SCPAB Transition to Independence Award

Closed
Important Dates
  • SAM Opens for Applications:
  • Informational Zoom Session:
  • Applications and Letters Due:
  • Finalists Invited for Interviews:
  • Virtual Interviews to Conclude:
  • Applicants Notified of Funding Decisions:
  • Postdoctoral Award Start Date:
Important Dates
  • SAM Opens for Applications:
  • Informational Zoom Session:
  • Applications and Letters Due:
  • Finalists Invited for Interviews:
  • Virtual Interviews to Conclude:
  • Applicants Notified of Funding Decisions:
  • Postdoctoral Award Start Date:
Contact Info
  • Administrative Inquiries:
    [email protected]
  • Scientific Inquiries:
    [email protected]
  • Technical Assistance:
    [email protected]
  • Office Hours: Monday– Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
    Office Closures: The Simons Foundation offices will be closed November 22–26, 2023, and December 23, 2023–January 1, 2024.

Summary

The Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB) Transition to Independence (TTI) program engages talented early-career scientists from diverse and/or historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue research in cognitive aging and facilitates their transition into independent faculty positions at research institutions within or outside the U.S.

The program is aimed at Ph.D. and/or M.D.-holding scientists from diverse and/or historically underrepresented groups in science who are currently in a non-independent, mentored training position at an institution within or outside the U.S. and who will be actively seeking and applying to tenure-track faculty positions between September 2024–May 2025. Independence Fellows are expected to apply, secure and transition to a tenure-track faculty position at a research institution within or outside the U.S. by the end of the 2025–2026 academic year. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is not required. The SCPAB TTI program welcomes applications from scientists doing work consistent with SCPAB’s scientific mission.

Independence Fellows will receive up to two (2) years of postdoctoral fellowship support during their job search, with an annual salary of $85,000 USD, fringe benefits, an annual resource and professional development allowance of $10,000 USD, and indirect costs (see our grant policies) followed by a commitment of $600,000 USD over three (3) years, including indirect costs (see our grant policies), activated upon assumption of a tenure-track research professorship. The fellows will form a learning community and engage in professional development activities throughout their transition to research independence.

Description of Award Program

The Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB) Transition to Independence (TTI) program engages talented early-career scientists from diverse and/or historically underrepresented backgrounds to pursue research in cognitive aging and facilitates their transition into independent faculty positions at a research institution within or outside the U.S.

We seek to support the next generation of outstanding cognitive aging scientists. The SCPAB TTI program welcomes applications from scientists planning to do work consistent with SCPAB’s scientific mission. A previous background in aging research is not required; candidates with a background in fields including neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, cell biology and the physical and information sciences are encouraged to apply. Applicants are required to focus their scientific proposal on their plans for their future lab and independent research program, not the remainder of their postdoctoral position.

The program is aimed at Ph.D. and/or M.D.-holding scientists from diverse and/or historically underrepresented groups in science who are currently in a non-independent, mentored training position at an institution within or outside the U.S. and who will be actively seeking and applying to tenure-track faculty positions between September 2024–May 2025. Independence Fellows are expected to apply, secure and transition to a tenure-track faculty position at a research institution within or outside the U.S. by the end of the 2025–2026 academic year. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is not required.

We believe that diversity promotes innovation and excellence in science. The SCPAB is dedicated to supporting innovative research in cognitive aging, and values that diversity among investigators can advance the SCPAB mission. The SCPAB TTI program offers a pathway that will lead to greater diversity in our scientific community and make a significant positive impact in the scientific environment. The award, paired with professional development and community-building activities, will empower early-career scientists to conduct cutting-edge, high impact research, while simultaneously contributing to a more inclusive scientific environment for all. We envision that the fellows will become independent investigators, make major scientific contributions in their fields and inspire the next generation of talent.

The Independence Awards program recognizes individual diversity to encompass a wide spectrum of human differences. For the purposes of this award, we aim to support scientists from diverse and/or under-represented groups within these categories: race, ethnicity, disadvantaged social and/or economic status, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability status. Please see the eligibility criteria for more information. We also recognize that diversity and underrepresentation can vary from setting to setting and across countries. We will rely on applicants’ signed self-attestation and cannot not make any other formal determination regarding an individual’s identity, disability status or disadvantaged social and/or economic background.

The SCPAB TTI Award is one of three (3) programs that seek to facilitate the transition of early-career scientists from diverse and/or historically underrepresented backgrounds to independent faculty positions. The other Independence Awards are offered through the Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB) and Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI). Information about all three programs can be found here. Candidates may apply to all programs but may only accept one award. Each application will be reviewed individually based on the program’s own selection process. It is expected that applicants will tailor their application to align with the respective program to which they are applying.

Activities and Funding

Independence Fellows are expected to seek and apply to tenure-track faculty positions between September 2024–May 2025. Independence Fellows are expected to apply, secure and transition to a tenure-track faculty position at a research institution within or outside the U.S. before or by the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.

The SCPAB TTI fellows will form a learning community with fellows from the SCGB TTI Award program and the SFARI Bridge to Independence Award program. The fellows engage in professional development activities throughout their transition to research independence in order to support them in their faculty job search and in establishing their independent laboratory. Activities include participation in virtual community meetings, workshops and 1:1 meetings with an assigned external mentor and Simons Foundation scientists and staff, as well as in-person attendance at invited investigator meetings and Independence Award retreats each year.

