TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme

The TWAS-USM Fellowship Programme for Postdoctoral Research offers fellowships to young scientists from developing countries (other than Malaysia) who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in one of the fields of natural sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia. (Duration: minimum of twelve months to a maximum of three years. )

TWAS, the academy of sciences for the developing world –  www.twas.org – is an autonomous international organization founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1983. TWAS represents the best of science in  the developing world. Its principal aim is to promote scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the South. Since 1986, TWAS has been supporting scientists and institutions in developing countries through a wide range of programmes that focus on scientific capacity building largely through South-South cooperation.

Programme Details

• TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowships are tenable in the departments, institutions and laboratories of the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for a minimum period of twelve (12) months to a maximum period of three years and are awarded to young scientists from developing countries (other than Malaysia) to enable them to pursue advanced research in the natural sciences.
• USM will provide a standard monthly allowance which should be used to cover living costs, such as accommodation and food.
• The language of instruction is English.

Eligibility

• be nationals of a developing country (other than Malaysia);
• hold a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences;
• apply for the fellowship within five years of having obtained a PhD degree in a field of the natural sciences;
• be regularly employed in a developing country (other than Malaysia) and hold a research assignment there;
• provide an official Acceptance Letter from a department, laboratory or institute at USM (see sample Acceptance Letter included in the application form). Requests for acceptance must be directed to the Dean, Institute of Graduate Studies, USM, Prof. R. Hashim by e-mail (roshada@usm.my) who will facilitate assignment of a host supervisor. In contacting Prof. Hashim applicants must accompany their request for a preliminary acceptance letter with copy of their CV and a research proposal outline;
• provide evidence of proficiency in English.

How to Apply

• Applicants should submit the acceptance letter from a USM department/laboratory to TWAS and USM when applying or by the deadline at the latest. Without preliminary acceptance, the application will not be considered for selection.
• Reference letters: Referees must send signed letters as attachment via e-mail directly to TWAS and USM. The subject line must contain: USM/ PDoc/the candidate’s surname. Alternatively, letters should be sent by post in sealed envelopes.
• Applicants to the TWAS-USM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme should send their application to TWAS and USM

Contact Details
Prof. Roshada Hashim
Dean, Institute of Graduate Studies
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
11800 Penang, Malaysia
Phone: +604-653-2930
Fax: +604-653-2931
E-mail: roshada@usm.my

TWAS Fellowships Office
ICTP Campus, Strada Costiera 11
34151 Trieste, Italy
Phone: +39 040 2240-314
Fax: +39 040 2240-689
E-mail: fellowships@twas.org

Deadline
15 September
(The call for applications is open from 1 March until 15 September of each year)

For more information, please visit
http://www.twas.org/
http://twas.ictp.it/common/files/files-exch/2010-twas-pdoc-app.guidelines