CEHW Postdoc FAQ
The Center for Exoplanets & Habitable Worlds Postdoc supports postdoctoral researchers engaging in both independent and collaborative research with CEHW faculty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cover Letter
Q: Is there anything specific that should be mentioned in the cover letter?
A:Applicants should mention whatever they would like to highlight.
Q: Is there a page limit for the cover letter?
A: There’s no page limit. The typical cover letter is between 1 and 2 pages.
Statement of Research Interests
Q: Should the research statement describe past and proposed research separately or as one combined statement?
A:If you’re proposing a natural extension of your existing research, then it might be one integrated statement.
If you’re proposing a significant shift, then you might have one section describing what you propose to research and one section describing what you’ve done and indirectly demonstrating that you’re well qualified.
We anticipate that many applicants will be writing proposals to other fellowship programs, such as 51 Pegasi b, NASA Hubble/Sagan, NSF AAPF, and other institution-specific fellowships. We intentionally leave the length and structure flexible, so applicants can adapt such a proposal to CEHW without doing a major rewrite just to fit our arbitrary page limit.
Q: Is there a page limit for the statement of research interests?
A:There is no official limit. The typical research statement is between 3 and 6 pages. Longer statements tend to include multiple figures and a more thorough set of references.
Q: Should the statement of research interests describe a very specific and detailed project or describe the broad areas of my interest?
A: Some candidates propose one or two very specific projects. Other candidates will describe research questions or techniques that they’re most interested in, but may not have distilled their thoughts into a precisely formulated project. Either is acceptable. In the cover letter, applicants can state whether they are laser focused on the specific project proposed or whether they would be eager to collaborate with CEHW researchers on other projects related to their interests. In the latter case, it can still be helpful for the research statement to describe a potential project and to connect that to their previous experience, accomplishments and skills, as a way of demonstrating that the applicant has relevant expertise to carry out such projects.
Q: Should applicants include statements describing plans for broader impacts, outreach, or mentoring students, addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and/or describing a candidate’s teaching experience/philosophy?
A:While many previous CEHW postdocs have been quite active in one of these areas, that is not required or expected.
Candidates are encouraged to describe all initiatives that they would like to invest a significant portion of their time in as a CEHW postdoc. This could be integrated into the research statement (e.g., opportunities for mentoring students) or a separate statement (e.g., a teaching statement). For example, if a candidate is passionate about teaching and is hoping to build further teaching experience during a postdoc, then it would make sense to include a teaching statement and describe their goals for teaching while a CEHW postdoc. On the other hand, if the applicant would prefer to focus on research and not teach a class during their CEHW postdoc, then it would not make sense to include a teaching statement.
Candidates applying for NSF AAPF and/or 51 Pegasi b fellowships are encouraged to contact their proposed faculty sponsors in advance to discuss opportunities for connecting to existing broader impact, DEI and teaching initiatives at Penn State.
However, most CEHW postdocs do not arrive with a pre-formed plan for broader impact activities, but rather discuss opportunities with their faculty mentor once they arriving at Penn State. Therefore, candidates are only required to address their research plans in their applications for a CEHW postdoc position.
Q: Should my proposal focus on a single project to be conducted independently or describe how I could contribute to existing projects?
A: Applicants should write a proposal that describes what they would like to do as a CEHW postdoc. Some CEHW postdocs have worked very closely with a faculty member on a specific existing project, while others have brought new projects to CEHW and work largely independently. Generally, the strongest applications have at least one project that makes some connection to one or more areas of interest to CEHW faculty. Often, the strongest proposals also include an element describing how the applicant could bring a new project, area of expertise and/or capability to CEHW.
In recent years, most CEHW postdocs have been jointly supported by CEHW and another funding source (e.g., an external grant with a CEHW faculty member as a PI). Thanks to the CEHW support, a portion of the postdoc’s time (often 25-75%) can be used for independent research or for collaborative research that is not funded externally. For a joint position to work well, there should be a clear connection between an applicant’s skills and interests and a funded research need in the center. That said, we also encourage applications, even if there is no connection to a currently funded research project.
Q: Can you provide a list of funded projects at CEHW?
A: It’s not practical to provide a complete list of projects in advance, as faculty may be notified that a proposal has been selected for funding after the job ad text has been finalized. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact potential CEHW faculty sponsors to ask about potential projects, including any that are currently funded or have a proposal pending.
Letters
Q: How many letters of reference should be submitted?