All Independence Fellows are expected to meet with Simons Foundation scientists and staff regularly to provide updates pertinent to their transition to independence. Simons Foundation scientists and staff are available to provide perspective and personalized coaching throughout the faculty job search, offer and negotiation process. Our intention is to provide support as fellows negotiate a start-up package that allows each individual to be optimally successful as an independent investigator. The program is designed to enhance fellows’ job prospects by providing a letter that specifies our financial commitment to the award research plan while the fellow is seeking and negotiating faculty job offers. Institutional start-up packages may not be reduced because of the Faculty Research Award funding.

Independence Fellows will be provided with up to five (5) years of support, split into two awards: 1) Postdoctoral Award (for a maximum of two (2) years), and 2) Faculty Research Award (over three (3) years). Please see our grant policies for further guidelines.

Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations The Simons Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (SFI) for consideration and funding, in which case SFI’s grant policies would apply.

Postdoctoral Award: Up to two (2) years of support

Independence Fellows will have up to 24 months to transition to a tenure-track faculty position. During this transition period, fellows will receive up to two (2) years of postdoctoral support including salary support and an annually disbursed allowance for professional development, specifically between September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2026.

To hold this award, the fellow must be appointed as an employee of the university, with no teaching obligations, and receive the standard benefits package that the university provides to employees. The postdoctoral support can be provided to fellows who hold titles other than ‘postdoctoral’ researcher so long as the position is a non-independent, mentored training position. See FAQ for guidelines.

This grant will be administered through the fellow’s current institution and includes funding for an annual $85,000 USD salary plus applicable fringe benefits at the current institution’s standard fringe rate, and an annual $10,000 USD allowance for professional development. Indirect costs are limited to 20 percent of the modified total direct costs on eligible direct costs (see our grant policies). As such, the total funding amount will be dependent on the institution’s fringe benefit policies and total award indirect costs.

The salary for the fellow may be supplemented by the fellow’s institution to equal a salary greater than $85,000 USD, by the mentoring Principal Investigator or by another fellowship, if permissible under the terms of that fellowship.

If the fellow chooses, the salary may be used in whole or in part toward the salary of support personnel, such as a research assistant or technician to assist with the fellow’s research projects.

During the postdoctoral award, fellows are expected to be actively seeking, and transitioning to a faculty position. The fellow will be expected to make progress toward the scientific plans described in the SCPAB TTI application after their independent faculty position has started.

Independence Fellows who transition to a faculty position before the end date of the postdoctoral award (August 31, 2026) will be required to terminate their postdoctoral award effective the fellow’s departure date from their current institution. Any unexpended funds remaining after the effective date of termination must be returned. The postdoctoral award funds cannot be transferred to the fellow’s faculty institution or added to the faculty research award.

Faculty Research Award: Up to three (3) years of support

To hold this award, Independence Fellows must be in a tenure-track or equivalent faculty position at a suitable institution that demonstrates an adequate institutional environment (e.g., start-up package and laboratory space) to support successful completion of the research proposed. Before signing a faculty job offer, fellows must confirm with their assigned Simons Foundation science manager and student and fellow program manager that the position is suitable for the Faculty Research Award. All fellows are expected to meet regularly with their assigned Simons Foundation science manager and student and fellow program manager to provide updates and seek perspective and coaching throughout the faculty job offer negotiation process.

Upon transitioning to a suitable faculty position (as described above), Independence Fellows will be eligible to activate their Faculty Research Award. The award is intended as a supplement to a full institution-provided start-up package. Funds may be used for all reasonable costs related to the fellow’s award research plan, consistent with our grant policies, except for the following: 1) Principal Investigator salary support, and 2) general lab equipment, such as freezers and refrigerators. However, salary support for laboratory personnel and specialized equipment, such as microscopes, are permitted.

The grant will be administered to the institution at which the fellow has a faculty appointment. The total budget for the Faculty Research Award is $600,000 USD or less, inclusive of 20 percent indirect costs, over a period of three (3) years. Fellows are expected to activate this award within the first 12 months of starting their faculty position. In order to activate the Faculty Research Award, fellows are required to submit an application via the Simons Award Manager (SAM) 2–3 months prior to the desired award start date. Review of the Faculty Research Award application is a non-competitive, internal process intended to confirm that the fellow has secured a tenure-track or equivalent faculty position at a suitable institution, as described above. Simons Foundation staff will review the application. Upon activating the Faculty Research Award, fellows will formally become SCPAB investigators.

Informational Sessions for Potential Applicants

Those interested in applying are encouraged to view a video recording of the informational session held on November 2 – Click here to watch the recording.

Informational videos on how to navigate the grants management system Simons Award Manager (SAM) can be found here.

Application and Interview Process

To apply to the SCPAB TTI Award program, individuals must submit an application by January 10, 2024. Please refer to the How to Apply instructions for a list of application requirements and detailed instructions. Applicants are required to focus their scientific proposal on their plans for their future lab and independent research program, not the remainder of their postdoctoral position.

Applications are reviewed by Simons Foundation scientific staff and an expert review committee. Finalists will be invited for a short virtual interview with Simons Foundation scientific staff and the review committee. The interview will take place in either May or June 2024. Applicants will be contacted in advance to save the date.

Reviewers will assess criteria related to the applicant’s scientific merit, demonstrated preparedness for an independent investigator position at this time, plans for contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own independent laboratory and scientific area, and ability to formulate an impactful, innovative and feasible research plan in cognitive aging.

