Postdoctoral Scholars – FAQs

Do I have to belong to an underrepresented minority to apply for this program?
No. The program is open to all persons who meet the eligibility criteria, without regard to race, gender, or ethnicity.

I currently hold F-1/J-1/H-1B (or other) immigration status. Am I eligible for the program?
The Society does not provide visa sponsorship or work authorization.

Can I apply if I have a terminal degree (e.g., JD, MD, MFA, MBA, or EdD), but not a Ph.D.?
Yes. Applicants with terminal degrees in their respective field may apply as long as they are preparing for a career in university teaching and research.

I received my Ph.D. from a non-U.S. institution. Am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, the program is open to applicants who have received their Ph.D. from a non-U.S. institution. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

I received my Ph.D. over five years ago. Am I still eligible to apply for this program?
No. Only applicants who have completed or will complete their Ph.D. or terminal degree requirements between January 1, 2019 and September 1, 2022 are eligible for the program.

I received my Ph.D. from Boston University. Am I eligible to apply for this program?
No. Candidates who received their Ph.D. from Boston University are not eligible to apply.

I will receive my Ph.D. after September 1 of next year. Am I still eligible to apply this fall?
Applicants should expect to complete the requirements of their doctoral degree by September 1 of the year following your application.

I am currently a doctoral student or a postdoc at BU. Am I eligible to apply?
No. Current BU doctoral students and postdoctoral associates and fellows are not eligible to apply.

If I have applied for another postdoctoral position at Boston University, can I still apply?
Yes. If you have applied to another Boston University postdoctoral position, you are still welcome to apply for this program. However, you must disclose this in your cover letter.

I am currently an assistant professor. Am I eligible to apply?
This program is designed to give new scholars the opportunity to become more competitive candidates for tenure-track faculty appointments. Candidates with tenure-track appointments are not favored in the selection process, unless there is a clear explanation of how an award to the candidate would further the goals of the program.

I am unable to relocate to the BU campus. Am I still eligible to apply?
No. Scholars are required to reside in the Boston area and establish a presence on campus and be actively engaged with the Society and your host unit. 

Am I eligible to reapply if I was not selected in a previous application period?
Yes. Applicants not selected in a previous competition are eligible to reapply as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria in place at the time of the application. 

Are Scholars eligible to apply for a tenure-track position at BU, should one open up during the program period?
Yes, Scholars are eligible and encouraged to apply for appropriate faculty positions at BU. However, Postdoctoral Scholar status does not affect the outcome of one’s application; evaluation of job applicants is carried out independently by the hiring department/unit.

What is the application deadline?
To receive full consideration for this application cycle, applications should be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on Monday, November 22, 2021.

What should I include in my statement of research and scholarly goals?
The statement should provide a description of your previous research and scholarly work, your intended research plans if you were to receive the scholarship, and how your work would align with the research strengths of the College.

Should I send my graduate transcripts along with my online application?
No. The Society does not require transcripts to be sent with your online application. However, the Society will request official graduate transcripts if you are selected as a finalist.

Am I required to identify a mentor on my application?
No. All Scholars will be assigned one or more suitable faculty mentors from their host unit(s).

May I email, mail, or fax my application materials to you?
No. We are only able to review applications that are submitted online.

May I submit additional materials beyond the requirements?
No. We are only able to review the requested materials.

May I submit any application materials in a language other than English?
No. All application materials must be submitted in English.

May I revise my application or provide additional/updated materials after I have submitted it?
Yes. Your application materials may be updated on Academic Jobs Online up until the application deadline.

May I submit any application materials after the deadline?
No. All application materials must be finalized and submitted by 11:59 PM EST on November 22, 2021.

Do I need to submit my reference letters with my application?
No. During the open application period, we will only be asking applicants to submit the names and contact information of their referees with their applications. Only applicants who are selected for further consideration will be asked to submit Letters of Reference.

Are there sample applications available for review?
No, we do not provide sample applications for review. We encourage you to closely review the requirements for the requested materials, and to consult with your current academic advisor on how to develop a competitive application.

What should I do if I wish to withdraw my application?
Applicants who would like to withdraw their application must email the Society at SoFCAS@bu.edu. 

Who will review my application?
An interdisciplinary selection committee will review applications in consultation with the potential hosting department, program, or center of the candidate.

What does the selection committee focus on when reviewing applications?
Candidates will be assessed according to the strength of their research proposal, teaching statement, and DEI statement, as well as the interdisciplinary strength of their work and the fit of their research goals and interests with potential host units at CAS. Candidates will also be assessed on their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education and their ability to communicate effectively across different disciplines and audiences.

When are the final decisions announced?
Final decisions will be announced by late February 2022. Successful candidates will receive offers first. Alternates may be contacted if the awardees do not accept.