Information for MRSEC Participants

ARCHIVED Opportunities

NOTE: Current opportunities are available here.

Below are past opportunities available, including University of Maryland Graduate School's workshops and courses in a variety of topics including thesis and dissertation completion, effective job interviewing skills, CVs and cover letters, and information on national scholarships and fellowships. The MRSEC strongly encourages graduate students and post docs to learn about these opportunities and participate in graduate school programs that provide support, training, and guidance in these areas. Please see the current opportunities to find something in your interest area.

For Postdoctoral Researchers

Funding Opportunities

• Student Project Travel Grants through the International Center for Materials Research (ICMR) at UC Santa Barbara
  

  These grants are part of ICMR's Developing Region grant competition, currently in the 2010/2011 academic year. This is an annual program which is expected to last for five years.

  The intent of these grants is to offset the costs of students traveling to developing world regions to implement projects. Eligible students will be those attending US universities with a demonstrated intent to perform research in a materials related area. The project that the travel is related to must have a materials component and be specifically related to developing world problems.

  Travel grants will be limited to approximately $3,000 per student trip. ICMR anticipates funding up to 10 students per year. Conference travel is not supported under this grant program.

  Applications are accepted at any time but for full consideration should be received by May 1, 2010 for travel from July through December, and by November 1, 2010 for travel from January through June.

  How to Apply:

  Application materials, consisting of a description of the project and/or travel, emphasizing the nature and motivation for the international component, a short CV and (for students or postdocs) a letter of support from the advisor, should be sent to the ICMR Program Coordinator, Jennifer Ybarra (ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu). Applications are limited to three pages. Consideration will be given to applications for both travel and research (see below) related to the same project, in which case the applicant should clarify whether or not the travel and research components can be funded independently.

• Research and Development Seed Grants through the International Center for Materials Research (ICMR) at UC Santa Barbara
  

  These grants are part of ICMR's Developing Region grant competition, currently in the 2010/2011 academic year. This is an annual program which is expected to last for five years.

  These grants will help fund materials related research projects and development with a developing world focus. They are seed grants which are intended to initiate smaller scale projects and collaborations for novel materials applications. Projects could include the development of specialized devices using novel materials, or field trials of existing materials technology adapted to the developing world. Grants must be made by a joint US-developing world team. Emphasis will be given to projects proposed by student teams.

  ICMR anticipates funding between 4 and 8 projects with costs ranging between $5,000 and $10,000. The duration of the project should be specified and may be up to one year. Renewal funding will be considered but will not have as high a priority as new projects.

  Applications are accepted at any time but for full consideration should be received by May 15th.

  How to Apply:

  Application materials, consisting of a description of the project and/or travel, emphasizing the nature and motivation for the international component, a short CV and (for students or postdocs) a letter of support from the advisor, should be sent to the ICMR Program Coordinator, Jennifer Ybarra (ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu). Applications are limited to three pages. Consideration will be given to applications for both travel (see above) and research related to the same project, in which case the applicant should clarify whether or not the travel and research components can be funded independently.

• International Research Fellowships from the International Center for Materials Research (ICMR) at UC Santa Barbara
  

  ICMR International Research Fellowships support research visits to non-US laboratories for graduate students, post-docs and junior faculty affiliated with US Institutions. Typical durations are a few weeks - 3 months, with award amounts for travel and expenses of up to $5000; ICMR anticipates that the applicant will continue to receive their regular salary support from their home institution. Conference travel is not supported.

  How to Apply:

  Application materials, consisting of a 1-page description of the collaboration, emphasizing the nature and motivation for the international component, a short CV and (for students and postdocs) a letter of support from the advisor, should be sent to the ICMR Program Coordinator, Jennifer Ybarra (ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu). Applications are welcome at any time, but should be received by March 24th for fullest consideration. Our funding structure prioritizes collaborations with countries that are not in Western Europe. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Ybarra at Ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu.

• Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers
• Ellen Williams Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Program; Research Topic: Time-Domain Nanoscience
  

  To honor the outstanding contributions and leadership of Professor Ellen Williams, former MRSEC director, in nanoscience and nanotechnology, the NanoCenter - in collaboration with three Colleges (ENGR, CMPS, CLFS) -has created a prestigious postodoctoral fellowship program to attract the best and brightest to targeted research areas of interest to faculty in the NanoCenter. This announcement represents the initial phase of the program.

  Overview:

  Short proposals are solicited from UMD faculty for funding to support outstanding postdoctoral fellows in pursuit of new research directions that emphasize the dynamics in nanoscale phenomena, including but not limited to ultrafast time scales. With partial funding support from a NIST grant and from its three Colleges (ENGR, CMPS, CLFS), the NanoCenter seeks to establish UMD as a leader in time-domain nanoscience and to attract some of the most talented Postdoctoral Fellows to this effort.

