FAQs
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the fellowship and the application process. If there are any other questions, please reach out to the program coordinator Lindsay McCall, lmccall@email.unc.edu.
Is a fellowship mentor the same as my research mentor?
No. Your fellowship mentor will be someone from the program’s core faculty. Trainees are matched up with fellowship mentors after they are accepted into the program. The fellowship mentor is there to help guide trainees through their fellowship. This mentor does not replace a dissertation chair, advisor, or any other research mentor from a trainee’s home department. The mentor letter as part of the application package will come from someone the applicant is already working with (typically the dissertation chair), not from the fellowship mentor.
Do I have to know my fellowship mentor when I apply?
No. Trainees are matched up with a fellowship mentor after being accepted into the program.
Do I have to submit all of my predoctoral application materials to Lindsay at one time?
No. You may send Lindsay the pieces separately or all in one email. Just as long as she receives all materials, including letters, by the due date of February 15th.
Who submits my letters of recommendation?
The letters of recommendation can be emailed to Lindsay directly from the recommenders or the can come from the applicants. Just as long as she receives all letters by the due date of February 15th.
Is there a word count limit for the supplemental questions?
No. There is no minimum or maximum limit for answers to the supplemental questions. Note that there is a 2-page limit for the writing sample/narrative description of the proposed research.
Do I have to be a US citizen to apply to the fellowship?
In accordance with the NIH Grants Policy Statement (11.3.2.6), applicants for fellowship support must be a citizen or a noncitizen national of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of appointment.
Do I have to have my doctoral degree completed before I can begin as a postdoctoral trainee?
Yes, postdoctoral trainees must have successfully completed all doctoral degree requirements before their appointment begins.
When are applications due? Is there any advantage to submitting my application early?
All application materials are due to Lindsay McCall by February 15th. There is no advantage to applying early since all applications will be reviewed after February 15th. But, it is strongly encouraged to submit your application prior to the due date to avoid any last-minute complications and allow time for questions, should there be any.
When do appointments begin and end?
Trainee appointments typically begin July 1 and end on June 30, but alternative start and end dates can be discussed. Two years is the common time frame for completing the fellowship, though one year is possible.
Are there any benefits associated with the fellowship?
Yes! Trainees will receive at least 60% coverage of tuition and fees each semester (sometimes more!). Health insurance costs will be reimbursed by the fellowship. The fellowship provides a stipend which is based on PGY levels set by the NIH. Trainees also receive funds for travel and research expenses.
Most of all, there are opportunities to receive valuable feedback from peers and faculty on research, abstract submissions, and presentations. Being a trainee opens doors. Because trainee time is paid for, you can collaborate with researchers across UNC at no cost to them. Trainees will have their own dedicated workspace at the Sheps Center and access to Sheps IT and Research Administration services.