QSIT INSPIRE Postdoc Award
1. Aim
The proportion of women staying in academic career tends to decrease with each career step. The tendency of a “leaky pipeline” is particularly evident at the stages of the academic career after the PhD level. In order to keep outstanding female scientists and at the same time substantiate their excellence in science, thereby supporting them in their academic career, NCCR QSIT has launched an INSPIRE award for postdocs. The grants scheme thus aims to increase the number of women researchers in research fields related to the partaking laboratories.
2. Candidates
The scheme targets female PhD students and future postdocs about to start their postdoc, who
- demonstrate their motivation and potential to conduct their postdoc research project in a laboratory of a principal investigator from NCCR QSIT
- meet the requirements for enrolment at the corresponding host university/institution.
Candidates can apply no later than six months after starting their postdoc research project in a QSIT group.
3. Award
- CHF 10'000 for travel and small equipment expenditures.
- Mentoring in a stimulating research environment.
- Social and networking events with students and researchers from the NCCR.
Note: This is not a salary substitute. The award should be used for professional expenditures, such as travelling, conference visits, etc.
4. Application procedure
Applications are to be submitted by email to: we do no longer accept applications
Application deadlines: we do no longer accept applications
Required documents: All documents should be in English. Diplomas in French, German or Italian will be accepted, too.
- Résumé (Curriculum vitae) including a list of publications and scientific achievements
- Motivation letter
- Career plan
- letter of acceptance from the host laboratory for the postdoc
- Two recommendation letters (recommended)
- Copy of your University degree(s) / transcripts from all grades
- Copy of identity card or passport (foreigners who live in Switzerland: + residence permit)
- If available: documents such as TOEFL or GRE scores
5. Selection
Selection is done on a competitive basis by members from the NCCR QSIT Scientific Committee. Candidates receive an answer about their application by email at the beginning of February/July. The selected candidates are asked to confirm their venue within 2 weeks. Otherwise, the award may be attributed to another candidate.
The award is granted only to selected applicants who have a postdoc position at one of the QSIT labs. Selected candidates are asked to start their postdoc research in the host laboratory within 8 months. Payment of the award money is subject to ongoing activity of the postdoc project.