  This program is specifically aimed at assisting faculty at more junior levels, i.e. Assistant and Associate Professors, in order to assist their development into research leaders of international prominence. Funds will be used to support 1/2 to 2/3 the cost of a new two-year Postdoctoral Fellow at a salary level sufficient to attract top talent. The remainder of salary-associated costs must be committed by the faculty awardee.

  For more information, see the announcement.

• Powerful Postdocs: Maximizing your Potential in the Transition to that First Academic Job
  Offered by COACh (Committee on the Advancement of women Chemists)
  
  This workshop is for postdoctoral associates interested in an academic career to learn how to assimilate fundamentals of responsible negotiations and conflict resolution; they learn to be curious about points of view, data, and aspirations of all parties involved. Attendees examine the importance of developing alternatives to agreement that build self-confidence and enhance preparation. They use self-examination to discover personal negotiating styles and in prepared case studies covering current challenges, practice skills to reach highly successful outcomes. Discussion is particularly focussed on issues relevant to securing an academic position that will put you in the best position for success in your new career in academia. A discussion of all items to consider in the negotiating stage of the job search and effective strategies for making the best impression in the job interview process.
  Q&A Panel with senior faculty women in the chemical sciences will be held also so bring your career questions!
  
  

For Graduate Students

Research Opportunities

• New Developments in the Field of Synchrotron Radiation - "Advanced School" in Brazil, January 2011

  The State of São Paulo would like to increase the number of foreign pos-docs. For that, it is creating “Advanced schools” (5 per year) on different topics. The goal is to have 100 students, during their PhD: 50% from Latin America and 50% from other parts of the world. The idea is to show them domains that have moved quickly in the last few years. We have proposed to have one on "The new developments in the field of Synchrotron Radiation." The school will not deal with the techniques, but with the scientific domains: structural biology, 3D imaging, magnetism, nanosciences, catalysis, etc. Most of the students will probably not be familiar with Synchrotron Radiation, so they could learn about new possibilities for their research.

  Dates: From January 17th till 25th 2011, followed by 2 days visiting universities in Sao Carlos, Campinas and Sao Paulo.

  strong>Submission of Applications: Application period from July 01st till October 15th, 2010. The acceptance of the school will be notified by e-mail on October 18th, 2010.

  Location: Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS – CAMPINAS, SP – BRAZIL)
  Rua Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro, 10.000 – Pólo II de Alta Tecnologia – Campinas – SP

  Information: Roberta Santarosa Colleto (roberta.colleto@lnls.br)

  Organization: Lodging, transportation and air tickets will be covered and organized by the School.

• Student Project Travel Grants through the International Center for Materials Research (ICMR) at UC Santa Barbara
  

  These grants are part of ICMR's Developing Region grant competition, currently in the 2010/2011 academic year. This is an annual program which is expected to last for five years.

  The intent of these grants is to offset the costs of students traveling to developing world regions to implement projects. Eligible students will be those attending US universities with a demonstrated intent to perform research in a materials related area. The project that the travel is related to must have a materials component and be specifically related to developing world problems.

  Travel grants will be limited to approximately $3,000 per student trip. ICMR anticipates funding up to 10 students per year. Conference travel is not supported under this grant program.

  Applications are accepted at any time but for full consideration should be received by May 1, 2010 for travel from July through December, and by November 1, 2010 for travel from January through June.

  How to Apply:

  Application materials, consisting of a description of the project and/or travel, emphasizing the nature and motivation for the international component, a short CV and (for students or postdocs) a letter of support from the advisor, should be sent to the ICMR Program Coordinator, Jennifer Ybarra (ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu). Applications are limited to three pages. Consideration will be given to applications for both travel and research (see below) related to the same project, in which case the applicant should clarify whether or not the travel and research components can be funded independently.

• Research and Development Seed Grants through the International Center for Materials Research (ICMR) at UC Santa Barbara
  

  These grants are part of ICMR's Developing Region grant competition, currently in the 2010/2011 academic year. This is an annual program which is expected to last for five years.

  These grants will help fund materials related research projects and development with a developing world focus. They are seed grants which are intended to initiate smaller scale projects and collaborations for novel materials applications. Projects could include the development of specialized devices using novel materials, or field trials of existing materials technology adapted to the developing world. Grants must be made by a joint US-developing world team. Emphasis will be given to projects proposed by student teams.

  ICMR anticipates funding between 4 and 8 projects with costs ranging between $5,000 and $10,000. The duration of the project should be specified and may be up to one year. Renewal funding will be considered but will not have as high a priority as new projects.

  Applications are accepted at any time but for full consideration should be received by May 15th.

  How to Apply:

  Application materials, consisting of a description of the project and/or travel, emphasizing the nature and motivation for the international component, a short CV and (for students or postdocs) a letter of support from the advisor, should be sent to the ICMR Program Coordinator, Jennifer Ybarra (ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu). Applications are limited to three pages. Consideration will be given to applications for both travel (see above) and research related to the same project, in which case the applicant should clarify whether or not the travel and research components can be funded independently.

