Simpson Querrey Fellowship in Data Science

Background

Kimberly Querrey and Louis Simpson as Trustees of Northwestern have been instrumental in supporting the growth of the University and of the Feinberg School of Medicine. They have focused on moving fundamental discoveries in science and engineering to patients. Recognizing the increasing importance of innovative technologies and data science models, they endowed the Simpson Querrey Fellowship in Data Science. This Fellowship supports a postdoctoral fellow with an extraordinary track record of productivity during their graduate training who seeks to leverage innovations in data science to advance discovery broadly in the field of lung disease. The Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellow will benefit from the extraordinary environment and resources provided by the Simpson Querrey Lung Institute for Translational Sciences (SQLIFTS) as they make their transition toward an academic career as an independent investigator.

Application

Applicants are eligible to apply for a Simpson Querry Fellowship in Data Science if, at the time of application, they are:

• Scientists holding a relevant degree (e.g., BS, MS, MD, PhD, ScD, DVM) embarking on a career in basic, clinical, or translational science related to pulmonary and critical care medicine.
• A citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada or have a permanent residency application on file at the time of application with the U.S. or Canadian Immigration Services. Additionally, applicants with an approved Northwestern University–sponsored U.S. visa (e.g., J1, F1, H1B) are eligible to apply.
• A PhD or other non-MD scientist no more than seven years beyond completion of their doctoral degree or an MD scientist no more than seven years beyond clinical training (i.e., residency, internship, or clinical fellowship) at the time of application. Candidates with more than seven years of postdoctoral training require approval for continued training from the Director of the Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellowship Program.
• Individuals are not eligible for a Simpson Querrey Fellowship in Data Science if, at the time of application, they are or have been a principal investigator on an NIH K or R series research award or other nationally competitive research award at the comparable level.
• Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellows are required to devote all of their time to research. Candidates from underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Applications for Fellowships will not be considered for funding if either the applicant has a relationship with the tobacco industry, as described in the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines. If a current Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellow enters a relationship with the tobacco industry, the Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellowship support will be immediately terminated.

Evaluation Criteria

The appraisal of a Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellowship application is based on consideration of the qualifications and career trajectory of the candidate, and the scientific merits of the research project proposal. Each of these three aspects is given equal weight in determining the final priority rating. 

Terms and Requirements of the Simpson Querrey Fellowship in Data Science

The Fellow will agree that the research will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and institutional laws and regulations governing the ethical conduct of research.

The Fellow will devote all of their time available for research.

A progress report must be submitted at the end of their yearlong appointment.

The postdoctoral trainee's stipend will be awarded at $80,000 per year plus fringe benefits.

• Awardees may apply for continuing support for up to two years.
• Allowable costs are restricted to the Fellow's salary plus fringe benefits.
• Approval for any other costs must be requested in writing by the Fellow and approved by the Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellowship Program.
• Indirect costs and equipment purchases are not allowed.
• The Fellow must notify the Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellowship Office, of any significant new competitive awards that are received during the period of their Fellowship.
• The Fellow is required to acknowledge the sponsorship of the Simpson Querrey Data Science Fellowship Program on all publications resulting from this award.

Area of Research

The Fellowship supports research into the basic mechanisms of and cures for lung diseases.

Eligibility

Please submit the following to Sean Campbell (seancampbell@northwestern.edu):

• Personal statement (goals and commitment to a career in research, 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae with a list of publications or NIH Biosketch
• Brief summary of prior research experience (1-2 paragraphs)
• Summary of proposed research (limit 1 page)

Deadline

The application deadline is November 15. The decision will be made on January 15. Notifications will be communicated on February 1.

Late applications will not be accepted.