The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) stands as a beacon for scholars dedicated to launching and advancing their academic careers. Recognizing the strength that diversity brings to academic and career programs, CU Boulder proudly offers the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship for Faculty Diversity. This initiative is meticulously designed to enrich the university’s intellectual environment by welcoming exceptional scholars from a spectrum of backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and communities historically underrepresented in academia. CU Boulder’s commitment extends to all eligible candidates, irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, or family status, fostering a truly inclusive academic community. For inquiries, prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to [email protected].
Eligibility for CU Boulder’s Postdoctoral Fellowships
To be considered for these prestigious postdoctoral positions within CU Boulder’s academic and career programs, applicants must have successfully completed a doctorate or other terminal degree before July 1, 2025. Eligibility extends to those who have earned their doctoral degree within three years prior to the application date (2022 or later), and who are actively preparing for a dynamic academic career focused on research, scholarly pursuits, or creative endeavors. A crucial component of the application is securing a faculty mentor who is a tenured or tenure-track professor at CU Boulder, ensuring guidance and integration within the university’s academic framework.
For international applicants who demonstrate exceptional qualifications, CU Boulder may offer visa sponsorship. This is contingent upon the hiring department’s financial capacity and the applicant’s adherence to university policies and legal statutes. Visa sponsorship is expertly managed by the International Students and Scholar Services office, working closely with the faculty mentor and the hiring department. It is important to note that visa sponsorship eligibility will be determined before any formal fellowship offer is made, ensuring a transparent and supportive process for international scholars aiming to enhance their academic careers at CU Boulder.
Fellowship Benefits and Program Details
The Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship is structured as a one-year program, providing a robust foundation for postdoctoral scholars. Fellows will receive a base salary of $60,000, with the potential for supplementary funding from CU Boulder departments, increasing the total compensation up to $75,000 based on qualifications and departmental resources. Furthermore, the fellowship is complemented by a one-time professional development fund of $5,000, designed to support fellows in their academic and career growth. Comprehensive benefits are included, covering medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, ensuring the well-being of our fellows. Recognizing the significant step of relocation, the program may also offer coverage for moving expenses and signing bonuses, depending on the specific policies of the hosting department.
Annually, CU Boulder anticipates awarding two to three of these fellowships, making them highly competitive and prestigious opportunities for those aiming to excel in academic and career programs.
In exceptional cases, a one-year fellowship extension may be granted, contingent upon funding availability and satisfactory progress during the initial fellowship year. Highlighting the department’s investment in the fellow’s long-term career trajectory and potential transition to a tenure-track position, the department is required to contribute 50% of the salary costs during any renewal period. The program will cover the remaining 50%, subject to the availability of funds. Detailed information regarding renewal criteria can be obtained by contacting [email protected], ensuring fellows are fully informed about opportunities for extending their engagement with CU Boulder’s academic community.
Application Process and Essential Requirements
Prospective candidates are invited to apply through the online portal, where all application materials must be submitted. A comprehensive application package includes:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed overview of the applicant’s academic and professional history.
- Personal Statement: (Maximum 4 pages or 2,000 words, single-spaced) This critical component should articulate:
- A clear and detailed plan for research, scholarly activities, or creative work to be undertaken during the fellowship period, demonstrating alignment with CU Boulder’s academic and career programs.
- Future academic career aspirations, showcasing how the fellowship will serve as a pivotal step in achieving these goals.
- Academic and personal experiences that illustrate unique perspectives and contributions to the CU Boulder community and the applicant’s discipline, emphasizing the value of diverse viewpoints in academic settings.
- Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusive practices (DEI) in educational or community contexts, and/or planned contributions to DEI within their future academic career, aligning with CU Boulder’s IDEA Plan, which underscores DEI as a collective responsibility.
- Reference Letters (Two Required): Applicants are responsible for ensuring timely submission through the online portal.
- Thesis Advisor Letter: Focused on the applicant’s potential for a successful academic career. Advisors will receive an automated request with a submission deadline of November 8.
- Joint Faculty Mentor/Department Chair Letter: This letter should jointly address the applicant’s proposed research, available facilities and resources, the mentor’s capacity to support the applicant’s career development through an Individual Development Plan, and the department’s commitment to considering the fellow for tenure-track positions. The deadline for submission is November 15.
Key Deadlines and Dates for 2024-2025 Application Cycle
- Online Portal Opens: August 1, 2024
- Application Deadline (CV and Personal Statement): November 1, 2024
- Thesis Advisor Letter Deadline: November 8, 2024
- Faculty Mentor and Department Chair Letter Deadline: November 15, 2024
- College/School Committee Submission of Ranked Applicants: December 16, 2024
- Final Selection Committee Decisions: February 2025
These deadlines are critical for anyone interested in advancing their academic career through CU Boulder’s esteemed programs.
Evaluation and Selection Process
The selection process for the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at CU Boulder is rigorous and multi-staged. Applications undergo three levels of review, with candidates evaluated on academic achievements, the strength of their personal statement, recommendation letters, potential scholarly impact, and the alignment of their career goals with CU Boulder’s commitment to diversity.
Initially, faculty within the applicant’s proposed department, including chairs and mentors, assess and rank candidates. This is followed by a review at the school or college level by the dean or a designated representative. The school or college review further considers the faculty mentor and department’s dedication to each candidate, ensuring a supportive environment for postdoctoral fellows within CU Boulder’s academic and career programs.
Ranked applications are then forwarded to a campus-level selection committee. This committee comprises representatives from key university offices, including the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Office of Faculty Affairs, and the Research & Innovation Office. This final committee makes decisions based on feedback from the schools and colleges, strategic institutional priorities, and alignment with the IDEA Plan. Detailed reviewer guidance is provided to departments to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process.
Roles and Responsibilities within the Fellowship Program
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Questions?
For any inquiries regarding the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship and academic career programs at the University of Colorado Boulder, please email [email protected].
*Diversity Definition: CU Boulder defines diversity as encompassing individual differences and group/social differences, with a focus on historically minoritized identities. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to CU Boulder’s definitions and citations and common goals websites.
