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NAI-MIRS Sabbatical Application and Instructions

The following outcomes are expected of the researcher awarded the summer sabbatical:

• Complete a 6 to 10-week research fellowship in astrobiology;
• Conduct research that meets the goals of the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap;
• Write a brief interim report (3 pages) and a final report (8 pages);
• Identify future research funding opportunities to be conducted at the participant’s institution;
• Submit a poster or presentation proposal to selected professional conferences.

Applicant and Institution Eligibility

All applications must originate from faculty according to the following criteria:

• Applicants must be a faculty member at a U.S. college or university designated as a minority institution by the Department of Education and listed on one of the sites on the Links page.
• As such, applicants’ institutions must meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Must be an accredited two- or four-year minority college or university with enrollment of a single underrepresented minority group or the combination of underrepresented minority groups that exceeds 50 percent of the total student enrollment as defined in the Higher Education Act as amended (see 20 USC 1135d and 34 CFR 637.4b);
  • Must be an accredited two- or four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution under Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended [See 20 USC 1059 (C); Public Law 102-325, Section 306, July 22, 1992]; and/or
  • Must be an accredited two- or four-year Historically Black College or University under Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (see 34 CFR 608.2); and/or
  • Tribal colleges and universities must be cited in Section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status October of 1994; Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of 1978; or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978, Public Law 95-471.
• Applicants must be a United States citizen or a U.S. Permanent Residents to be eligible to participate.

Application Components

The research proposal (up to 8 pages) detailing the work to be undertaken during your sabbatical is the central element of your application. The research must be clearly related to the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap. You are asked to highlight your qualification to conduct this research, obtain sustainable funding/support afterwards, and your interest in the field of astrobiology. The proposal should describe the benefits of the NAI-MIRS program to you, your career, your institution, your research mentor, NAI, and the field of astrobiology. The letters of support should also describe how the proposed work is relevant to the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap. The NAI Annual Report(s) is/are also an excellent source of information.
 
You are strongly advised to speak with the potential host investigator. This effort will contribute to your successful application, and to the most productive matching of interests, capabilities and timeframe of the sabbatical. Review the NAI-MIRS proposal evaluation criteria guide included in the packet.

The application requires:

1. Online Registration and Cover Sheet
   1. Candidate Information
   2. Candidate’s Institutional Representative
   3. Proposed NAI-MIRS Research Institution and Mentor
   4. Abstract of Research Proposal
2. Submission Statement
3. Research Proposal
   1. Research Plan
   2. Qualifications and Resources
   3. Benefits
   4. Sustainability Plan
   5. Curriculum Vitae
   6. Letters of Reference
   7. Optional Supporting Material
4. Send an original and 2 copies of materials to:

   Todd Gary, Ph.D.,
   NAI-MIRS Program Director
   Tennessee State University
   3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.
   RSP Building Room 114
   Nashville, TN 37209-1561

5. Email a digital copy of your proposal and attachments to:

   Judy Butler, Project Manager, judy@judybutler.com

Does Your Work Align with the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap?

Only applications relating directly to the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap will be considered for sabbaticals. Determine if your work aligns with the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap by using these resources:

1. Read the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap to learn about the Seven Science Goals.
2. Search for relevant research on the NASA Astrobiology web site.
3. Look at the team research pages, arranged by NASA Astrobiology Roadmap goals, to find topics that interest you.

Application Process

1. Before applying, ensure your proposal directly aligns with one of the Seven Science Goals of the NASA Astrobiology Roadmap.
2. Begin the application process with this Intent to Apply form.
3. An email will be sent to confirm that you have started the application process.
4. Once you have filled out your Intent to Apply form, you may complete the remaining steps listed above and email the information to Judy Butler (or fax it to 615-523-2535).
5. If you submit by email or fax, you will still be required to submit your materials with original signatures and 2 additional copies via US Postal Service, FedEx, or UPS as listed in step 4.
6. For applicants who have already filled out an "Intent to Apply" through this online form, your remaining application packet is due by March 16, 2009.

This is an Equal Employment Opportunity. In accordance with Federal statutes and regulations and NASA policies, no person on the grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from NASA.