Program Goals: Research experience is an important part of graduate school applications in physics and astronomy, yet access to these experiences is not equally available to all students. The goal of this post-baccalaureate fellowship is to increase access to graduate programs in physics and astronomy for recent college graduates who have not had extensive research opportunities at their undergraduate institutions, including providing opportunities for students from historically disadvantaged backgrounds in physics and astronomy.

Program timeline: The program will start on June 24, 2024, and is intended to extend 15 months for most participants. Participants should be willing to make a minimum one year commitment to the program. Participants will be encouraged and supported to apply for PhD programs in physics or astronomy in Fall 2024.

Key Program Features: Research training in KIPAC research groups/labs at Stanford or SLAC; Mentorship from KIPAC faculty, scientists, postdocs, and graduate students; This position is non-exempt and paid hourly; Scientific skills and professional development workshops; Speaking, networking, and community-building opportunities; Access to resources at Stanford and SLAC, health insurance; Research will be conducted on the Stanford campus and/or at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

Eligibility: Candidates should have completed a bachelor’s degree in physics, astronomy, or a related field by the start of the program (June 2024), and in general should not have previously been admitted to nor enrolled in a graduate program in these fields. College graduates returning to academia after less than 5 years in the workforce, or on personal leave, are eligible and welcome to apply. Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the selection committee. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in pursuing graduate studies towards a PhD in astronomy or physics.  Candidates should be eligible for employment in California. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA/AB240 students. Applications of international students will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis (ee details in the FAQ). All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply. This program is committed providing opportunities to students from a range of backgrounds, including those who have been historically disadvantaged in physics and astronomy.

Application & Deadline: Applications received by March 15, 2024 will receive full consideration. Late applications will be considered at the discretion of the selection committee. Applicants will be asked to provide a CV, university transcripts, two or three letters of recommendation, and a Personal Statement.

Instructions for Personal Statement: Please keep to no more than 2 pages, and address the following questions: 1. What fields of astrophysics are most interesting to you? 2. Why do you want to go to graduate school in physics or astronomy? 3. What do you see as the strengths of your current preparation for graduate study, and how will this program further prepare you to succeed in graduate school? 4. How has your background impacted your journey as a scientist? Check goto.stanford.edu/kipac-postbac-faq regarding how the Personal Statement will be evaluated.

Program Contact & Questions: Please check out our Frequently Asked Question page (goto.stanford.edu/kipac-postbac-faq). For questions not already listed on the FAQ page, please contact kipac-postbac@stanford.edu.