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Call for Expressions of Interest in Post-doctoral Research Fellowships at the National Institutes of Health (USA) – 2016 (3rd edition)

DOCUMENTS:

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Preparatory phase: 5 April to 15 June 2016
  • Call for Expressions of Interest: 16 June to 15 July 2016

PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

FCT and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in December 2013, to award Portuguese researchers of exceptional talent post-doctoral fellowships to carry out research in one of the laboratories within the NIH INTRAMURAL RESEARCH PROGRAM.

The call itself in preceded by a preparatory phase during which applicants contact prospective NIH Mentors, from amongst NIH Principal Investigators.

WHAT'S INCLUDED / FUNDING

FCT will fund up to four post-doctoral fellowships. Each fellowship has a maximum duration of three years, with possible renewal for returning fellows, again for a maximum of three years, as long as the proposed research is to be carried out at a Portuguese research centre. The stipends and components of the fellowship are detailed in the Notice of the Call (available only in Portuguese).

WHO CAN APPLY / ELIGIBILITY

The NIH-FCT Research Fellowship Programme is open to:

  • Portuguese citizens that have obtained a PhD up to three years prior to the application deadline, and have been living in Portugal for two consecutive years by the application deadline;
  • Authors or co-authors of original peer-reviewed publications that have a combined impact factor for the year of publication that is equal to or greater than 10.000 (without rounding off);
  • Researchers who have not received direct NIH funding or carried out prior research in NIH laboratories or centres;
  • Researchers who have not received FCT post-doctoral fellowships;
  • Researchers who include in their application proof of acceptance from their NIH Mentor, who is required to be a NIH Principal Investigator conducting research within the NIH Intramural Research Program.

HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY

Preparatory Phase
The Preparatory Phase that precedes the call for expressions of interest runs from 5 April to 15 June 2016.

During this time applicants are required to contact NIH Principal Investigators that conduct research within the NIH Intramural Research Programme, and only these Principal Investigators.

The following documents should be included when contacting the prospective mentor:

  • A motivation/cover letter
  • The Memorandum of Understanding between FCT and NIH;
  • The letter of support from the FCT;
  • A curriculum-vitae (in the NIH format)

Applicants are advised to prepare the full application during this period, too.

Detailed information on this phase and the full application is available in the Preparatory Phase to the Expression of Interest in NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (available only in Portuguese).

Expression of Interest
The Expression of Interest should be using the specific Application Form. All accompanying documents should be prepared in English, and sent in pdf format with the application form, by e-mail to bolsas_NIH_FCT@fct.pt.

The call for expressions of interest will run from 16 June to 15 July 2016.

Detailed information is available in the Notice of the Call (available only in Portuguese), which applicants are advised to read carefully.

EVALUATION

Applications will be assessed by an Evaluation Panel of Portugal-based leading researchers. NIH will determine the final list of selected applicants from a shortlist provided by FCT.

Applicants will be scored from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest), based solely on scientific merit, measured by scientific output, original and creative nature of previous research and match between the applicant’s profile and the research project to be undertaken at the NIH.

Detailed information is available in the Evaluation Guide (in Portuguese).

CONTACTS:

Please direct enquiries on this programme to bolsas_NIH_FCT@fct.pt.

The information on this page does not replace or override any requirements set forth in the Notice of the Call for Post-Doctoral fellowships a the NIH (available only in Portuguese).