This program supports postdoctoral associates in chemistry. It seeks to (1) build ties between academic and industrial, and/or national laboratory, and/or Chemistry Division-funded center researchers (partners) and (2) involve beginning scientists in efforts to broaden participation in chemistry. Fellows will pursue research with industrial, and/or national laboratory, and/or Chemistry Division-funded center partners that will enrich their in-house research program. In addition, fellows will develop and implement their own plans for broadening participation in the chemical sciences.
Successful applicants must propose a well-integrated, synergistic research plan with their chosen affiliate as well as an effective outreach plan that will broaden participation by underrepresented groups in chemistry. The research must be in a thematic area that is supported by the NSF Division of Chemistry. The Program will support Fellows for two years of postgraduate study. The Chemistry Division envisions that Postdoctoral Fellows with successful programs who pursue careers in academia will have opportunities for significant additional funding, either through supplements to their original ACC-F award, or through new awards from the Division. Future revisions of this solicitation will expand the scope of this program to other beginning scientists, pending availability of funds.
The PI on an American Competitiveness in Chemistry-Fellowship must be the prospective Fellow. No co-PIs are allowed. At the time of the award, a Fellow must hold a doctorate in the chemical sciences and must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
For a Postdoctoral Fellowship, the individual must have received his or her doctorate within two years from the start date of the fellowship. PIs who have not yet received their PhD are eligible to apply. Exceptions to this time-related restriction can be made for extenuating personal circumstances, such as a career interruption due to family responsibilities, but must be approved by a cognizant program officer prior to submission of the proposal. There can be only one proposal submitted per PI.
