Application Instructions
The website will re-open for new applications on September 5, 2013
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: October 1
DEADLINE FOR SUPERVISOR AND REFERENCE LETTERS: November 1
(8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time for both deadlines)
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. THE APPLICANT CANNOT ACCESS HER/HIS FILES FOR EDITING OR ADDING MATERIAL AFTER OCTOBER 1. THIS ALSO MEANS YOU CANNOT ADD/CHANGE THE NAME OF A REFEREE AFTER OCTOBER 1. THE NAME (WITH CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESSES) MUST BE LISTED BY 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. If your abstract does not fit into the text box, you must shorten it.
CURRICULUM VITAE of the applicant in pdf format (3-page maximum). NIH biosketch format is preferred but not required (no Personal Statement necessary). Note: pdf files upload best using Explorer or Safari browsers. If you have a problem uploading the file, try switching the browser.
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. 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. If you have a problem uploading the file, try switching the browser. 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. THE FIVE-PAGE MAXIMUM INCLUDES FIGURES, TABLES AND REFERENCE LIST.
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. Supervisor’s letter will be uploaded online as simple text. Scanned letters with signatures in pdf form are not required and cannot be uploaded in that form. THE SUPERVISOR MAY NOT SERVE AS ONE OF THE THREE REFERENCES.
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 (if applicable – this does not apply to M.D. applicants). 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. Scanned letters with signatures in pdf form are not required and cannot be uploaded in that form. ALL SUPERVISORS AND REFERENCES WILL BE SENT AN EMAIL FROM LSRF WITH A LINK FOR SUBMITTING THEIR LETTERS ONLINE AND INFORMING THEM THAT THE DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 1. THIS EMAIL IS SENT TO THEM AT THE TIME YOU LIST THEM IN YOUR APPLICATION.
Note: All applications must have a total of 4 letters of support (1 supervisor and 3 references). If you fail to list a total of 4, your application will not be eligible for review.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION, SUGGESTIONS AND TIPS
Please be sure to read the following before you begin your application.
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.
Internet Explorer and Safari browsers work best for uploading your files. If you have a problem uploading a file, try switching to a different web browser.
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. We require only the name and email address of a financial officer at your institution. If and when an applicant is chosen for a fellowship, both you and the institution will be contacted.
LSRF does not require a budget.
LSRF does not require college transcripts, animal certification documents or any type of visa documents at the time of application.
You may login at any time to see the status of your application. This allows you to check on the status of your reference letters.
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 receives more than 900 applications per year and awards anywhere from 12 - 20 fellowships per year. The number of fellowships awarded depends entirely on our fundraising efforts that year. The LSRF does not have an endowment.
You can review or modify your application at any time up to the deadline date mentioned above.
Questions and inquiries pertaining to the submission of applications should be sent to:
Susan DiRenzo, Assistant Director
Email : sdirenzo@princeton.edu
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