SCPAB TTI fellows will be notified about the final outcome of their application by July 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the SCPAB TTI Award, applicants must meet the following criteria. We will rely on your signed self-attestation and cannot make any other formal determination regarding your identity, disability status or disadvantaged social and/or economic background. We recognize that diversity varies across different settings and across countries. For additional information, see our FAQ.

  • The program is open to individuals who self-identify as members of diverse groups within these categories: race, ethnicity, disadvantaged social and/or economic background, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability status. Examples of eligible applicants include individuals identifying as:
    • Black;
    • Indigenous;
    • Latine;
    • Having a disability;
    • A woman;
    • A member of the LGBTQIA+ community or a sexual or gender minority;
    • For U.S. applicants, studied or are currently in a position at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI), Tribally Controlled Colleges and University (TCCU), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institution or Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI); or
    • Coming from a disadvantaged social and/or economic background. We will consider individuals to have come from a disadvantaged background if they meet two (2) or more of the following criteria:
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is not required.
  • Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and/or M.D., or equivalent degree.
  • Applicants must be currently in a non-independent, mentored training position as recognized by their institution.
  • Applicants must be actively seeking and applying to tenure-track faculty positions at research institutions within or outside the U.S. between September 2024 and May 2025. Independence Fellows are expected to apply, secure and transition to a tenure-track faculty position at a research institution within or outside the U.S. by the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
  • Applicants may not simultaneously hold other career development awards with similar budgetary scopes, such as: NIH K99/R00, Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award, American Academy of Neurology Career Development Award and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Hanna H. Gray Fellowship.
  • Applicants must not have accepted a formal offer for a tenure-track faculty position by the time of award notification.
  • Applicants are limited to one application resubmission (a total of two (2) submissions to the SCPAB TTI RFA).

All applicants with a change in their eligibility status, for example, due to acceptance of a faculty position or grant of similar budgetary scope, must notify Simons Foundation staff without delay.

Instructions for Submission

The deadline for application submission is 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

Applications must be completed electronically and submitted via SAM. Please click on the Funding Opportunities icon and navigate to the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain – Transition to Independence Postdoctoral Award call. Click the Create Application button to begin. Applications should be started and submitted under the applicant’s own account in SAM. Please refer to the How to Apply instructions for a list of application requirements and detailed instructions. Applicants are required to focus their scientific proposal on their plans for their future lab and independent research program, not the remainder of their postdoctoral position.

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 Foundation 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 Foundation 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. We also fund programs directed at supporting scientists from disadvantaged backgrounds or underrepresented groups, often working closely with professional societies and other funding agencies.

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Important Dates
  • SAM Opens for Applications:
  • Informational Zoom Session:
  • Applications and Letters Due:
  • Finalists Invited for Interviews:
  • Virtual Interviews to Conclude:
  • Applicants Notified of Funding Decisions:
  • Postdoctoral Award Start Date:
Contact Info
  • Administrative Inquiries:
    [email protected]
  • Scientific Inquiries:
    [email protected]
  • Technical Assistance:
    [email protected]
  • Office Hours: Monday– Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
    Office Closures: The Simons Foundation offices will be closed November 22–26, 2023, and December 23, 2023–January 1, 2024.

The deadline for application submission is 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

Applications must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM). Please click on the Funding Opportunities icon and navigate to the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain – Transition to Independence Postdoctoral Award call. Click the Create Application button to begin. Applications should be started and submitted under the applicant’s own account in SAM.

Once an application has been created, it can be found in the Drafts tab of the Applications in Progress table of the SAM Dashboard.

Important Information
Applicants are required to focus their scientific proposal on their plans for their future lab and independent research program, not the remainder of their postdoctoral position.

Informational Session for Potential Applicants

The Simons Foundation will be holding an informational webinar for all Independence awards, featuring Simons Foundation scientific staff, on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EDT. Click here to register. Please note that the webinar will be recorded and a copy of the recording will be available on this webpage within two weeks.

Informational videos on how to navigate the grants management system SAM can be found here.

Instructions for Submission:

To submit the application, the following sections must be completed in SAM.

