The Salk Fellows Program is a path for exceptionally talented early-stage career scientists to embark on fully independent research programs as an alternative to traditional postdoctoral studies. They seek bold leaders who are passionate in exploring new frontiers in science and pursuing innovative solutions to fundamental questions in biology. Candidates or recent PhD or MD graduates, ideally no more than one year from graduation with two at the most, with demonstrated excellence in research and leadership ability are appointed as Principal Investigators for an initial term of three years with the possibility for an extension of one to two additional years for a maximum of five years. Salk Fellow appointees are eligible for consideration for promotion to Assistant Professor.
Salk fellows are interdisciplinary scientists who integrate diverse approaches (e.g. computer science, mathematics, imaging, computational biology, physics, machine learning, molecular modeling, synthetic biology or engineering) to address fundamental biological questions. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, all aspects of health and disease (e.g. human, plant and global health/disease), adaptation and evolution, host-pathogen interactions, neurobiology, physiology, translational medicine and genomics, biophysics and bioengineering. Prospective Fellows’ proposed research should not be simply an extension of their graduate work but should pursue bold and uncharted frontiers. The work should be exciting, combining originality and risk, two factors that often lower the chances of obtaining support through traditional channels but can lead to truly groundbreaking discoveries.
Candidates must complete an application online through Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/102486) and include a current curriculum vitae, research statement, and three recommendation letters from scientists who are distinguished leaders in their fields, including one from their research advisor. Selected referees should be able to comment in depth on candidates’ accomplishments and potential and describe the impact of their proposed research programs on their fields. Research advisors should explain how candidates’ research is distinct from previous work conducted in their labs. Referees should also address candidates’ readiness to start and operate an independent lab and their potential to benefit from an accelerated path to an independent research career.
Applications with all required materials will be accepted until the position is filled.
