Postdoc applicant FAQs

Eligibility

Do I have to be an underrepresented minority to apply for this fellowship?

The program is open to all persons who meet the eligibility criteria without regard to race, gender, or ethnicity, and to those with a commitment to Wayne State's mission to create and advance knowledge, prepare a diverse study body to thrive, and positively impact local and global communities. Wayne State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, which complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Wayne State encourages applications from women, people of color, and people from other underrepresented groups.

I am not in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field or biomedical science; am I still eligible to apply to this program?

In this program, Wayne State University offers postdoctoral fellowships for urban disparity scholars in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and biomedical science disciplines. Scholars in other academic disciplines are encouraged to apply if they believe their research impacts either urban disparity studies, STEM or biomedical disciplines.

Urban disparity studies span several academic disciplines and generate pivotal knowledge to address inequities specific to urban areas such as Detroit. Topics can include, but are not limited to, medicine and public health, economic and environmental sustainability, housing, transportation and social justice, to name a few. These studies can be interdisciplinary and collaborative, and employ diverse perspectives.

Can I be considered if I do not have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency?

All applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents at the time of application. Applicants will need to provide proof of citizenship or permanent residence if they are selected for the program.

I will finish my doctorate after July 1, 2017. Am I still eligible to apply this fall?

As long as you have successfully defended your dissertation before Sept.1, 2017 when the appointment begins.

Finding a mentor

Do I need to find a faculty mentor at Wayne State?

Faculty mentors will be identified by a Wayne State selection committee for successful candidates. However, if you have a particular Wayne State faculty member with whom you would like to work, please provide that information on your personal statement (see application section below).

Application

What documentation do I need to submit in my application?

A complete submission includes the following documents:

Dissertation abstract

1-3 page personal statement that details why you are interested and should be selected for the fellowship, your research interests and goals, as well as your commitment to diversity.

Full CV

Three letters of recommendation

What should be covered in my three letter(s) of recommendation?

Those providing your recommendation letters should address the following:

Intellectual ability and independent thinking

Ability to work in teams

Grit, resilience and persistence

Ranking of the trainee in your experience

Potential to flourish as a tenure-track faculty member at a research institution

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

Your recommendations should come from your dissertation advisor and two additional references, at least one of whom must be another faculty member.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline to submit your on-line application, including all letters of recommendation and supporting documentation is April 15, 2017 at 5 p.m. EST. Successful candidates will be notified in mid- to late May 2017.

What criteria are considered by the selection committee when reviewing applicants?

The selection committee will evaluate applicants according to their potential for success in an academic career and potential to contribute to higher education through their demonstrated commitment to diversity in research, teaching or service.