1.) What are the salary and benefits?
Yerby Fellows receive a competitive salary with benefits for one year, renewable for a second year upon completion of a successful review of the first year. In addition, the fellowship provides discretionary funding for research expenses and one-time relocation support.
2.) Is the second year of the Yerby Fellowship guaranteed?
No, the second year of the Yerby Fellowship is contingent on a successful first year in terms of grant and publication submissions and participation in other programmatic activities. Decisions to renew are made in consultation with your mentors, as well as the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). Productivity in grant submission, publications, goal achievement as listed in the Individual Development Plan and other agreed upon areas by the mentor, fellow, and program administration are all considered in the decision to renew a fellow’s appointment.
3.) What resources are provided to Yerby Fellows?
Beyond salary and benefits, fellows are provided with exclusive programming organized by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). They are also able to take part in postdoctoral programming provided by the Office of Faculty Affairs (OFA) and other resources provided to the School’s research fellow community (visit this page for more information).
4.) Will I be considered for a faculty position at Harvard Chan School when the Yerby Fellowship is over?
Faculty openings are dependent on many factors, including departmental needs and budgets. A Yerby Fellow will be invited to apply for a faculty position if there is a research need/opening in a relevant department and field and they have reached a level of independence and productivity consistent with the specified rank. Faculty recruitment on the tenure-track at the Harvard Chan School does not prioritize internal candidates, although related grant-writing and team science experience are desirable characteristics for our faculty candidates.
5.) What is the relationship between the faculty mentor and the Yerby Fellow?
The faculty mentor works closely with the fellow to offer suggestions on publication and grant development, progression of workflow via the Individual Development Plan, and offers advice on career trajectory.
6.) Is here additional funding for professional development activities?
Yes, there is supplemental discretionary funding provided with the Yerby Fellowship for attendance at academic conferences, software and equipment (computer) purchases, and more. These funds are provided on a reimbursement basis and all expenses must be approved by program administration.
7.) How many publications is a Yerby Fellow expected to submit for the first/second years?
Publication submissions vary depending on the department and research area and should be discussed with your mentor.
8.) What additional professional skills can I learn while being a Yerby Fellow?
As a Yerby Fellow, you can heighten your writing, grant development, negotiation, and public speaking skills, as well as learn how to finesse partners for research collaboration and harbor cross-departmental relationships.
9.) How many Yerby Fellows are accepted each year?
The Harvard Chan School typically welcomes between 2 and 4 new Yerby Fellows each year.
10.) What kind of mentoring is provided?
Mentoring and support are provided by a primary faculty mentor and program administrator, as well as a secondary faculty mentor. Additional support from the Office of Faculty Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) is also provided.
11.) What is the program’s policy on travel to conferences?
Travel to conferences is allowable through the Yerby Fellow’s discretionary funding. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, policies on travel may change. For the most up-to-date policies provided by Harvard University, please visit the University’s COVID-19 Travel Guidance webpage.
12.) What is the School’s policy on authorship and ownership of ideas?
For information regarding these policies, please visit:
– Authorship Guidelines
– Intellectual Property Policy
13.) Is there an opportunity for a Yerby Fellow to teach, mentor, or make oral presentations?
Absolutely. There are several venues: presenting a lecture, mentoring masters students, and presenting your research in a symposium forum format.
14.) How are faculty mentors/advisors selected for each Yerby Fellow?
Faculty mentors are generally selected based on similar research interests and demonstrated experience mentoring other junior researchers.
15.) What factors assures a successful Yerby Fellowship?
Planning, hard work, dedication, and achievement in advancing research and professional development goals.
