Application Information

Postdoctoral Fellowship Program:
Academic Year 2025-2026

This program provides funding to CICS faculty PIs to support postdoctoral researchers who have obtained a PhD outside of UMass, helping faculty draw new talent and intellectual strength to campus. In compelling cases the program will support postdoctoral fellows already employed at CICS, but this is not the preferred use of these funds.

Details

Duration:  1-2 years.

Number of positions available:  Subject to income from CDS Industry Affiliate Program. CDS currently projects support for one new position starting in 2025–2026.

Application Deadline:  Full applications should be received by April 1st (some flexibility allowed on reference letters).  CDS award decisions will be communicated by April 8.

Obligations to CDS:  Both the postdoc and the faculty PI are asked to deepen their relationship with CDS through a modest engagement with CDS activities and initiatives.  PIs are highly encouraged to contact CDS executive director Tom Bernardin (tbernard@umass.edu) in order to explore possible areas of interest for collaboration prior to submitting the application.  Examples of collaboration include:

  • Helping CDS staff and Director organize a CDS sponsored event such as Research Symposium or seminar series
  • Supervising or collaborating on CDS programs, including Data Science for the Common Good, or Data Core
  • Playing a role in the CDS MS student industry mentorship program
  • Some other idea!

A written summary of the collaborative intentions should be prepared by the faculty PI, with input from CDS leadership, and submitted as part of the application.  

How to Apply

Send the following materials to CDS administrative assistant Elena Penfieldd (ehayes@umass.edu):

  1. Postdoc candidate’s CV
  2. Three reference letters from outside CICS
  3. A letter of support from the PI, including each of the following elements clearly marked with a heading:
    1. Brief project description
    2. An explanation of why the candidate is a good fit for the work
    3. A tentative start date and duration
    4. A summary of CDS service to be provided by the PI and postdoc during the fellowship period
    5. A commitment (if any) by the PI to fund a portion of the postdoc indicating amount and source of funds
  4. A brief statement from the candidate that speaks to their research goals, fit for the position, and future plans.

Applications will be chosen based on the following criteria:

  • Significance of the proposed project and its potential for impact on the research community and society
  • Collaborative potential and synergies with CDS programs
  • Applications from junior faculty are especially encouraged
  • Ability of the PI to fund a portion of the postdoc