NOTICE:  The LSRF website is closed for applications.  We will open for submissions on September 10, 2009. The application deadline is October 1, 2009.

DEADLINE FOR SUPERVISOR AND REFERENCE LETTERS: NOVEMBER 1

The application will consist of the items listed below – all of which will be uploaded online as either Microsoft Word or PDF files. LSRF recommends that you use Explorer or Netscape browsers for uploading. Reference letters will also be submitted online. Email messages will be sent to your supervisor and references by LSRF instructing them how to attach files to your application.  LSRF DOES NOT ACCEPT REFERENCE LETTERS ON PAPER.

You may begin your application even if your references have not yet written their recommendations, but applicants will not be able to upload any additional material after the deadline of October 1 so be sure all requirements of your application are complete (except for reference and supervisor’s letters) by the deadline.  This means you cannot list a recommender’s name after October 1.

ABSTRACT of the proposal in 200 words or less. Use 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Arial as the minimum font size for the text.  You will cut and paste your Word text and upload it into the required text box.

CURRICULUM VITAE of the applicant in pdf form (3-page maximum).

RESEARCH PROPOSAL has a size limitation equal to 5 single-spaced pages with one-half inch (0.5) margins on all four sides of the paper (this page limit includes figures and references). Use 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Arial as the minimum font size for the text of the proposal.  You may use 10-point Times New Roman or 9-point Arial font type for the figure legends, tables and reference list.  Upload this file in pdf format.  The style/presentation of the proposal is determined by the applicant, not LSRF.  Be concise.  Experts in the field review proposals; extensive background information is not necessary.  

LETTER FROM SUPERVISOR acknowledging acceptance of the applicant and the willingness of the institution to administer the award. The letter should indicate the role expected of the candidate in the broad framework of the supervisor’s research, noting the size of the research group and the degree of independence the candidate will have. The supervisor will upload his/her letter online as simple text. Scanned letters with signatures in pdf form are not required and cannot be uploaded in that form.

Note to applicants who have joint supervisors: List only one name in supervisor slot.  LSRF can accept only one supervisor’s letter.  If you wish to inform LSRF of joint supervisors, have them both state their role in a single letter and then they can both list their names at the end of the letter.

THREE LETTERS OF REFERENCE from associates who can critically appraise the applicant’s qualifications. One letter should be from the applicant’s thesis advisor. (You may still apply if you do not submit your thesis advisor’s letter, but your file will not be as strong.) Reference letters will be uploaded online as simple text by the referee.  Scanned letters with signatures in pdf form are not required and cannot be uploaded in that form.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION, SUGGESTIONS AND TIPS

Please be sure to read the following before you begin your application.  Most of your questions will be answered.

Make sure all email addresses listed (yours, your supervisor, your references) are correct and current.  Proofread all typing after inserting these into the application.  If the email address is not correct your supervisor and references will not receive the email from LSRF giving them instructions for uploading their letters.  AN INCORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS IS THE NUMBER ONE MISTAKE THAT APPLICANTS MAKE.

Explorer or Netscape browsers work best for uploading your files.  If you get an error message upon uploading it’s usually because 1) you’re using an incorrect browser, or 2) your file is too large.

Do not type any institutional names beginning with the word “The.”  Example: The Ohio State University should be typed as Ohio State University.

If your supervisor is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator list HHMI after his/her name.  Example: Supervisor name:  Albert Einstein HHMI

Supervisor and all referee’s names must be listed by the applicant before the deadline. (These names and addresses cannot be listed after October 1.)

List all recommender’s names and email addresses; do not list his/her assistant’s email address.  LSRF must have all the recommender’s information on file.

The first reference you list on Page 2 of the instructions is your postdoc supervisor, not your graduate student advisor.

U.S. citizens are eligible to work in any geographic location while holding an LSRF fellowship.  Non-U.S. citizens must work in a U.S. laboratory to be eligible for an LSRF fellowship.

Individuals who have held a PhD or MD degree for more than 5 years at the time of application are not eligible for an LSRF fellowship.

LSRF does not require letters from your institution’s grants office at the time of application. The only requirement is that you list his/her name, phone and email address.  If and when an applicant is chosen for a fellowship, both you and the institution will be contacted.

LSRF does not require a budget at the time of application. 

LSRF does not require college transcripts, animal certification documents or any type of visa documents at the time of application.

LSRF does not require signatures.

Effective June 2009, the fellowship award is $57,000 per year and is meant to be a minigrant. LSRF keeps $1,000 for administrative expenses and passes the rest to the fellow. The salary scale begins at $43,000 for first-year postdoctoral, $45,000 for a second year, and $47,000 thereafter. The remainder may be used for fringe benefits (up to $2,000/year), travel to the host institution, attendance at the LSRF annual meeting and other scientific meetings. The main purpose, however, is to support the fellow's research expenses. LSRF does not award an institutional allowance for overhead.

LSRF must be notified if you accept another fellowship at any time during the application and review process (October 1 through June 1).  An email to the Princeton office will suffice.

LSRF cannot supply you with a sample proposal.

LSRF receives more than 800 applications per year and awards 16-18 fellowships per year.

Questions and inquiries pertaining to the submission of applications should be sent to:

Susan DiRenzo, Assistant Director

Email : sdirenzo@princeton.edu

______________________________________________________________________