A:At least one is letter is required. When possible, we’d encourage applicants to submit three letters. While there is no formal maximum, applicants are only encouraged to submit more letters if there is a specific reason (e.g., candidate changed fields, letter writers asked to address substantially distinct aspects of a candidate’s qualifications, etc.).
Q: What should letters address?
A:Letters that help the selection committee understand the specific contributions of an applicant to papers, projects and other professional activities are particularly appreciated.
Q: Is there a requested file naming convention for letters?
A: No.
Q: Does the letter upload form request the name of the applicant or letter writer?
A:The letter writer. But don’t worry if the “wrong” named is entered. As long as the letter includes the name of the applicant and letter writer, we’ll figure it out.
Q: Is it ok if a letter arrives late?
A:Yes.
Formally, CEHW only promises to give full consideration to received by the deadline. E.g., once a committee member has already completed their review, then they would not be expected to read a late letter or to revise their evaluation. In practice, it’s common for some letter writers to submit letters late and we understand that is not the candidate’s fault. The CEHW postdoc selection committee still values such letters and is likely to read letters up until they meet to make a short-list.
Previous CEHW postdocs
Q: What have other CEHW postdocs gone on to?
A:A list of CEHW postdoc alums (that also include some externally funded postdocs, such as Hubble/Sagan and NSF AAPF fellows working in CEW) is available on our alum page.
Compensation, Resources & Benefits
Q: What is the annual salary?
A:In academic year 2022/2023, the Eberly College of Science set a minimum postdoc salary of $54,840. While many postdoc salaries are near this rate, there is some flexibility (e.g., for applicants with previous postdoctoral experience or other exceptional qualifications).
When considering how competitive it is, please do keep in mind that living in State College is much less expensive than many other locations with strong Astro programs.
Q: Do CEHW postdocs receive annual salary increases?
A:Cost-of-living increases are based on university policy (which changes year-to-year). Postdocs with exceptional performance can also receive a merit-based salary increase up to once a year.
Q: Can the CEHW postdoc reimburse moving costs?
A:State law prevents Penn State from reimbursing a new employee’s travel to State College (e.g., airfare).
CEHW is able to reimburse moving personal item to State College, PA. There is no set amount, as the cost varies greatly based on location and family situation. Successful applicants are welcome to discuss their specific needs once they have been selected.
Q: Does the CEHW postdoc include research funds?
A:There is no fixed amount. It is expected that CEHW postdocs will publish research in refereed journals and present results at scientific conferences. Corresponding CEHW support is available for projects led by CEHW postdocs that do not have external support.
Formally, CEHW postdocs are encouraged to submit very short proposals (~1 paragraph justification + an estimated budget) to the CEHW small grants program to request funding for conference travel, page charges, etc. There are two suggested submission dates each year, but CEHW is agile and can fund requests on a rolling basis.
For CEHW postdocs collaborating with faculty on externally-funded projects, travel and publications are often funded externally or via a combination of grants and CEHW support, depending on what would be appropriate given what results they’d be presenting, the period of performance for grants, etc. CEHW postdocs should check with their faculty mentor before traveling and submit a CEHW small grant request wen appropriate.
Q: Are CEHW postdocs eligible for health insurance and other benefits?
A:CEHW postdocs (and their dependents) are eligible to participate in health/dental/vision insurance programs that are offered to faculty and staff and heavily subsidized by Penn State. More information about these and benefits are available from Human Resources and Office of postdoctoral affairs. (For purposes of benefits, CEHW postdocs funded by Penn State are considered “scholars” and not “fellows”.)
Q: What is the start date?
A:The most common start dates are between July 1 and September 1. However, there is considerable flexibility in start date.
There are two hard constraints. Current Ph.D. candidates will need to have completed all requirements for their degree. But it’s ok to start before the degree is officially conferred.
Second, CEHW postdocs must be legally allowed to work in the USA, and the lead time for receiving a work visa can depend on the applicants nationality. Selected applicants will be asked what is their preferred start date before preparing the formal offer letter.
Other
Q: Can I visit CEHW before applying for a CEHW postdoc?
A: Prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to the faculty member(s) of particular interest and express their interest in visiting CEHW.
In some cases, it may be possible to give a seminar or journal club presentation during the spring or fall before submitting an application.
The CEHW seminar schedule is usually planned well in advance. Therefore, it’s best to inquire well in advance (e.g., late spring or early summer for a Fall visit; during the Fall semester for a Spring visit).