• International Research Fellowships from the International Center for Materials Research (ICMR) at UC Santa Barbara
  

  ICMR International Research Fellowships support research visits to non-US laboratories for graduate students, post-docs and junior faculty affiliated with US Institutions. Typical durations are a few weeks - 3 months, with award amounts for travel and expenses of up to $5000; ICMR anticipates that the applicant will continue to receive their regular salary support from their home institution. Conference travel is not supported.

  How to Apply:

  Application materials, consisting of a 1-page description of the collaboration, emphasizing the nature and motivation for the international component, a short CV and (for students and postdocs) a letter of support from the advisor, should be sent to the ICMR Program Coordinator, Jennifer Ybarra (ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu). Applications are welcome at any time, but should be received by March 24th for fullest consideration. Our funding structure prioritizes collaborations with countries that are not in Western Europe. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Ybarra at Ybarra@icmr.ucsb.edu.

• Workshop to Foster US-Brazilian Research Collaborations, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 16-26, 2009
  Application Deadline: June 15, 2009
  
  Workshop Goals:
  1. Expand US-Brazilian research collaborations by establishing new working relationships among young US researchers and their Brazilian counterparts.
  2. Provide global leadership training to young researchers on both sides, including experience in team building, cross-cultural communication, project planning, proposal writing, and use of international R&D infrastructures.
     
     
  Overview:

  This NSF-funded program will match twelve outstanding US senior graduate students with twelve Brazilian students from universities near Rio de Janeiro , based on their ongoing thesis research. The students will be assembled into working groups to plan collaborative research projects that leverage their complementary strengths and capabilities.

  A few months before the Workshop, the groups will begin brainstorming potential projects online, with mentoring from their thesis advisors on both sides. At the Workshop, they will continue project planning, visit local universities and research facilities, and go on cultural excursions to discover Rio . They will also attend the International Conference on Advanced Materials sponsored by the International Union of Materials Research Societies (IUMRS-ICAM 2009), where they will attend relevant sessions and present their collaborative research plans for review by a panel of senior researchers and agency representatives.

  It is hoped that this event will generate a number of viable collaborative projects for potential joint funding by US and Brazilian sponsors.

  Who Can Apply?

  Advanced graduate students (3-4 year) who are currently performing thesis-related research in science and engineering fields (i.e., chemistry, physics, materials science, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, applied math, biology, etc.) are eligible to apply.

  US applicants must be US citizens or permanent US residents, hold passports that are valid at least through April 2010 and be available to travel to Brazil from about Sept 15 to about September 27, 2009. Brazilian students must reside in the Rio de Janeiro area and be available to attend the entire event. On both sides, the involvement of your thesis advisor is a prerequisite for admission.

Professional Development

• Ph.D. Completion Workshop Series provided by UMD Graduate School
• Case Studies in Scientific Ethics
  CHPH714
  Instructor: Charles W. Clark, Institute for Physical Science and Technology and Joint Quantum Institute
  

  Note from MRSEC Director Ellen Williams: "This course will be useful to everyone planning a professional research career. The MRSEC program will support any of our personnel to take this class."

  Outline: Events during the past decade have highlighted the issues of ethical conduct in scientific research. This course will address the intersection of ethics and science following the "case study" approach of On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Responsible Conduct in Research, Third Edition (The National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2009), but using actual examples from recent controversies in physical sciences. We will look at the causes, rationales and consequences of ethical decisions, as they affect individuals, organizations and the relationship between science and society. Active engagement of students in the coursework is essential. During each week we will discuss a case on Wednesday morning; students must submit an essay (maximum 600 words) by e-mail by Thursday evening; essays will be anonymized and form the basis of class discussion on the Friday morning.

  A pass grade in this course will certify that the student has read, and passed an examination on, the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct (Federal Register, Vol. 65, No. 235, Wednesday, December 6, 2000, pp. 76260-76264).

• The Nanoethics Graduate Education Symposium
  The Nanoethics Graduate Education Symposium will take place September 9, 2009 at the University of Washington in Seattle. This conference will bring together graduate students and leading scholars from across disciplines to discuss ethics of nanoscience and nanotechnologies. Scholars will present original papers on ethical and social considerations related to nanotechnology. The Nanoethics Graduate Education Symposium will be held in cooperation with the University of South Carolina and coincide with the first annual meeting for the Society for Nanoscience and Emerging Technologies (SNET). The University of South Carolina and will be hosting sessions September 8-11, 2009.

  The University of Washington is offering a $400 travel stipend to Graduate students that wish to attend the Nanoethics workshop and the SNET Conference. For more information, see Society for Nanoscience and Emerging Technologies (SNET) site.