NCEAS provides a non-traditional model for postdoctoral scholarship that has had tremendous, documentable success since the Center's establishment in 1995. Postdoctoral scholars propose synthetic projects in ecology and allied fields, focusing on the use of existing data. Postdoctoral proposals are reveiwed twice a year and the selected researchers are offered positions at NCEAS where they conduct research that is largely self-directed. While NCEAS encourages its Postdoctoral Associates to collaborate with established faculty locally and globally, to participate in Working Groups and to interact with visiting scholars, the NCEAS Postdoctoral positions are essentially independent of a formal mentor. Former NCEAS Postdoctoral Associates have experienced high placement rates in desirable academic and non-academic jobs, and have enjoyed considerable success in their careers. Former and current Postdoctoral Associates do, however, recognize that this "mentorless" Postdoctoral program, in which field and laboratory work have no role, is not for everyone, and they offer some advice for prospective NCEAS Postdoctoral Associates:
Postdoctoral Fellowships at NCEAS: The Inside Story 1999
Postdoctoral Fellowships at NCEAS: The Inside Story 2008
Outreach Opportunities
Numerous opportunities are available for Postdoctoral Associates to participate in existing outreach and education opportunities, or to create new ones. For example:
Kids do Ecology
Postdoctoral Associates can adopt a local 5th grade classroom and provide experiential learning about the scientific method as applied to ecology questions.
Public Understanding of Science
Postdoctoral Associates can represent NCEAS at community events such as SB Creeks Week, or the Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary's "From Shores to Sea" lectures.
Addressing Diversity/Disparities in Science Careers
Postdoctoral Associates present their research at Historically Minority Institutions or Minority Serving Institutions to promote STEM careers. They also participate in Career Panels, or give seminars to publicize opportunities at NCEAS to organizations of scientists from underrepresented groups.
Current Postdoctoral Associates
Past Postdoctoral Associates
