September 29, 2009

TO:  CNS Faculty

FROM: Richard Schwartz, Associate Dean

College of Natural Science

SUBJECT: Office of the Provost Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, 2010-11

The College of Natural Science is pleased to announce the Office of the Provost Postdoctoral Fellowship program for 2010-11.  This program is intended to facilitate the recruitment of a diverse cohort of postdoctoral fellows at MSU. To facilitate recruiting, individuals may be recommended for a two-year appointment period.  Starting dates for the appointments must be July 1, 2010 or later.  Specifics of the appointments are as follows:

• 1. Annual stipend up to $46,945.  Please note that while the stipend is not tax exempt, there is no withholding for FICA, state, or federal taxes for individuals appointed as postdoctoral fellows.
  2. An additional amount of $2,000 is provided for the initial year and may be used for travel, student labor, supplies and services.
  3. Provision of health plan coverage on the same basis as provided to other postdoctoral fellows, i.e. at no expense to the individual for appointments that are nine months or longer at 50% time or more.  The University will cover the premium costs of health plan coverage via the central fringe account.  This coverage applies only to the fellow’s health plan coverage. Family health plan coverage is not provided, however, the premium for family coverage may be paid from the $2,000 referenced in item 2, above.
  4. Payment for tuition up to 12 graduate credits to those who choose to be admitted and enrolled.
  5. Individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Nominations should be forwarded to my attention (Richard Schwartz, schwart9@msu.edu) no later than Friday, February 5, 2010.  Nomination packages should consist of a description (no more than two pages) by the applicant of the research project that they intend to pursue, a letter of support from the faculty member sponsoring the postdoctoral fellow that includes an outline of the training activities to be undertaken and how the candidate will contribute to the diversity of MSU’s cohort of postdoctoral fellows, a letter of support from the Chairperson or Director, and a copy of the nominee’s curriculum vitae.