The ChemE Communication Lab is proud to announce the return of our call for applications for a $10,000 research grant for all postdocs affiliated with MIT ChemE through a faculty advisor. This year’s competition pairs a grant writing workshop with 1:1 coaching and peer feedback.
Workshop participation is open to all postdocs, but required of applicants and peer reviewers. Explore our pitch deck for a snapshot of the program’s goals and learn more about how to apply or become a peer reviewer below.
How to Apply
- Complete our submission of intent form so we can gauge applicant numbers and plan proposal review. This form is for both prospective applicants and peer reviewers.
- Review the call and attend our grant-writing workshop. The training is required for all applicants and peer reviewers. Makeup accommodations will be made for those with scheduling conflicts.
- Come up with an innovative research idea to be worked on over the upcoming academic year here at MIT that aligns with your long-term strategic goals as an independent researcher and would benefit from a 10K seed grant.
- Write a compelling 3-5 page research proposal with support by the ChemE Comm Lab; a minimum of one personalized coaching appointment is mandated for all applicants; coaching during the early phases of developing the proposal is especially beneficial and encouraged.
- Submit your proposal by Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 10pm EDT as a single pdf file to our Google Drive form.
- Invited candidates, pitch your proposal in a 30-minute chalk talk consisting of five slides.
Important Milestones
Become a Peer-reviewer
Postdoc peer review is a critical part of our training program; participation provides exceptional professional development for your future career. We are eager to recruit six or more postdoc peer reviewers to work collaboratively with our faculty advisors and Communication Fellows.
Reviewers will have the opportunity to think critically about the communication and research strengths of the proposals with input from faculty on what they look for in evaluating both written proposals and chalk talks.
As a peer-reviewer, you commit to the following:
- You cannot enter the award competition
- You will participate in the online workshop
- You will be available to review ~4 proposals between July 31 and August 11.
- You will attend our committee meetings.
We anticipate there will be three committee meetings: one in late July to review the rubric, one in mid-August to select candidates for chalk talks, and one in early September to make the final selection. This is in addition to attending all chalk talk sessions. Virtual meetings will be an option for participants who are traveling.
If you are interested, contact the Comm Lab manager, Caitlin Stier with any questions and fill out our form to indicate your interest.