Funder: American Chemical Society
Due Dates: April 1, 2025 (Nomination) | July 8, 2025 (Application) | September 30, 2025 (Announcement) | November 1, 2025 (Fellowship Start)
Funding Amounts: $85,000 per year for two years (total $170,000); supports postdoctoral research at a U.S. nonprofit institution.
Summary: Two-year fellowship for early-career researchers in organic chemistry to pursue innovative, independent research in the U.S.
Key Information: Nomination by a research or academic mentor is required; only one nomination per mentor per cycle.
Description
The Arthur C. Cope Postdoctoral Fellowship, administered by the American Chemical Society (ACS), is a prestigious two-year fellowship supporting early-career researchers in organic chemistry. The fellowship is designed to provide intellectual and academic freedom for postdoctoral scientists to develop bold, creative research directions that advance the field and contribute to a sustainable world. Fellows are expected to participate in ACS meetings, mentoring, and career development activities.
Due Dates
- Nomination Deadline: April 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 8, 2025 (by invitation only)
- Announcement of Fellows: September 30, 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: November 1, 2025
Funding Amount
- Award: $85,000 per year for two years (total $170,000)
- Duration: 24 months
- Use: Supports postdoctoral research in organic chemistry at a nonprofit institution in the United States or U.S. territory.
Eligibility
- Degree: Must have earned (or will earn) a doctoral degree in the chemical sciences by November 1, 2025, or within 24 months prior.
- Career Stage: Within the first two years of postdoctoral research in organic chemistry.
- Location: Research must be conducted at a U.S. nonprofit institution or in a U.S. territory.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens, U.S. green card holders, and temporary U.S. residents are eligible.
- Nomination: Candidates must be nominated by a research or academic mentor (e.g., Ph.D. advisor, postdoctoral advisor, or other research mentor).
- Other: Demonstrated excellence in organic chemistry, commitment to mentoring, and potential to advance inclusivity in research.
Application Process
1. Nomination (by April 1, 2025)
- Nominator (research/academic mentor) submits:
- Letter of nomination (up to 800 words)
- Nominee’s CV
- Up to five links to key publications, patents, or other evidence of excellence
- Contact info for one student mentee and one departmental staff member for references
2. Invitation to Apply (by early May)
- Eligible nominees are invited to submit a full application.
3. Full Application (by July 8, 2025)
- Demographic information (including ORCID and LinkedIn)
- CV (including publications)
- Future Research Statement (up to 3 pages, excluding references)
- Career Impact Statement (up to 1 page), addressing:
- Future career goals
- Contributions to mentoring and inclusivity
- Alignment with sustainability efforts (e.g., U.N. SDGs)
- Co-signed letter of support from postdoctoral advisor and department chair
4. Review and Selection
- Applications are reviewed by a panel; no reviewer comments are provided.
- Fellows are announced by late September.
Additional Information
- Only one nomination per mentor is permitted per cycle.
- The award is granted regardless of race, gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or educational background.
- Fellows are expected to engage in ACS activities, including meetings and mentoring.
External Links
Contact Information