Awards for Postdocs and Mentors

Postdoctoral Affairs offers three annual awards: the Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award and the Postdoc-as-Mentor Award for University of Arizona postdocs and the Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award honoring University of Arizona faculty mentors. In addition, the College of Science recognizes exceptional postdocs through the Galileo Circle Postdoc Award.

Nominations for these awards open in the Fall semester.

The Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award recognizes a University of Arizona postdoctoral scholar who demonstrates excellence in research, communication, and leadership. The submission deadline for this year's awards is December 2, 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination, the individual must be a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate (or another approved job title) and no more than 7 years since earning a doctoral degree.; for approval, contact Postdoctoral Affairs at postdoc@arizona.edu.

The nominator must be a University of Arizona faculty member (or more than one faculty member).

Nomination Process

The nominator(s) must submit (a) the nominee’s CV that includes a one-paragraph personal statement, and (b) a letter that describes the postdoctoral scholar’s achievements during their time at the University of Arizona in:

  • Innovation or research contributions;
  • Research productivity, including publications, presentations, performances, and/or funding;
  • Quality of written and oral communication about the research or scholarly work, including the ability to communicate effectively with broad audiences; and
  • Leadership, including mentoring, project management, and/or service within the local, national, and international communities.

The letter may be no longer than two pages. Only one nomination letter may be submitted for a given postdoctoral scholar. More than one faculty member may sign the nomination letter.

This award will be recognized at an awards ceremony. The recipient will receive $1000 and a certificate.

Submit nomination

The Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award recognizes a faculty member who provides exceptional mentoring to postdoctoral scholars. Nominations for this year's awards are due December 2, 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination, the individual must be a full-time faculty member at the University of Arizona. The nomination must be submitted by a University of Arizona postdoctoral scholar (or more than one postdoctoral scholar) with the title of Postdoctoral Research Associate or another approved job title. For approval, contact Postdoctoral Affairs at postdoc@arizona.edu.

Nomination Process

The nominator(s) must submit a letter that describes how the mentor:

  • Provides intellectual leadership for postdocs to guide their research/creative endeavors;
  • Creates a supportive training environment for postdoctoral scholars;
  • Provides regular and constructive feedback to postdoctoral scholars;
  • Helps postdoctoral scholars develop their independent careers.

The letter may be no longer than two pages. Only one nomination letter may be submitted for a given faculty member. More than one postdoctoral scholar may sign the nomination letter.

This award will be recognized at an awards ceremony. 

Submit nomination

The Postdoc-as-Mentor Award recognizes a University of Arizona postdoctoral scholar who provides exceptional mentoring to undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or fellow postdocs. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for nomination, the individual must be a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate (or another approved job title; for approval, contact Postdoctoral Affairs at postdoc@arizona.edu) at the University of Arizona and no more than 7 years since earning a doctoral degree.

The nominator(s) can be a University of Arizona faculty member, postdoc, staff member, and/or student. 

Nomination Process

The nominator(s) must submit a letter that describes how the postdoc: 

  • Provides intellectual leadership for mentees to guide their research/creative endeavors;
  • Creates a supportive training environment for mentees;
  • Provides regular and constructive feedback to mentees; 
  • Helps mentees develop independence.

The nominator(s) are encouraged to include specific examples to support their statements. The letter may be no longer than two pages.

Only one nomination letter may be submitted for a given postdoctoral scholar.  More than one nominator may sign the letter. 

The recipient will receive $1000 and a certificate.

Submit nomination

The Galileo Circle Postdoc Award recognizes postdoctoral scholars in the College of Science who are deserving of recognition for their substantial and invaluable contributions to the research, mentoring, and outreach missions of both the College of Science and the University of Arizona. 

Find more information about Galileo Circle here.

Previous Awardees