Application Instructions
The application period is currently closed.
To be considered for the Raymond Davis Jr. Fellowship, candidates must complete an application in Workday:
Complete application packages submitted in Workday should include: (as a single PDF document):
- A cover letter
- A curriculum vitae that includes a publication list, significant presentations, patents and other relevant activities
- A research proposal using the Research Proposal template
Application packages must also include 3 Letters of Recommendation:
- Three letters of recommendation are required to complete your application. Candidates must request that their referees send their Letters of recommendation directly via email to fellowships@bnl.gov. In the subject line, please request that they include the full name of the candidate. Submitting more than three letters does not confer competitive advantage. Only the first three letters received will be included with the application package to the selection committee for review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Q: Can a non-U.S. citizen apply?
A: Yes.
Q: Can a non-U.S. citizen that is employed at a non-U.S. institution apply?
A: Yes.
Q: Should applicants have at least two years of experience after a Ph.D. at the date of the application or at the date of the position starting (about one year later)?
A: Applicants must have at least two years of experience at the closing date of the application.
Q: I submitted my doctoral thesis in July 2019 but didn’t receive my Ph.D. certificate until January 2020. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, since you are not more than five years beyond receiving your Ph.D. at the closing date of the application.
Q: I received my Ph.D. in May 2019. Am I eligible?
A: No. You are more than five years beyond receiving your Ph.D. at the closing date of the application.
Q: I received my Ph.D. in January 2020. Am I eligible?
A: Yes, since you are no more than five years beyond receiving your Ph.D. at the closing of the application.
Q: I am less than two years from my Ph.D. by a few weeks on the closing date of the application. Am I eligible?
A: No.
General
Q: Will the candidates be interviewed?
A: A subset of the candidates will be interviewed.
Q: How does this Fellowship factor in with my current Brookhaven Lab research staff position?
A: The applicant, if selected as a Fellow, will continue on the research staff track, but will also receive the amenities of the Fellowship as described on this website.
Sponsors
Q: Are the sponsors selected from among Brookhaven Lab’s current staff members?
A: Yes.
Q: Can a Brookhaven Lab staff member sponsor more than one Fellow?
A: No.
Q: Can I be sponsored by more than one sponsor?
A: Yes, but a primary sponsor must be named.
Q: Can I be sponsored by a group?
A: Yes, but a primary sponsor must be named.
Q: If I have a primary sponsor and a secondary/co-sponsor, is the co-sponsor allowed to supervise me if they are the primary sponsor for somebody else?
A: No.
Q: I have identified a potential sponsor. That person, while working at Brookhaven, is not a Brookhaven Lab employee. Would they qualify to be a sponsor for my application?
A: No. The non-Brookhaven Lab employee can support the potential Fellow by writing a letter of recommendation; however, the sponsor must be a Brookhaven Lab employee.
Q: Can a Joint Appointee serve as a sponsor?
A: Yes.
Q: Should I contact a potential sponsor now, or is it better to wait for the next application rounds?
A: Yes, we recommend that you contact a potential sponsor now. This could be helpful in preparing your research proposal. However, also see the answer to the next question.
Q: How do I identify a sponsor?
A: We recommend that the candidate review Brookhaven Lab’s website for potential sponsors as well as open job requisitions and engage with the potential sponsors. If unsuccessful, the candidate should send a message to fellowships@bnl.gov with “Request assistance to find a sponsor” in the subject line. The request will be acknowledged and routed to Lab management. If the sponsor is not known at the time of application, Brookhaven Lab will assist you in identifying a possible sponsor once your application has been submitted.
Q: Should I still submit my application if I have not identified a sponsor?
A: Yes. Please see the answer to the previous question.
Q: When will I be notified if/when a sponsor has been identified?
A: We will notify you as soon as we are successful. If unsuccessful, we anticipate that we would notify you in the February-March 2025 timeframe at the latest.
Q: Does my sponsor need to notify you that they agreed to sponsor me?
A: When we receive the completed application, we will ask the sponsor to confirm that they agreed to sponsor the candidate. Ultimately, we will need a statement from them.
Letters of Recommendation
Q: Can a Brookhaven Lab staff member write a letter of recommendation?
A: Yes, a Brookhaven Lab staff member can write a letter of recommendation. However, the letter cannot be from the sponsor. The three letters need to come from supporters other than the sponsor.
Q: Can more than one Brookhaven Lab staff member write a letter of recommendation?
A: This is not recommended.
Q: Will you ask for the supporting letters directly or does the candidate have to get them?
A: The candidates will need to ask their supporters to send their letters to fellowships@bnl.gov. Please note that three letters of recommendation are required to complete your application. Candidates must request that their supporters send their letters of recommendation directly via email to fellowships@bnl.gov.In the subject line, please request that they include your full name. Submitting more than three letters does not confer competitive advantage. Only the first three letters received will be included with the application package that is sent to the Selection Committee for review.
Q: When do my letters of recommendation have to be submitted?
A: Your application package, as well as three letters of recommendation must be submitted and received by the application deadline.
Q: Who should I contact to see if my letters of recommendation were received from my supporters.
A: To check receipt of your three letters, email fellowships@bnl.gov for confirmation.
