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SynBAS-NRT Application

Application Instructions

Please use these instructions and the associated template to help you construct your SynBAS NRT application.

Please address all the questions and sections outlined in the SynBAS NRT Application template. When preparing application materials, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the SynBAS NRT training approach, which incorporates the synthetic biology scales framework.

You will fill out this template and upload the response to the 2022 Application form. 

Applicant Eligibility: 

Due to NSF requirements, candidates must be US citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and they must be in a PhD program to apply. There are no requirements for the year of graduate study for applicants if the program requirements can be met.


Applicant Statement: 

Your statement should have several components described below.

Please prepare your application, using the application templatein a document with 11 pt. font (Arial or Times New Roman), single-spaced, with 0.5 inch margins, convert to a PDF and upload on the 2022 Application Form. 

Instructions for specific sections are as follows: 

Applicant motivation (400 words):

Program requirements (400 words):  Describe your plan for fulfilling the SynBAS NRT program requirements.

Research Description (2 pages including figures, references can be on a separate page): Use the research description template to describe the following aspects of your proposed PhD researchNote the following sections are adapted from NIH and NSF merit review criterion. Personal biography (600 words): Describe your unique experiences (which could include your salient identities, backgrounds and lived experiences) and what you would bring to the program. 

Trainee expectations: Please fill out, sign and upload a PDF copy of the trainee expectations document found here. 

Advisor letter: Please communicate the following instructions to your advisor and ask them to send their letter to synbas@northwestern.edu by the application deadline. Instructions: One letter from the thesis mentor must (i) discuss why the nominee would be a good fit for the program, (ii) agree to allow mentees to satisfy all SynBAS NRT requirements, and (iii) agree to the Mentor Expectations.

2022 Application Form

To upload your application template and submit, please fill out the form here.

Your application will consist of the applicant statement, a letter of support from your advisor, and a signed acknowledgement that you agree to SynBAS NRT trainee expectations. 

Application Timeline

Information will be updated once the 2023-2024 application cycle opens.

Fellowship appointment will begin in September, at the start of fall quarter.

Application-Related Questions

For questions, email us at synbas@northwestern.edu. Back to top