How to Apply

Application process

There is no set deadline for the OHSU Fellowship for Diversity in Research - we have a rolling admissions process. Because of the rolling admissions process and the limited number of Fellowships available each fiscal year, we encourage you to reach out to us if you are interested in applying to learn how many placements are still available.

Here is what you can expect in the process of submitting your application: 

1. Find an OHSU Mentor: Explore the faculty doing research in your area of interest at OHSU. Reach out to one or more Principal Investigators (PI) at OHSU whose lab you are interested in joining and ask them about joining their lab as a postdoc. You can point them to this website and let them know that you would receive a year of funding through the program as well as professional development and mentorship support. If you would like help finding a mentor at OHSU, please reach out to us! 

2. Contact co-directors: We require that all applicants schedule a meeting with the co-directors to discuss the application process and answer any questions about the program. To schedule a meeting please contact us.

3. Get proposed mentor’s Biosketch and Other Support, as well as Letter of Support from your proposed mentor: Once you have confirmed an OHSU PI to be your mentor, request their NIH format Biosketch and Other Support documents and secure a Letter of Support from them. This letter should detail two specific elements: 
     i. What the tentative funding mechanism will be for postdoctoral years two and beyond. 
     ii. How specifically your Faculty Mentor will assist you with your long-term career development - for example, a brief explanation of how the mentor will support you in advancing beyond the postdoctoral training period or their typical philosophy for mentoring postdocs.

4. Apply: Complete the application online, including uploading the required documents (see more details below). 

5. Application Review: After review of your application by our Research Diversity Advisory Committee, we will reach out to confirm whether you will continue in the selection process. This review process typically takes 4-6 weeks. If you are selected for an interview, we will schedule a time to meet virtually with you and your OHSU mentoring PI to discuss the Fellowship. Post-interview we will contact you with our final decision. 

Who is eligible?

The goal of the OHSU Fellowship for Diversity in Research (OFDIR) is to address the need for increased representation of minoritized races/ethnicities in STEM at the postdoctoral level. If you meet the following guidelines, you are eligible to apply for the OFDIR program: 

  • Priority is given to applicants who have obtained their Ph.D. (or are soon to defend) and are not currently OHSU trainees (e.g., graduate students or postdoctoral trainees) 

  • Individuals requiring mentored postdoctoral training in order to achieve their career goals

If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss them. 

What materials are needed to apply?

Required application materials include: 

1. A curriculum vitae, including current and pending publications 

2. A personal statement, no longer than two pages, single-spaced, which must address all of the following: 

  • Your previous research accomplishments 

  • How participation in this program would further your career 

  • How your background or experiences will increase the diversity of the community of scholars at OHSU 

3. The abstract of your thesis/dissertation.  

4. A research plan (no more than two pages) of what you hope to accomplish in the fellowship year (and beyond!) 

5. Three letters total: two letters of reference from people acquainted with your academic research/work and a letter of support from the OHSU faculty member who has agreed to be your mentor. 

Can international post-doctoral researchers apply for the OFDIR program? 

Priority for applicants is given to U.S. citizens or legal resident. If you are not a citizen or legal resident but are still interested in applying, please contact us to discuss. 

Can I apply if I don't have a PhD?

If you have another professional degree that is not a Ph.D. or you are a dual degree holder, please contact contact us to discuss your eligibility. 

Can a researcher who is currently working at OHSU apply for the OFDIR program? 

Priority is given to applicants that are not currently OHSU trainees. If you have any questions, we are always happy to discuss this point. Please feel free to contact us.

When is the application due?

Applications are due on a rolling basis and their is not specific deadline throughout the year. 

How long does the application review take?

Application review takes about 2-3 months. 

How much will OFDIR Fellows be paid? 

OFDIR Fellows receive a stipend for their first year of research based on the OHSU Minimum Rates and NIH Stipend Scales. In the first year, Fellows are mentored and supported to seek additional-year funding from other sources.

Can I have a second mentor during the OFDIR Fellowship?

You can have a second mentor during your Fellowship. The second mentor must provide a letter of support for the application.

Are researchers who have already completed one postdoc eligible to apply for a second postdoc through the OFDIR program? 

Yes. There is no time-post-PhD requirement to apply for the OFDIR program. 

Can I apply if I already have funding from another source?

If you are receiving first year salary support through a training grant or diversity supplement (or would be able to bring funding from your current position into a postdoctoral position at OHSU), you are still eligible to apply for additional benefits with OFDIR. If you have questions, please contact us.

What happens if I receive a grant during my first-year as an OFDIR Fellow?

If you receive a new grant during your your first-year as an OFDIR Fellow that covers salary, your salary will come from this new source of funding, and all other OFDIR benefits remain.