The Cornell Rising Star Program is looking for exceptional postdoctoral scientists from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in the biomedical sciences in the U.S.  We are focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the professoriate.

The Cornell Rising Star program provides individuals with the opportunity to polish their skills in preparation for seeking faculty positions. Individuals selected from this competitive pool of researchers will be sponsored to:

• Give a scientific seminar and a practice chalk talk, if appropriate to your stage of training
• Have networking opportunities with current faculty
• Get early alerts of open and/or upcoming faculty searches at Cornell
• Guidance on strengthening your application and interview skills
• Guidance on transitioning to a faculty position

“The PACE program was critical in helping me become familiar with the faculty job search and application process. I especially benefited from the seminar and chalk talk practice, which not only improved my talks, but also enabled me to gain exposure and familiarity with many faculty at Cornell.”
– Dr. Yvon Woappi, Columbia University

How to Apply

Eligibility

Are you:

• Considering a career in academia?
• A member of an ethnic or racial group historically underrepresented in the biomedical sciences in academia?
  • Black/African American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Native Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx
• A first-generation college student?
• Experienced overcoming significant challenges in your career path?
  • Managing a disability
  • Being of a gender or orientation identity historically underrepresented in your field of study
  • Veteran
  • Single parent
  • Holding DACA status
• A U.S. citizen or Green Card holder?

Applying to be a Cornell Rising Star is easy!

Applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions basis and decisions are typically provided within 1-2 weeks or less.

Resources from Previous Events

Highlights from July 2020 Rising Star webinar
Putting together a successful faculty job application, including tips on writing research, teaching, and diversity statements. Ideas and advice from a Rising Star Webinar on 7/22/20. Applying for a faculty position is daunting. You need to grab the search committee’s attention in a cover letter, and wow them with teaching and research statements.  An expert panel gave us tips from what to put in your cover letter to crafting compelling research and teaching statements. Lastly, we discussed what a diversity statement is, and what to include and not include in it. We also discussed questions from our Rising Stars. Webinar Notes – July 2020.

Highlights from August 2020 webinar
Preparing for successful interviews and chalk talks. Ideas and advice from a Rising Star Webinar on 8/19/20. Once you get invited for a faculty interview, you need to know what to expect and how to prepare. During this webinar, our expert panel provided tips for successful faculty interviews, paying particular attention to the chalk talk and how to nail it. Rising Stars questions submitted prior to this webinar were also answered. Webinar Notes – August 2020, and Suggestions for Chalk Talks, by Dr. David Russell