Stipend & Benefits
The Leon Levy Scholarship is a three (3)-year award. Scholars will receive:
- Annual stipend equals 125% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral rate, according to the postdoctoral year
- Fringe benefits at the host institution’s rate for postdoctoral Scholars
- US$2,000 computer allowance as a one-time award
- Annual supplement of up to US$10,000 to support care costs (e.g. dependent care)
- Indirect support to the host institution will be allowed at the standard published rate if less than 20% and capped at 20%.
- 3-year Membership to the New York Academy of Sciences
- Participation in a structured Mentorship Program for Leon Levy Scholars
- Access to leadership and skills-building workshops through the New York Academy of Sciences
- Access to the community of past and present Leon Levy Scholars and Fellows
- Grant writing support
Duration
- Each Scholar is expected to begin the 36-month Scholarship in September of the year in which the award is received (some remote orientation may begin before September/before arrival). Scholarships may be deferred or delayed only as an exception and will require prior approval of the Academy, the Leon Levy Foundation, and the applicant’s host institution.
- Should a Scholar depart the institution in which they were awarded the LLSN, if the new institution is eligible, the Scholarship may be transferred, otherwise, it will conclude.
Scholar Responsibilities
1. Attend New Scholar Orientation
2. Participate in the annual Leon Levy Symposium
3. Attend quarterly virtual Group Seminars; Scholars are required to present a research update at a Group Seminar at least once during their tenure
4. Participate in Mentorship and Career Development activities (detailed below)
5. Engage in Scholarship-related media activities and inquiries (e.g., video interviews, magazine profile interviews, etc.) as requested
6. Provide an Annual Report describing research and career progress for each year of their tenure; the Final Report must summarize the research project and state final conclusions. Report templates will be provided.
Mentorship Program
All Scholars will be required to participate in a structured Mentorship Program for the duration of their Scholarship. Scholars will receive their primary scientific mentorship from their Research Advisor. In addition, Scholars will benefit from advice and mentorship from a senior scientist, referred to as a Mentor, not directly involved in the Scholars’ research. Scholars will have access to both their scientific Research Advisor and a Mentor as part of the Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience Program.
An essential feature of the Scholarship program will be this opportunity to learn from and be mentored by distinguished leaders across scientific fields. In this capacity, Mentors will provide guidance on the Scholars’ postdoctoral research and in their pursuit of an independent PI role or other scientific career paths. Each Mentor will have a successful track record of mentorship and will be paired with a scholar based on mutual scientific interests.
Once Scholars are chosen, they will work with the program team to find an appropriate senior Mentor from the Academy’s membership. Once matched, the mentoring pairs are expected to meet a minimum of once every other month (in person or virtual) and will have access to prompts and activities to help guide conversations if appropriate. Mentoring pairs will complete an expectations worksheet to help define how the pair will work together. All pairs will be expected to abide by the Academy’s Code of Conduct.
Quarterly Group Seminars
Each quarter, the Academy will host a meeting of all current Scholars to discuss ideas, share research updates and success stories, identify potential collaborations and help solve problems. These seminars will include Scholar presentations, interactive discussions, and informal networking. The Academy will work closely with the Scholars – through conversations, surveys, and other methods – to design programming that meets the short-term and long-term scientific and career needs of the Scholars.
Leadership and Skills Building Opportunities
All Scholars will receive a professional membership to the Academy, providing them with free and reduced-cost access to career development events, courses, and workshops. There is no requirement for Scholars to participate. Leadership and Skills building opportunities include topics such as science communication, grant writing, Inclusive Leadership, teaching and pedagogy, and ethics. Scholars will also receive a newsletter and regular updates about these opportunities.
Leon Levy Community
The Academy maintains a robust virtual community for scientists via LinkedIn. Scholars will have the opportunity to join our LinkedIn community and have a dedicated platform to network with other Scholars.
Membership to the New York Academy of Sciences
All Scholars will receive a (3) three-year membership to the Academy. Membership provides Scholars with access to our Global Member Directory, a deep archive of digital content, and access to free or significantly discounted registrations for over 100 symposia, webinars, and conferences annually.
Grant Writing Support, as needed
Scholars will have access to a grant writing professional who can consult with them on a grant and provide them with guidance.