The Visiting Graduate Student Scholars Program at Lafayette College invites doctoral students in chemical engineering who have an interest in an academic career at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI) to apply for a 10-week summer research position. Preference will be given to candidates specializing in polymers research. The program goals are to train and mentor graduate students preparing for careers at undergraduate-focused institutions to help them build the skills and experiences needed to develop, fund, and maintain an undergraduate-driven research program. The visiting graduate student would gain the first-hand experience of working in a laboratory at a PUI, which would include mentoring undergraduate students while contributing to the research aims of an NSF CAREER grant centered in the area of stimuli-responsive polymers. On-campus housing and stipend will be provided.
Qualifications:
• Candidates must currently be pursuing a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry or a related discipline. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in polymer synthesis and characterization.
• Candidates must be interested in working with and mentoring undergraduate researchers and considering a faculty career at a primarily undergraduate institution.
• Candidates must have basic laboratory skills and research experience (safe lab practices, recording and analyzing data, careful use of instrumentation, and a commitment to honesty and research integrity).
• Candidates must be able to work effectively on a diverse team within a collaborative, supportive environment.
• Candidates must have support of doctoral advisor(s) prior to applying.
Responsibilities:
• Participate in individual mentoring and training meetings
• Gain experience and training to envision and prepare for conducting research a PUI
• Receive assistance and feedback on searching for PUI faculty positions and application materials (if applicable)
• Design and execute experiments in conjunction with undergraduate researchers, record experimental details, analyze and interpret data, and present findings in oral and written formats
• Mentor undergraduate researchers, modeling safe lab practices and integrity in research
• Support a collaborative, productive, and inclusive learning environment
Application:
To apply, please submit the materials listed below. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Those submitted prior to 4/12 may be given preference. Please provide materials to: http://apply.interfolio.com/143015
• A Current CV
• A statement of career goals, research interests, relevant prior experiences, and how this opportunity may positively impact you (2-3 pages max)
• A letter of recommendation sent directly from doctoral advisor
• A very brief (2-3 sentences) signed letter of support from doctoral advisor(s) approving your participation in the 10-week program (may be included in the letter of recommendation)
Questions? Email Melissa Gordon, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (gordonm@lafayette.edu)
This program is supported by the Polymers Program in the National Science Foundation Division of Materials Research under Grant DMR-2143146 and Lafayette College.
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.