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Plant Science Research Fellowship with Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, VA

Type of position Fellowship
Employer Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Location Upperville, VA
Salary 10,000.00
Closing date of competition May 31, 2023
Date position available March 11, 2024
Description of duties

The Plant Science Research Fellowship is awarded annually by The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) to one outstanding, early-career plant scientist, with preference given to scientists working in organismal plant biology.  This is OSGF’s most prestigious award for early career practicing plant scientists.  The award includes a $10,000 individual grant and requires a 2 – 5 week stay at OSGF.  While at OSGF, the Fellow will be able to meet with staff, explore their 700-acre landscape, see their efforts in sustainable land management, and visit their rare book library that holds over 19,000 objects, including many examples of botanical art. The fellowship is well suited for individuals working on dissertations, or writing projects that require dedicated time in a supportive community with minimal distractions.

OSGF intends to award the Fellowship to an exceptional plant scientist whose research shows remarkable promise to contribute to a deeper understanding of organismal plant biology, including plant ecology.  The Fellow will be scheduled to visit when there are other Interdisciplinary Residents or Fellows onsite. This scheduling will allow the Fellow to join in communal meals, and optional activities and field trips with other artists, ecologists, researchers, or scholars working on projects related to OSGF’s mission. Beyond time to develop their projects, a Fellow’s typical day at Oak Spring might include a walk to enjoy the landscape or birds; an appointment to visit the Oak Spring Library; and/or a morning spent volunteering at the BCCF or in the formal garden.  These optional activities provide Fellows time to learn from, and interact with OSGF staff.  None of these activities are required, and OSGF understands that some fellows might want to spend most of their time in their writing or working independently.  OSGF supports and enables Fellows to use their time as they best see fit. At the culmination of their stay, OSGF encourages, but doesn’t require, Fellows to give a 20 – 30 minute presentation with time for questions, to Oak Spring staff and any other fellows, residents, or program participants who might be onsite. 

 

Qualifications sought

Eligible applicants must be early-career plant scientists who have completed their undergraduate degree within the past ten years.  The successful Fellow must be self-directed and able to work independently while onsite. Applicants are expected to show dedication to their work in plant science, exceptional promise, good communication skills and excellence in what they have accomplished or plan to accomplish.

Application procedure  
Submit what The application portal is now open and will close May 31st, 2023. Please note that there is one application for all of OSGF’s 2024 Residency and Fellowship programs, and you will be prompted to select which programs you would like to be considered for. You will be asked to submit:
–a resume/curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages),
–a 200 – 300-word statement on your current body of research,
–a 200 – 300-word statement on how your work relates to Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s mission to “perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being.”
–a 200 – 300 description of how you anticipate using your time during a 2 – 5 week residency at OSGF.
OSGF does not currently have a laboratory or any laboratory/science equipment. However, our landscape and formal garden offers an abundance of plant life, and we are especially keen to support work that utilizes or relates to species growing on site. Successful applicants will also be able to indicate a clear and timely need for the fellowship. Please keep in mind that the OSGF estate is set in a rural and tranquil setting, and we also welcome applicants who would use the residency as an opportunity to observe and write, free from other distractions.
–any and all relevant links/published papers or other writing that demonstrates your research outputs and current interests.

NOTE: When applying to this Fellowship, you will be asked if you are interested in being considered for one of our other Residencies, if you are not selected for the Fellowship. To learn more about our Residencies, visit www.osgf.org/residencies.

Submit to https://osgf.submittable.com/submit/248232/2024-residency-and-fellowship-opportunities