  • Record Summary:
    • Fellow: The name of the applicant applying to be a fellow will appear here.
    • Institution: The institution associated with the applicant’s user profile will appear here. Please make sure that the institution listed is the current institution at which the applicant currently holds a postdoctoral position (or a non-independent, mentored training position). This institution will be responsible for administering the postdoctoral award funds to the fellow. If you need to update the institution, please contact [email protected].
  • Proposal Tab:
    • Applicant Details & Personal Data: Complete all required fields, including position/title, academic rank and ORCID iD. The applicant may use the Edit Profile button to update their information as needed.
    • Degrees: Click the Add/Modify Degree(s) button to provide this information.
    • Application Details: Complete all required fields, including title, start date, end date, etc. For this question, the start and end dates refer to the postdoctoral award budget dates only. Applicants must enter the dates listed below. Hovering over the question mark icons will provide additional information regarding the required application field.
      • Start Date: Enter September 1, 2024.
      • End Date: Enter August 31, 2026.
      • Is this a resubmission?: Select Yes or No if you have submitted an application to the SCPAB Transition to Independence Award program in a previous year. If you select Yes, you will be prompted to either:
        • Select the application you submitted previously in SAM from the dropdown (this is only applicable for applicants who applied in 2023).
        • Enter the application ID of the proposal you submitted previously in ProposalCentral (this is only applicable for applicants who applied in 2021 or 2022).
        • Important: Individuals who applied to this program in a previous RFA cycle are limited to one (1) resubmission. If you have already applied to this program at least twice (2) in previous years, you are no longer eligible.
    • Proposal: The following information must be entered/uploaded:
      • Mentor Name: Enter the name of your current scientific mentor(s). If there are multiple mentors, please enter each mentor’s name separated by a comma.
      • Research Statement:
        • Upload your Research Statement using the template available for download in SAM. Detailed instructions and guidelines for the research statement are provided in the template. This Research Statement should not exceed four (4) pages of single-spaced, size 11 text, 0.5 margins. Figures, figure legends and references should follow the research statement text and are not included in the page limit. Please attach them at the end of the statement in the same PDF file. Figures are limited to 10, each fitting on a single page. References should be in Journal of Neuroscience format, including full author list, title and a link to PubMed.
        • Please provide a detailed statement of your plans for your future research program as an independent investigator and how the SCPAB mission fits in with your intended research program. Importantly, applicants are required to focus the application research statement on their scientific plans for their faculty position. This should be your overall plan for your lab, not a specific three (3) year project proposal. Please include relevant scientific background as well as significance and relevance to the SCPAB mission. Applicants are required to focus their scientific proposal on their plans for their future lab and independent research program, not the remainder of their postdoctoral position.
      • Signed Self-Attestation of Eligibility: Upload the signed self-attestation of eligibility form. All applicants must confirm their eligibility for the program by signing the self-attestation form available for download in SAM. Full details about the eligibility criteria are provided in the RFA tab and in the template. We will rely on your signed self-attestation and cannot make any other formal determination regarding your identity, disability status or disadvantaged social and/or economic background. For additional information, see our FAQ.
      • Confirmation Letter for Mentored Training Position: Upload a letter from your current institution officially confirming you are in a non-independent, mentored training position (e.g., letter from department chair or grant office).
      • Personnel Biosketch: Upload a biosketch for the fellow using the template provided in SAM or using your NIH Biosketch (Non-Fellowship) format, NIH SciENcv or NSF format. Do not exceed five (5) pages.
      • Diversity Statement:
        • Upload your Diversity Statement using the template available for download in SAM. Detailed instructions and guidelines are provided in the template.
        • The Diversity Statement should not exceed two (2) pages of single-spaced, size 11 text, 0.5 margins and should describe the following:
          • Your future plans for contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion in your own independent laboratory and in cognitive aging science more broadly.
          • Your own experience as a diverse or underrepresented individual in science and/or past contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives through research, teaching, mentoring, volunteer efforts or other actions.
      • Permission for Additional Program Review: Select Yes or No if you grant permission for your submitted application to be reviewed for a different Independence Award Program if the scientific managers identify your application as relevant to a different program. Independence Awards are through the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB) and Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB).
  • Contacts & Personnel Tab:
    • Institution Administrative Contacts: You must add at least one (1) institution signing official (SO) and one (1) financial officer (FO) to the Institution Administrative Contacts section before you will be able to submit your application.
    • Project Personnel: Please indicate all key personnel on the proposed project. Project personnel who will be named in the budget must be added to the Project Personnel section on this tab before they will display as available options in the budget module. This does not apply to ‘to be determined (TBD)’ personnel.
  • Budget Tab: Click the Edit/Modify button to add a detailed budget for the two (2) year postdoctoral award only. Do not submit a budget for the three (3) year faculty research award. Detailed instructions on allowable expenses and what to include in the budget are provided in SAM underneath each budget category (Personnel costs, Research Support Costs, Indirect Costs).
    • Please note that you must provide a Start Date and End Date (refer to the Proposal Tab) before you can complete the budget.
    • Personnel Costs: The $85,000 USD stipend must be listed in this budget section. If you require fringe benefits, it should also be listed in this section with your institution’s fringe rate. Fringe is in addition to the $85,000 USD salary.
    • Research Support Costs: The $10,000 USD resource and professional development stipend must be listed in this budget section.
    • Indirect Costs: Indirect costs (limited to 20 percent of modified total direct costs, see our grant policies) must be listed in this budget section.
  • Letter of Reference Tab:
    • Three (3) confidential letters of recommendation are required from current or previous mentors and/or senior scientists who have substantial familiarity with your scientific career thus far. At least one (1) letter of recommendation must be from a current scientific mentor. If you are currently co-mentored by two (2) scientists, you must obtain a letter from each scientific mentor. Confidential letters must be submitted through SAM.
    • Instructions on how to invite referees are provided in this tab within SAM. Please note that you must enter a date by which the invited referee should submit their Letter of Reference and click Save Draft prior to sending the invitation. This will ensure that the email invitation sent to the referee includes the due date you set. A video on the letter of reference process can be found here.
    • You will not be able to submit your application until all three (3) letters of reference are submitted by the referees. Additionally, you will not be able to submit if you have more than three (3) letters of references.
  • Publications & Other Support Tab: Please update the Publications and Other Support sections of your User Profile. Detailed instructions on how to update or add new publications and other support are provided in SAM. Please note that if the status of a publication or other support changes after your application has been submitted, please update the information in your user profile and contact [email protected] for assistance in updating your application.
    • Publications: Please include all publications, including those that are in progress and/or have been recently submitted, but not yet published. Applicants can add publications in two ways:
      • Preferred Method: Select publications from your SAM user profile by importing data from databases such as PubMed, PubMed Central and ORCiD. If you expect the status of a publication to change after your application has been submitted, this is the preferred method.
      • Alternative Option: Upload a PDF of a list of publications. Do not upload PDF copies of individual manuscripts.
    • Other Support: Please include all other support, including those that are pending. Applicants can add other support in two ways:
      • Preferred Method: Select other support from your SAM user profile. If you expect the status of a current or pending support to change after your application has been submitted, this is the preferred method.
      • Alternative Option: Upload a PDF of a list of all current and pending other support.
  • Check Application Progress: Click the Check Application Progress button to check for any missing required information or files. All missing required information will be listed at the top of the screen and must be corrected before the application can be submitted.
  • Send for Sign-off: When the application is complete, click on the Send for Sign-off button to send it to your signing official at your current institution for signature. The signing official will receive an email from [email protected] notifying them that an application requires their signature. All applicants are encouraged to contact their signing official separately to make sure they are aware that an application requires their sign off in order to be submitted. Once the application has been signed, you will receive an email from [email protected] confirming that the application has been signed by the designated signing official. An application will not be deemed complete and eligible for review without this step.
  • Submit Application: When the full proposal application is complete and signed, please click on the Submit Application button. A confirmation page will appear once the application is successfully submitted. A confirmation email is also sent upon submission. Please make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected]. Please contact [email protected] if you did not receive a confirmation email and it is not in your spam folder. The submitted application will appear in the Submitted tab of the Applications in Progress table. Please note that you will not be able to submit an application if the deadline has passed.
  • Once your application has been submitted, Simons Foundation staff will be in touch if we require any additional information or revisions for your submission. Please monitor your inbox and make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected] and [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the status of the submission through SAM periodically.

