2020 GINGER Research Fellows Application Process

 

The deadline to submit an application to the GINGER Research Fellows Program is

January 31, 2020 at 10:00 pm SAST/11:00 pm EAT

 

Application Timeline

 

November 2019: Applications open

January 2020: Applications close on January 31, 2020

February-March 2020: Interviews and Fellow selection

April 2020: Research Fellowships announced

Application Process

 

  • Step 1: Ensure you meet the General Eligibility Criteria
    • Education: Applicants must either have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, or be currently enrolled in and nearing the end of a PhD program, or have an MD with a demonstrated interest in research.
    • Research Experience: Interest in mental health genetics and ability to actively participate in the program.
  • Step 2: Speak with the relevant Principal Investigator (PI) who is part of the GINGER Program at your institution. In order to apply to the program you must have a nomination letter from the PI. The relevant individuals to reach out to are: 
      • Addis Ababa University – Dr. Solomon Teferra
      • Makerere University – Dr. Dickens Akena
      • University of Cape Town – Dr. Dan Stein

Step 3: Gather application materials. When you fill out the online application, in addition to the nomination letter you will be asked to upload a CV, a writing sample, and two letters of recommendation.

    • CV/resume: Your CV/resume should overview your professional and academic background. Experience should appear in chronological format starting with the most recent position, whether professional or as a current student.
    • Writing Sample:  This should be a sample of writing you completed on your own and not part of a collaboration. An example can be an excerpt from a thesis, an op-ed, or a recent assignment if you are currently enrolled in graduate education. Please include a sample that is a minimum of two pages, but no more than five is needed.
    • Two (2) Letters of Recommendation:
      • Letters of recommendation should inform the reviewing committee about your interest in research and how joining the program will help you achieve your career goals.
      • At least one should be an academic reference. The second can be academic or professional. We suggest asking individuals who know you well and can speak about your previous experience or interest in pursuing research.
      • The letters of recommendation do not have to come from the relevant institution (AAU, Makerere, or UCT). However, an acknowledgement and support of the application from the relevant institution is required.
      • Letters should not come from NeuroGAP site PI as their recommendation will be included in the nomination letter.
  • Step 4: Complete the online application. Once you have all materials gathered, please fill out the online application form. The form is comprised of a series of questions including demographic information and short essay responses. The short response questions include: 
      • What are your career goals?
      • What motivated you to apply to the GINGER Program?
      • How do you see participation in the program helping you achieve your future career goals?
      • What areas of mental health research are you interested in?
      • What areas of genetics research are you interested in?
      • What experiences in your life led you to choose your current career?
      • One important aspect of the GINGER program is mentoring younger researchers. Please tell us about an experience you have had either mentoring or teaching others. If you have not yet had such an experience, please discuss how you might start (less than 500 words).
      • Describe any statistics or epidemiology courses you have taken and any computer software programs you have used or are familiar with.
      • Briefly describe a specific research project you are working on or are in the process of developing that would benefit from the workshops and skills-training under the GINGER program (less than 500 words).