The opportunity to apply for the Katharine H. Putnam Fellowship in Plant Science for the year 2024 is now available. The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University offers research fellowships in plant science called Putnam Fellowships.
These fellowships provide opportunities for advanced research and study using the Arboretum’s extensive collections of woody plants and research facilities. Scientists with a PhD who have identified an independent research project that would utilize the Arboretum’s living collections are encouraged to apply.
Katharine H. Putnam Fellowship in Plant Science for the year
Putnam Fellows conduct both basic and applied research in various areas of plant sciences. The program aims to encourage the use of the Arboretum’s living collections in scientific research within the larger scientific community. Previous Putnam Fellows have researched topics such as evolutionary biology, taxonomy and systematics, molecular and developmental biology, physiological ecology, propagation, and plant-insect and pathogen interactions. Many former fellows have become leaders in academia and public horticulture.
The Arnold Arboretum provides exceptional resources for woody plant research. With over 15,000 plants and more than 2,200 species, its living collection is one of the most thoroughly documented collections of temperate woody plants in the world. The collection boasts a remarkable taxonomic diversity, with a particular focus on the floras of China, Japan, and Korea.
About The Fellowship
Putnam Fellows are responsible for sharing the outcomes of their research through publications in professional or academic journals, as well as presenting their work at professional gatherings and workshops. They are also expected to actively engage with the Arboretum community.
While the primary focus of Putnam Fellows is conducting independent research that utilizes the Arboretum’s living collections, they are also encouraged to collaborate with staff members on educational and outreach initiatives. This may involve instructing Arnold Arboretum education programs or contributing articles to Arnoldia, the quarterly magazine of the Arboretum.
Benefits of Katharine H. Putnam Fellowship in Plant Science
The Putnam Fellows, who are employed by Harvard University, receive an annual salary of $83,000.
- They are eligible for employee health insurance.
- A yearly grant of up to $10,000 is provided to support research, travel, initial relocation, and additional professional expenses.
- Throughout their two-year term, Putnam Fellows are required to reside full-time at the Arboretum and are given office and research facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
- They are seeking applications from early-career individuals who hold a PhD in plant biology, evolution, plant genetics, plant ecology, horticulture, or a related field. It is necessary for applicants to have obtained their PhD prior to beginning their term at the Arboretum.
- Applicants should be well-placed to carry out original and independent research, as well as to publish their findings in scholarly journals that undergo peer review. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the scientific field.
- Fluency in English is expected from all applicants.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to establish collaborations and work closely with all members of the Arboretum community, as well as other academic communities within Harvard, in order to refine and develop their projects further.
Selection Criteria
The selection process for Putnam Fellows will consider the following criteria:
- The applicant’s education and professional experience, as well as their potential contributions to scholarship, will be examined in terms of their breadth and depth.
- The candidate’s track record as an independent researcher will be evaluated. The proposed project should demonstrate an independent line of inquiry that goes beyond the applicant’s PhD research.
- The overall quality of the applicant’s research proposal will be assessed. This evaluation will consider factors such as the nature and scope of the work, the approach and methods to be employed, the feasibility of the proposed effort within the fellowship term, and how it would advance knowledge about the plant kingdom.
- The relevance of the research to the living collections of the Arnold Arboretum will be taken into account. The research proposal will also be considered based on how it utilizes the Arboretum’s living collections and how it aligns with ongoing programs at the Arboretum.
How to Apply For Katharine H. Putnam Fellowship in Plant Science
To be eligible for a fellowship award, applicants must submit their applications online through a competitive review process. The online application should contain the following components:
- Cover letter: The applicant should provide a clear and concise cover letter stating their interest in the program, the desired term length, and potential start date, as well as their contact information.
- Research statement: The research statement should not exceed 4 pages and should outline the proposed research project that the applicant intends to conduct as a Putnam Fellow. It should include details such as the nature and scope of the research, the approach and methods to be used, how the living collections of the Arnold Arboretum will be utilized, and how the project will contribute to advancing knowledge about the plant kingdom. References should be included but won’t count towards the 4-page limit.
- Research budget: A modest amount of funding, up to $10,000 annually, is available for research, travel, professional expenses, and relocation to Boston. Applicants must submit a simple 1-page budget that includes a paragraph explaining all laboratory and equipment requirements, as well as an itemized budget by year for research, travel, and professional costs. The total budget should also cover travel expenses for conferences and up to $2,500 for initial relocation to Boston. The budget should accurately reflect and justify the needs of the proposed project.
- Curriculum vitae: A curriculum vitae (CV) should be included in the application.
- Three letters of recommendation: As part of the online submission, applicants must request three referees to submit letters of recommendation. The referees will receive an email with a link to an online submission form where they can upload their letters. It is recommended that applicants contact their referees beforehand and inform them to expect an email from Admin@communityforce.com with instructions for submitting the recommendation letter. Each referee must upload their letter via the provided link by January 18 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
- To submit your application click
Visit the official website for further details.
Application Deadline
January 11, 2024.
