Simons Foundation Opens Applications for Independence Awards

The Simons Foundation is committed to supporting scientists as they transition from mentored training to their first independent research positions.

To that end, the foundation offers three independence awards through its Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain (SCGB) and Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB).

All three programs are now accepting applications. Those interested in applying are encouraged to view a video recording of the informational session here. Applications for the three programs are due on February 16, 2023, with the final selection of fellows expected in June 2023.

Selected applicants will receive two years of postdoctoral support with an annual salary of $70,000 plus a yearly resource and professional development allowance of $10,000. Upon assumption of an approved tenure-track faculty position, fellows will receive grant funding of $600,000 total over three years.

The SFARI Bridge to Independence Award welcomes applications that span the breadth of autism science that SFARI typically supports, including genetics, molecular mechanisms, circuits and systems, and clinical science. The award is open to scientists currently working in the autism field and those new to autism research. SFARI encourages applicants from historically underrepresented or excluded groups to apply.

The SCGB Transition to Independence Award is open to scientists investigating large-scale circuits at single-cell resolution to understand neural dynamics and coding. The program application is open to individuals from gender, racial, ethnic and other groups underrepresented in systems and computational neuroscience, including individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The SCPAB Transition to Independence Award supports researchers investigating the aging brain and cognitive decline. Experience in aging research is not required; the program welcomes applications from candidates with backgrounds in neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, cell biology and the physical and information sciences. Applications are open to individuals from racial, ethnic and other groups underrepresented in cognitive aging, including individuals with disabilities and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The three award programs emphasize different scientific missions and have different eligibility criteria. Therefore, prospective applicants should familiarize themselves with each program’s award requirements before applying.