[Research Corporation for Science Advancement](https://rescorp.org)

September 30, 2026 (nomination form) | October 31, 2026 (full application)

Multi-year professional development support; travel and dependent care expenses for key events are covered.

Supports postdoctoral scholars in the physical sciences with mentorship, resources, and structured programming to prepare for and transition into tenure-track faculty roles.

--- ## Description The RCSA Fellows program is designed for postdoctoral scholars in the physical sciences (chemistry, physics, astronomy, or allied fields) who aspire to become tenure-track faculty. The program provides a multi-year professional development experience, including cohort-based programming, one-on-one mentorship, and targeted support throughout the academic job search process. Fellows participate in mock interviews, receive guidance on faculty responsibilities, and benefit from travel and dependent care support to attend key events such as annual meetings and mock interviews. The initiative aims to build an engaged, cross-disciplinary community of future faculty and foster innovative research and teaching in the physical sciences. --- ## Due Dates - September 30, 2026: Nomination form (confidential letter from nominator) due - October 31, 2026: Full application materials (for invited nominees) due All nomination and application materials must be submitted through RCSA’s PRISM portal. --- ## Funding Amount - The program covers travel expenses for mock interviews and annual cohort meetings. - Dependent care expenses are reimbursed for key events. - Additional professional development programming and support are provided. - No direct research funding or salary/stipend is specified; support focuses on professional development and transition costs. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be postdoctoral scholars with a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, astronomy, or allied fields. - Must not currently hold a tenure-track faculty position. - Nomination is required from a Cottrell Scholar, Holland Awardee, Scialog Fellow or Facilitator from the physical sciences, or a member of the Fellows Advisory Committee. --- ## Application Process 1. **Nomination Phase** (by September 30, 2026) - A nominator (see eligibility above) submits a confidential nomination letter and nominee contact information via the RCSA PRISM portal. 2. **Application Phase** (by October 31, 2026, for invited nominees) - Invited nominees submit: - 2–3 page cover letter describing career objectives, background, and contributions to communities - Full curriculum vitae - 2-page research proposal - 2-page teaching statement - All materials are submitted electronically through the [RCSA PRISM portal](https://rescorp.org/rcsa-fellows/be-an-rcsa-fellow). --- ## Additional Information - Selection criteria emphasize the quality and significance of scientific achievements, research proposals, and teaching plans. - Fellows are expected to fully participate in all program activities and events. - The annual RCSA Fellows Conference provides further networking and career development opportunities. --- ## External Links - [RCSA Fellows Program Overview](https://rescorp.org/rcsa-fellows/) - [Be an RCSA Fellow – Program Details & Application](https://rescorp.org/rcsa-fellows/be-an-rcsa-fellow) - [RCSA PRISM Portal](https://rescorp.org/rcsa-fellows/be-an-rcsa-fellow) - [Contact RCSA](https://rescorp.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|-----------------------|------------------| | RCSA Program Office | rcsa@rescorp.org | +1 520-571-1111 | | Program Director: [Eileen Spain](https://rescorp.org/people/eileen-m-spain/) | — | — | ---

Be an RCSA Fellow

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