2023 Simons Investigator in Aquatic Microbial Ecology Awards

The Simons Foundation is now accepting applications for its Simons Investigator in Aquatic Microbial Ecology Awards. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 2, 2022, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Overview

Microbes inhabit and sustain all habitats on Earth. In both marine and freshwater systems, microbes capture solar energy, catalyze biogeochemical transformations of important elements, produce and consume greenhouse gases, and provide the base of the food web.

The purpose of these awards is to support recently tenured, outstanding investigators in the field of microbial ecology in marine or natural freshwater systems, who will advance our understanding through field studies, laboratory experiments, modeling or theory. The program will provide support for establishment of a new research direction or an innovative expansion of current work. Investigators must be currently active in basic research addressing fundamental questions in microbial ecology or microbial biogeochemistry in natural aquatic systems, excluding research focusing on the microbiomes of animals, problems related to pollution, paleoceanography or geobiology. Scientists who intend to transition into aquatic systems from other fields may also be considered if they satisfy the eligibility requirements. Investigators, accompanied by a student or postdoc, will attend an annual meeting at the Simons Foundation.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. They must have been awarded tenure or, for institutions with no tenure track, promoted to an equivalent independent position, at an institution in the U.S. or Canada (in a campus within those countries) within the last five years (after December 1, 2017). Federal government employees are not eligible.

They must currently be the principal investigator (PI), co-PI or co-investigator (co-I) on a research grant from a national governmental agency or major national or international foundation that awards direct funding to their institution for their research in the field of microbial ecology or microbial biogeochemistry in marine or natural freshwater systems. They may also be eligible if they hold such a grant in a closely related field AND are an author on a publication in the field of aquatic microbial ecology within the last three years. Please contact lifegrants@simonsfoundation.org to confirm eligibility under these circumstances.

About the Awards

The award is up to $1,750,000 USD over five years, including indirect costs (limited to 20 percent of modified total direct costs), with continued funding subject to annual reviews of research progress in areas relevant to this program. Appropriate expenses include salary support for the investigator and lab personnel, small and large equipment (including major research instrumentation), supplies, travel, publication and other research expenses. Funds may also be used towards teaching release and/or sabbatical support, for the PI only. Annual amounts may vary between years. Allowable indirect costs to the primary institution for subcontracts are not included in the $1,750,000 budget threshold (see grant policies). Awards will begin May 1, 2023. Awards will be governed by the Simons Foundation policies, which can be found at http://www.simonsfoundation.org/funding/policies-and-forms/.

Submission of Application

Applications must be completed electronically and submitted through the Simons Award Manager (SAM) by December 2, 2022, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Please refer to the How to Apply instructions for further details.

The following information must be submitted:

• Biosketch (two pages, with additional pages allowed for publications and support if needed). List your 10 most important publications with the complete reference (up to 10 authors; if greater than 10, give the number of authors and list the senior author) and with asterisks marking members of your lab. Append a list of current and pending support, including names of PI and co-PIs and total direct costs to your lab.
• Proposal Narrative, which must include:
  1. Summary of most significant research accomplishments (300 words).
  2. Research statement (one page). Describe your long-term research vision. What is/are the important question(s) that you are addressing? What is unique about your program? Explain how your proposal represents a new direction or an innovative expansion of your current work.
  3. Research proposal (four pages, plus references and one page for figures). Provide a title for the project.
• Budget Justification. The budget itself will be entered in the Budget tab of the application.
• Renewable Reagents and Data-Sharing Plan
• 501(c)(3) determination or equivalency letter (Canadian institutions only). The Simons Foundation requires a determination letter from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) stating exemption under 501(c)(3) and, furthermore, either a 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) classification. Applicants do not need to have this letter at the time of application. If an international institution is selected for funding and does not have the aforementioned documentation, the Simons Foundation will require the institution to complete an equivalency determination with NGOsource (see grant policies).

Review Process

The review process will include evaluations by distinguished scientists in the field, who will make recommendations to the Simons Foundation Life Sciences staff. Applicants will be notified of decisions by April 3, 2023.

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