential for advancing the ASU Charter into a future tenure track appointment at ASU. The program seeks applicants whose professional preparedness, experience, and accomplishments are informed by experiences working with and within groups historically underrepresented in higher education in the United States. Where pools of qualified applicants are strong, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate, through prior actions and achievements, intentional and actioned commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Examples of such contributions are research or creative activity focused on empowering underserved populations; teaching, mentorship, and service that increases equitable access; and inclusion in fields where historically excluded populations are underrepresented.

The School of Life Sciences is committed to developing a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for faculty and students. The school will provide individualized mentorship and career development to ensure each candidate is well prepared to succeed in a future tenure track appointment. Career development and community building will also occur through programmatic support at the ASU Graduate College’s Postdoctoral Affairs Office.

About Arizona State University
ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

Qualifications and Characteristics

Minimum qualifications

A PhD or equivalent advanced degree in the biological sciences, in a related field in the natural sciences, or at the intersections of biology and society, with degree expected by time of appointment
Demonstration of the ability to conduct research in the candidate’s area of expertise
Evidence of strong communication skills, and the ability to disseminate scholarly findings in peer reviewed publications
A background that contributes to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the life sciences

Desired qualifications

Experiences, and/or expertise in research, teaching, mentoring, and/or service, that address disparities faced by Black communities, as well as by communities of Color
Experiences, and/or expertise that demonstrate the ability to community build, and to support graduate and undergraduate students systemically underserved in the life sciences
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in research
Demonstrated potential for leadership in scholarly activities, professional activities, communication, and outreach

This position is located at the Arizona State University at the Tempe campus. All postdoctoral fellowship positions are for one year. Options for an additional one or two years of funding or a transition to a tenure track position may be offered, depending on each fellow’s progress and training needs. Faculty tenure track appointments will require a process of review within the designated tenure home unit.

Applications and Inquiries
Applications can be submitted online here. Application materials should include a curriculum vitae; a letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications noted above; a statement addressing how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion will advance ASU’s Charter; and contact information for 3 references including email addresses.

Application deadline is June 11, 2021. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

Inquiries can be directed to the search committee chairs, Jennifer Fewell (j.fewell@asu.edu) and Sharon Hall (sharonjhall@asu.edu) A background check is required for employment.