Summer Research Assistant, Simons-NSBP Scholar

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Thursday, December 16, 2021
Archive Date: 
Thursday, February 3, 2022
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Pre-doctoral/Graduate Positions
Institution Classification/Type: 
Other
Institution/Company: 
Flatiron Institute at Simons Foundation
City: 
New York
State/Province: 
NY
Country: 
United States of America
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

The Flatiron Institute announces a program that provides undergraduate NSBP members with summer research opportunities.


The Simons-NSBP Scholars Program (SNSP) is an exciting program that provides undergraduate NSBP members with unparalleled summer research opportunities. The program, which is a partnership between the Simons Foundation, Simons Observatory, and the National Society of Black Physicists, gives its Scholars a holistic experience and provides invaluable training for becoming a professional physicist.


Program Description

The SNSP has a number of components that are specifically designed to provide Scholars with the best experience possible.

  • Research: SNSP Scholars work on a wide range of projects that have included modeling gravitational waves in the early universe, developing sensors for measuring the Cosmic Microwave Background, and searching for new exoplanets. Each of these projects is at the cutting edge of its field, and our Scholars have been able to make valuable contributions to the projects on which they have worked. This year there will also be Quantum Physics, Biophysics, and Neuroscience projects.
  • Speaker Series: There are several black physicists working on exciting projects in a variety of areas. Every week of the SNSP, the Scholars hear from a new speaker about their work. The 2021 speaker series featured, among others, Derrick Pitts (Chief Astronomer at the Franklin Institute), Carol Scarlett (Professor of Physics, Florida A&M University) and Delilah Gates (Postdoctoral Scholar, Princeton University).
  • Professional Development: The SNSP has weekly programming to help Scholars advance their career. These workshops discuss topics ranging from graduate school applications to dealing with imposter syndrome.

 
The 2022 SNSP will take place in-person in our New York City offices. Scholars will work on projects with scientists at the Center for Computational Astrophysics, Center for Computational Biology, Center for Computational Quantum Physics, Center for Computational Mathematics, Center for Computational Neuroscience, or Simons Observatory.

The program will start in June 2022 and last for 10 weeks. The 2022 SNSP will kick off with an Opening Ceremony and an intense five-day programming boot camp.
 

Compensation
Simons-NSBP Scholars will receive compensation. Additionally, housing will be provided. Details about housing will be sent closer to the program start date. Finally, all travel and lodging expenses for the Opening Ceremony will be covered.


Required Application Materials

 
Applicants to the 2022 SNSP must submit the materials listed below. For full consideration, materials should be received by January 1; however, applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

  • Provide a personal statement stating why you are applying to the SNSP. This can be a statement about your interest in one area of the program (Astrophysics/Cosmology, Biology, Quantum Physics, Neuroscience), what being a Scholar would mean to you, how you feel the program would benefit you, or anything else that you feel is important for evaluating your application. The statement should be a maximum of one page.
  • Provide a current CV (or resume).
  • Provide current, unofficial transcripts for all universities you have attended.
  • The contact information of two people that will submit letters of recommendation on your behalf.


Scholars will be notified of their selection in March.


Eligibility
The SNSP is open to undergraduate members of the National Society of Black Physicists. We especially encourage applications from (i) students entering the final year of undergraduate studies and/or (ii) students studying in non-graduate degree granting departments.

If you aren’t yet a member of the NSBP, you can join here: https://nsbp.org/general/register_member_type.asp?.

An annual student membership will cost approximately $25; we may be able to explore alternative options for students who may be unable to meet this annual membership fee.

 

THE SIMONS FOUNDATION'S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Application Deadline: 
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Selection Deadline: 
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
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