Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply?
Are you a woman or non-binary postdoc in the biomedical sciences and considering an academic career? Do you have work from your postdoc (published or unpublished) that you are ready to present? Are you planning to go on the job market in the fall of 2024 or later? Then, yes!
Postdocs who are already on the job market (have submitted or will submit more than 3 faculty applications by May 2024) are not eligible.
Questions about eligibility? Email [email protected].
What does being a Leading Edge Fellow entail?
Leading Edge Fellows join a community of postdocs and assistant professors in the biomedical sciences.
Throughout the year, the Leading Edge community communicates through a dedicated Slack, as well as monthly Zoom meet-ups.
Career development panels occur throughout the year by Zoom.
In the month preceding the symposium, the new cohort of Leading Edge Fellows give practice talks and receive feedback from other Fellows on their symposium.
The symposium occurs in June at Janelia. All costs of travel/attendance are covered for the Fellows. The Fellows will present their work and attend panels and other activities. Talks will be live-streamed for previous Fellow cohorts and recordings posted on YouTube.
Questions about eligibility? Email [email protected].
I have a title other than "postdoc". Am I still eligible?
In general if you are in a post-PhD, non-PI position you are eligible to apply. We expect that applicants will have a variety of titles including postdoc, research associate, and in some cases research assistant professor. For the 2024 cohort, postdocs who are already on the job market (have submitted or will submit more than 3 faculty applications by May 2024) are not eligible.
Questions about eligibility? Email [email protected].
I am interested in careers at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) and Small Liberal Arts Colleges (SLACs). Should I apply?
Some Leading Edge Fellows have gone on to positions at PUIs and we are very proud of them! But, Leading Edge programming is focused on people applying for research-intensive (R1) institutions.
Questions about eligibility? Email [email protected].
How do I apply to be a Fellow?
The application for the 2024 Fellow cohort is now closed. Applications for the 2025 cohort will open in the fall.
The application consists of a CV, abstract of the work to be presented, and 2 letters of recommendation.
I'm already a faculty member. What should I do?
Please email fantastic postdocs you know - those at your institution, and those you have met at conferences - and encourage them to apply. Everyone could use a push!
If you are hiring new faculty at your institution, consider reaching out to our Fellows and other postdocs in the Leading Edge Associate Directory.
I'm not planning to go on the job market in Fall 2024, should I wait to apply next year?
No! We encourage applications from postdocs at all stages - we hope that the exposure, career development and connections that arise from the symposium will have an impact on your career far beyond the immediate future. We do, however, request that you present work from your postdoc (not your graduate work).
I am doing my postdoc outside the United States. Can I still apply?
We welcome postdocs from all institutions. However, the career development sessions will be geared towards faculty positions at research-intensive (R1) institutions in the United States.
Are there any citizenship requirements?
No.
More questions?
Please contact us at [email protected]