    Please note that in the event of budgetary or other considerations The Simons Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to refer an application to The Simons Foundation International, Ltd. (SFI) for consideration and funding, in which case SFI’s grant policies would apply.

    Important Dates
    • SAM Opens for Applications:
    • Informational Zoom Session:
    • Applications and Letters Due:
    • Finalists Invited for Interviews:
    • Virtual Interviews to Conclude:
    • Applicants Notified of Funding Decisions:
    • Postdoctoral Award Start Date:
    Contact Info
    • Administrative Inquiries:
      [email protected]
    • Scientific Inquiries:
      [email protected]
    • Technical Assistance:
      [email protected]
    • Office Hours: Monday– Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
      Office Closures: The Simons Foundation offices will be closed November 22–26, 2023, and December 23, 2023–January 1, 2024.

    1. General Questionsplus--large
        Can I inquire if my area of research fits within the goals of this award?plus--large

        Yes, if you are unsure if your area of research aligns with the goals of this award, you may contact the program’s scientific staff ([email protected]) with a 3–5 sentence description of your research proposal. Applicants are required to focus their scientific proposal on their plans for their future lab and independent research program, not the remainder of their postdoctoral position. Due to a high volume of inquiries, program staff may require a week to respond.

        Who is this award for? I am a postdoctoral researcher, but I am not close to being prepared to apply for faculty jobs. plus--large

        This program is aimed at Ph.D. and/or M.D.-holding scientists from diverse and/or historically underrepresented groups in science who are currently in a non-independent, mentored training position at an institution within or outside the U.S. and who will be actively seeking and applying to tenure-track faculty positions between September 2024–May 2025. Independence Fellows are expected to apply, secure and transition to a tenure-track faculty position at a research institution within or outside the U.S. by the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.

        We expect applicants to meet the faculty job transition timeline we outline above.

        Many applicants for this award hold the title of postdoctoral researcher. However, individuals with titles other than postdoctoral researcher are eligible to apply so long as you can provide confirmation (e.g., letter from department chair or grant office) of your position being a non-independent, mentored training position. Eligibility FAQ #10 provides more detail on the definition of non-independence. We understand that job titles may vary from setting to setting and across countries. Please see the Eligibility section of the FAQ for more information.

        I see a Diversity Statement is a required part of the application. How can I write a strong Diversity Statement? plus--large

        As part of our mission to promote excellence in science, we are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the broader scientific community. A Diversity Statement is required for the award application to help the review committee understand your future plans for contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion in your own independent laboratory and in your scientific area more broadly. We envision that the fellows will make major scientific contributions in their fields and contribute to a more inclusive scientific environment for all.

        A Diversity Statement is a typical part of a faculty job application, especially in the U.S., and many resources exist for guidance on writing a statement. We strongly recommend you seek guidance from your current or past mentors and trusted peers. There are also many resources available online, which we encourage you to explore as you craft your own Diversity Statement.

        How are Independence Fellows selected?plus--large

        Applications are reviewed by Simons Foundation scientific staff and an expert review committee. Finalists will be invited for a short virtual interview with Simons Foundation scientific staff and the review committee. Reviewers will assess criteria related to the applicant’s scientific merit, demonstrated preparedness for an independent investigator position at this time, ability to formulate an impactful, innovative and feasible research plan, and plans for contributing to diversity, equity and inclusion in their own independent laboratory and scientific area.

        I see there are three (3) Independence Awards. How are they different?plus--large

        Please see our Simons Foundation Independence Awards Comparison Chart. Independence Awards are offered through the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB) and Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB).

