SCGB Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF Program)

Opportunity

The goal of the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB) Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program is to spark and sustain interest in systems and computational neuroscience among undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds underrepresented in neuroscience research. SCGB is launching this program with the recognition that diversity improves scientific innovation and collaboration. SURF provides funds for undergraduate research assistants to work in SCGB-funded laboratories during the academic year under the mentorship of postdoctoral fellows or Ph.D. students to provide personalized guidance to undergraduates.

Timeline and Funding

This request for applications (RFA) is aimed at undergraduate students from underrepresented groups who are interested in gaining laboratory experience. Applicants must live within a reasonable commute of an available lab opportunity. Fellows will receive a commitment of $25 per hour wage for 10 hours per week over 30 weeks, administered through the hosting laboratory. Awards will begin in the fall 2021 academic semester.

In addition to financial support, SCGB will provide program certificates to Fellows, facilitate meetings among Fellows and Mentors, and arrange an end-of-year research symposium for Fellows to share their work.

Application Process

Undergraduates interested in applying to SURF should first review the list of available SCGB lab opportunities. Applicants may select and rank up to three opportunities of interest, and should be able to regularly engage in in-person lab activity when practical according to public health conditions. Applications will be reviewed by SCGB Scientific Staff and a Review Committee including SCGB faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and Ph.D. students; this review will prioritize the undergraduate applications. After review, SCGB will coordinate with labs to match selected candidates with available mentors. Applicants should be available to speak with possible matches between July 5 and July 23. Fellows will be informed of their matches by July 26 and allowed until August 2 to accept or decline. Funds will be administered through the host laboratory’s institution.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be currently enrolled at a degree-granting undergraduate institution (including community colleges).
• Any applicant with the qualities necessary to participate in the program is invited to develop an application for support. Applications are especially encouraged from individuals whose participation furthers the goal to promote diversity in systems and computational neuroscience, in particular among populations underrepresented in the scientific workforce as defined by NIH, including but not limited to racially underrepresented individuals, women, individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. We also encourage applications from the LGBTQ+ community.
• Applicants should be able to regularly engage in in-person lab activity when practical according to public health conditions.
• It is not necessary for applicants to have prior laboratory experience.
• Individual hosting institutions may have additional eligibility requirements; applicants should check that they meet both SCGB’s eligibility criteria above and any additional criteria listed for the lab opportunities selected in their application.

You are strongly encouraged to contact SCGB at scgbsurf@simonsfoundation.org before applying if you are unsure of whether you meet the eligibility criteria above.

Instructions for Submission

The deadline for application submission is Monday, May 31, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

All applications must be completed electronically and submitted using forms provided at proposalCENTRAL. To submit your application, please log in as an applicant, go to the Grant Opportunities tab, scroll to Simons Foundation and click Apply Now for the “Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain Undergraduate Research Fellowship” program. For assistance, please call 800-875-2562 or email pcsupport@altum.com.

All applications must include:

• Resume or curriculum vitae, not to exceed one (1) page
• Transcript (unofficial accepted)
• Personal statement, up to one (1) page. Please explain your interest in applying for the SURF program, including how participating in this program will help you achieve your academic and career goals. Type should be set in 11-point, legible font. All margins should be set at 0.5 inches.
• Signed self-attestation of eligibility (available on pC)
• Optional short letter including a clear description of how their selection will expand the pool of underrepresented individuals within systems and computational neuroscience, in particular among populations underrepresented in the scientific workforce as defined by NIH, including but not limited to racially underrepresented individuals, women, individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. We also encourage applications from the LGBTQ+ community. This letter will not be shared beyond Simons Foundation Staff.
• Letters of recommendation (separate, blind submission). At least one (1) and up to two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Letter-writers should be able to speak to the applicant’s potential to engage in and benefit from the program, and may include academic advisors, counselors, teachers, professors or instructors, including teaching assistants or resident advisors, though this is not an exhaustive list. Confidential letters must be submitted through proposalCENTRAL (see instructions available for download in proposalCENTRAL).
• Selection of at least one (1) and up to three (3) lab opportunities the applicant would be interested in working in if selected. A list of laboratory opportunities to choose from is available at this link.

Applications are reviewed by the SCGB Scientific Staff and the SCGB Review Committee. Reviewers will weigh criteria related to the applicant’s potential to engage in and benefit from working in a scientific laboratory. Prior laboratory experience is not heavily weighted in review.

List of Lab Opportunities

A list of available laboratory opportunities can be found at this link. Applicants may indicate up to three opportunities of interest in their application.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences. The Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain is committed to grantmaking that inspires and supports greater diversity and inclusiveness by cultivating a funding environment that ensures representation of all identities and differences and equitable access to information and resources for all applicants and grantees.

The Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain provides equal opportunities to all applicants for funding without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law, except when identifying from a disadvantaged background or underrepresented group is an eligibility requirement of the request for application (RFA).