Staff Associate Program

Philosophy

Maintaining a venue for promising but risky ventures has become especially important as the mainstream research system increasingly selects for projects that extend accepted wisdom, rather than challenge it. With regularity, Staff Associates question accepted dogma, venture in new directions, and pursue unproved, risk-prone projects long enough for hidden merits to be revealed. Staff Associates are independent junior faculty members who hold non-renewable faculty level appointments for up to five years. They may be appointed in lieu of or after completing a regular postdoctoral fellowship. It is a time for these young scientists to build a research program with no distractions. Staff Associates work at the bench in their own laboratory space, often with the help of a technician or summer student. While pursuing their research goals, Staff Associates remain closely connected to the Department, attending seminars and lab meetings with faculty groups of their choice. Because the Staff Associate program has succeeded in nurturing many exceptional scientists, the number of Staff Associate positions has been increased in recent years.

Former Staff Associates