        Can I apply for all three (3) Independence Awards at the same time?plus--large

        Yes. Candidates may apply to all programs simultaneously but may only accept one award. Each application will be reviewed individually based on the program’s own selection process. It is expected that applicants will tailor their application to align with the respective program to which they are applying.

        If I am selected as a fellow, am I required to seek a faculty position at a U.S. institution?plus--large

        No. If you are seeking a faculty position at a non-U.S. institution, please refer to our International Awards policy. Before signing a faculty job offer, fellows must confirm with their assigned Simons Foundation representative that the position is suitable for the Faculty Research Award. All fellows are expected to meet regularly with their assigned Simons Foundation representative to provide updates and get feedback throughout the faculty job offer negotiation process.

    2. Eligibility for the SCPAB TTI Awardplus--large
        The eligibility criteria states that the program is open to individuals who “self-identify as members of diverse groups within these categories: race, ethnicity, disadvantaged social and/or economic background, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability status.” How do you define “disadvantaged social and/or economic background?”plus--large

        We will consider individuals to have come from a disadvantaged background if they meet two (2) or more of the following criteria:

        We recognize that diversity varies across different settings and across countries. For non-U.S. applicants, please consider approximately equivalent programs.

        We will rely on your signed self-attestation and cannot make any other formal determination regarding your identity, disability status or disadvantaged social and/or economic background. Applicants must review and sign the self-attestation form (available in SAM) attesting that they meet the eligibility requirements for the award.

        Do I need to provide supporting documentation of my diverse and/or underrepresented or disadvantaged social and/or economic background status?plus--large

        No. We will rely on your signed self-attestation and cannot make any other formal determination regarding your identity, disability status or disadvantaged social and/or economic background. Please do not send us any supporting documentation.

        I am not a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible to apply?plus--large

        Yes. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is not required.

        I see that the Independence Award includes a Postdoctoral Award (for a maximum of two (2) years). I have a Ph.D. (or equivalent research doctorate degree) but do not have the title of postdoctoral researcher. Am I eligible to apply?plus--large

        Many applicants for this award hold the title of postdoctoral researcher. However, individuals with titles other than postdoctoral researcher are eligible to apply so long as you can provide confirmation (e.g., letter from department chair or grant office) of your position being a non-independent, mentored training position. Eligibility FAQ #10 provides more detail on the definition of non-independence.

        We understand that job titles may vary from setting to setting and across countries. If you have any questions about the guidelines above or are unsure if your current position meets the eligibility criteria, please contact [email protected].

        Is postdoctoral training a requirement to apply?plus--large

        No. However, a postdoctoral fellowship is often considered essential training in preparation for an independent research career and as such, the majority of competitive applicants have had substantive postdoctoral training. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that some individuals may be well placed to begin their professorships without having completed a postdoctoral fellowship. Our review criteria are focused on whether an applicant is currently poised to begin their independent careers, as evidenced by their scientific contributions and vision, and not based on whether the applicant has conducted postdoctoral training, per se.

        I meet the eligibility criteria but I already have a source of funding for my postdoctoral research. Am I eligible to apply?plus--large

        Yes. If you are selected for the award, the postdoctoral award may be supplemented by the fellow’s institution, by the mentoring principal investigator (PI) or by another fellowship, if permissible under the terms of that fellowship. Alternatively, if the fellow chooses, the salary may be used in whole or in part toward the salary of support personnel, such as a research assistant or technician to assist with the fellow’s research projects.

        My current position is at a non-U.S. academic institution; am I eligible to apply?plus--large

        Yes. If you are currently at a non-U.S. academic institution, please refer to our International Awards policy.

        I am a clinician (M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M. or other licensed professional) but do not have a postdoctoral fellow position. Am I eligible to apply?plus--large

        A clinician who holds a faculty position in order to fulfill their clinical responsibilities may be eligible if and only if they are in a mentored research training position and do not hold an independent research faculty position. We may require written confirmation of the distinction between the applicant’s clinical and research responsibilities. Please contact [email protected] to confirm eligibility status prior to application submission.

        What is the difference between a non-independent, mentored training position and an independent position?plus--large

        The following is provided to assist in distinguishing independent from non-independent, mentored training positions:

        • Evidence for a non-independent, mentored training position may include:
          • The applicant’s research is entirely funded by another investigator’s grants.
          • The applicant’s research is conducted entirely in another investigator’s assigned space.
        • Conversely, evidence for independence, and therefore lack of eligibility for this application, may include:
          • The applicant has a full-time faculty position.
          • The applicant received a start-up package for support of their independent research.
          • The applicant holds as a “PI” an NIH grant (e.g., R01) or SCPAB grant.

        If you have any questions about the guidelines above or are unsure if your current position meets the criteria for non-independence, please contact [email protected].

        Are there any eligibility restrictions on duration of postdoctoral training or how long ago I earned my Ph.D. or M.D.?plus--large

        No. We do not restrict eligibility based on duration of postdoctoral training or how long ago the Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent degree was earned.

        I have accepted a tenure-track faculty position but have not yet started. Am I still eligible?plus--large

        No. In order to be eligible, applicants must not have accepted a formal offer for a tenure-track faculty position by the time of SCPAB TTI award notification. However, with approval from your faculty institution, you may be eligible to apply for other Simons Foundation, Inc. or Simons Foundation International, Ltd award programs. More information about grant opportunities is available on the funding opportunities page.

        I hold a non-tenure track faculty position at my institution (e.g., adjunct). Am I eligible to apply?plus--large

        No. However, if your institution confirms the position is a non-independent, mentored training position (e.g., letter from department chair or grant office) then you are eligible to apply, provided you will be actively seeking and applying to tenure-track faculty positions between September 2024–May 2025 and meet the remaining eligibility criteria. For example, clinical faculty members who do not hold an independent research faculty position and who obtain the above confirmation are eligible. For more information about the definition of non-independence, please see Eligibility FAQ #10. Independence Fellows are all expected to apply, secure and transition to a tenure-track faculty position at a research institution within or outside the U.S. by the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.

        I am the recipient of a career development award with a similar budgetary scope to this award. Am I eligible?plus--large

        No. Applicants may not simultaneously hold other career development awards with similar budgetary scopes. These awards include, but are not limited to:

        • NIH K99/R00
        • Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award
        • American Academy of Neurology Career Development Award
        • Howard Hughes Medical Institute Hanna H. Gray fellowship
        • SFARI Bridge to Independence (BTI) Award
        • SCGB Transition to Independence (TTI) Award

        Please note that other NIH K awardees may be eligible, e.g., recipients of K01 and K08. You are strongly encouraged to contact [email protected] before applying if you believe your career development award is comparable to this award but is not listed above.

        I applied for the SCPAB TTI Award in a previous year and was not selected. Am I still eligible to apply?plus--large

        Individuals who applied to this program in a previous RFA cycle are limited to one (1) resubmission. If you have already applied to this program at least twice in previous years, you are no longer eligible. If you are unsure if you have reached the resubmission limit, please contact [email protected] before applying.

    3. Postdoctoral Award Application Submissionplus--large
        Can I email or mail an application?plus--large

        No. We only accept applications submitted online through SAM. Full instructions on how to submit an application is provided in the How to Apply instructions.

        Am I required to answer all demographic data questions on my SAM user profile?plus--large

        Yes. You must provide a response to all required fields; however, “Prefer not to disclose” is an available option for each required question. Disclosing demographic data is voluntary. To complete these fields, the user must navigate to the Personal Data section of their profile.

        The demographic data provided by applicants and grantees will serve multiple purposes: to help us understand how our grantmaking reflects the communities we seek to serve; and to equip our staff with critical data to help create equitable funding opportunities as one part of our overall commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Demographic data will not be shared with reviewers or otherwise used during the application review process unless stated otherwise in the Request for Application (RFA). Aggregate data may be used publicly. Demographic data is only visible to the PI and a subset of Simons Foundation staff, such as programmatic and grantmaking staff. If you wish to review our data collection and use practices, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

        I see that I need approval from the grants office at my institution to submit my application. Can you explain what is necessary and when I should contact my institutional signing official?plus--large

        Institutional sign-off is required in order to submit your application by the deadline. All applicants are encouraged to contact their signing official early in the application process to review the How to Apply instructions regarding sign-off.

        When the application is complete, click on the Send for Sign-off button to send it to your signing official at your current institution for signature. The signing official will receive an email from [email protected] notifying them that an application requires their signature. All applicants are encouraged to contact their signing official separately to make sure they are aware that an application requires their sign off in order to be submitted.

        Once the application has been signed, you will receive an email from [email protected] confirming that the application has been signed by the designated signing official. An application will not be deemed complete and eligible for review without this step. This step must be completed by the submission deadline.

        Do I need to describe my research plans during the remainder of the postdoctoral position in the research statement?plus--large

        No. Applicants are required to focus their scientific proposal on their plans for their future lab and independent research program, not the remainder of their postdoctoral position.

        For the research statement, are references, figures and figure legends included in the page limit? How should references, figures and figure legends be included?plus--large

        No. Figures, figure legends and references should follow the research statement text and are not included in the page limit. Please attach them at the end of the statement in the same PDF file. Figures are limited to 10, each fitting on a single page. References should be in Journal of Neuroscience format, including full author list, title and a link to PubMed.

        Do I need to provide a budget for the three (3) year faculty research award?plus--large

        No, applicants must only provide a budget for the two (2) year postdoctoral award at this stage.

        Do I need to provide supporting documents from my current scientific mentor (e.g., biosketch or other grant support)?plus--large

        No. Applicants only need to provide a copy of their own biosketch, other support, and publications. The only item that your current scientific mentor(s) must provide is a letter of recommendation.

        Are letters of reference required? How many letters of reference are required? plus--large

        Yes. Three (3) confidential letters of recommendation are required from current or previous mentors and/or senior scientists who have substantial familiarity with your scientific career thus far. At least one (1) letter of recommendation must be from a current scientific mentor. If you are currently co-mentored by two scientists, you must include a letter from each scientific mentor. Confidential letters must be submitted through SAM.

        You will not be able to submit your application until all three (3) letters of reference are submitted by the referees. Additionally, you will not be able to submit if you have more than three (3) letters of references.

        It is advised that applicants begin the online application at least four (4) weeks prior to the deadline to ensure that letters of recommendation are submitted in time.

        I get an error message citing a missing section when I try to submit.plus--large

        The Check Application Progress button reviews your proposal for missing sections. The submission instructions list the required sections and attachments. You must complete the missing items listed in the error message before you can send your application for sign off. If you are still receiving error messages after completing and saving the indicated sections, please contact [email protected].

        How do I submit? Will I receive a confirmation email when I submit?plus--large

        When the full proposal application is complete with institutional sign-off, please click on the Submit Application button. A confirmation page will appear once the application is successfully submitted. A confirmation email is also sent upon submission. Please make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected]. Please contact [email protected] if you did not receive a confirmation email and it is not in your spam folder. The submitted application will appear in the Submitted tab of the Applications in Progress table. Please note that you will not be able to submit an application if the deadline has passed.

        Once your application has been submitted, Simons Foundation staff will be in touch if we require any additional information or revisions for your submission. Please monitor your inbox and make sure that spam filters allow emails from [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the status of the submission through SAM periodically.

        Can I make changes to the application once it has been submitted?plus--large

        You must contact Simons Foundation staff prior to the 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Time January 10, 2024, deadline in order to make changes to your application. Please email [email protected] if you would like to un-submit your proposal for any modifications.

        Please note, the only changes allowed after the deadline are changes to other support and publications. Please follow the instructions in the How to Apply, Publications & Other Support Tab.

        Can I update my publications after the submission deadline?plus--large

        Yes. Applicants must follow the instructions in the How to Apply, Publications & Other Support Tab in order to update their publications or other support. Please note that if the status of a publication or other support changes after your application has been submitted, please update the information in your user profile and contact [email protected] for assistance in updating your application.

        Biosketches or other application materials may not be updated after the submission deadline.

        When will applicants be notified of funding decisions?plus--large

        Applicants will be notified of funding decisions by July 23, 2024.

    4. Postdoctoral Award Fundingplus--large
        What is the funding period? When will funding begin?plus--large

        All postdoctoral awards are expected to start as early as September 1, 2024, for the duration of up to two (2) years. All awards must end on or before August 31, 2026.

        What can postdoctoral award funds be used for?plus--large

        All postdoctoral awards will include an annual $85,000 USD salary plus applicable fringe benefits at the current institution’s standard fringe rate, and an annual $10,000 USD allowance for professional development. Indirect costs are limited to 20 percent of the modified total direct costs on eligible direct costs (see our grant policies). As such, the total funding amount will be dependent on the institution’s fringe benefit policies and total award indirect costs.

        The salary for the fellow may be supplemented by the fellow’s institution to equal a salary greater than $85,000 USD, by the mentoring PI or by another fellowship, if permissible under the terms of that fellowship.

        If the fellow chooses, the salary may be used in whole or in part toward the salary of support personnel, such as a research assistant or technician to assist with the fellow’s research projects.

        Will I be eligible for health insurance and other benefits during the postdoctoral award stage?plus--large

        To hold this award, your institution must appoint you as an employee of the university, with no teaching obligations, and provide the standard benefits package that the university provides to employees.

        Are fringe benefits allowed?plus--large

        Yes, fringe benefits can be included in the postdoctoral award budget. Fringe should be requested at your institution’s standard fringe rate. Fringe is in addition to the $85,000 USD salary.

        Are indirect costs allowed?plus--large

        Yes, indirect costs can be included in the postdoctoral award budget. Indirect costs are limited to 20 percent of the modified total direct costs (see our grant policies).

        Is there a minimum percent effort for the fellow?plus--large

        No, there is no minimum percent effort for the postdoctoral award.

        Is there a maximum amount of salary a fellow can receive annually?plus--large

        No, there is no salary maximum for Independence Fellows. However, each fellow can only charge up to $85,000 in salary annually from this grant. The salary for the fellow may be supplemented by the fellow’s institution to equal a salary greater than $85,000 USD, by the mentoring PI or by another fellowship, if permissible under the terms of that fellowship.

        What if I get a faculty position in under two (2) years? What will happen to the postdoc support funds?plus--large

        Independence Fellows who transition to a faculty position before the end date of the postdoctoral award (August 31, 2026) will be required to terminate their postdoctoral award effective the fellow’s departure date from their current institution. Any unexpended funds remaining after the effective date of termination must be returned. The postdoctoral award funds cannot be transferred to the fellow’s faculty institution or added to the faculty research award.

    5. Faculty Research Awardplus--large
        What is the funding period? When will funding begin?plus--large

        Fellows are expected to activate this award within the first 12 months of starting their faculty position. In order to activate the Faculty Research Award, fellows are required to submit an application via the Simons Award Manager (SAM) 2–3 months prior to the desired award start date.

        Once the approval application has been submitted, Simons Foundation staff will coordinate with the fellow about the timing of the award letter and start date. The fellow, as a newly-appointed PI, will receive research support at the level of $600,000 USD over three (3) years, including indirect costs (limited to 20 percent of modified total direct costs, see our grant policies). The grant will be administered to the institution at which the fellow has a faculty appointment.

        May I accept a position in the department where I conducted my mentored research?plus--large

        Fellows are encouraged (but not required) to apply for independent positions in different departments and institutions from where they conducted their mentored research. It is important for all fellows, but especially fellows who intend to stay at their mentoring institution for their independent role, to discuss their intentions with Simons Foundation staff. Fellows who accept faculty positions at their mentoring institutions may be asked to submit a letter from their department chair outlining their commitment and plans for ensuring the fellow’s independence.

    Other Funding Opportunities
    Program Name
    Important Dates
    Description

    SCPAB Research Awards – 2020 Extension RFA

    This RFA is by invitation only. We are soliciting progress reports and proposals for two years of further funding to expand and develop previously funded SCPAB Awards. These proposals should build on ideas generated in the first three years of SCPAB award funding.
    Advancing Research in Basic Science and MathematicsSubscribe to our newsletters to receive news & updates