Sponsorship for Post-Docs at Los Alamos: Research Group Requirement?

[nbo10]

Post-doc applicants need to be sponsored by a technical staff member. Does the sponsorship need to come from the research group with the opening?

 

[ZapperZ]

Post-doc applicants need to be sponsored by a technical staff member. Does the sponsorship need to come from the research group with the opening?

I guess since no one answered this, everyone is as puzzled with this question as I was.

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking here. Maybe if you understand a little bit on where the money for a postdoctoral position comes in, that might answer your question. This applies to postdoc positions here in the US, and I'm guessing, to a certain extent, in other parts of the world as well. But there could be many degrees of variations.

When someone applies for research funding, no matter from where, he/she will include in the funding proposal money allocated for various things, including FTE (full-time equivalent employee), M&S (materials and supplies), postdocs, grad students, etc. It is THIS research funding, when approved, that will pay for such positions, including postdoc. One just doesn't simply "sponsor" a postdoc position without first allocating funding for it. So it is the person has the money (and obviously the need) for a postdoc that is doing the search. So your question about it coming from a "research group" is a bit puzzling.

Note however that there may be special cases of various institutions having special awards that one can apply for for such a postdoc position. In such cases, the institutions are the ones having the money to sponsor such a position, while the supervisor foots no money. However, such award is VERY rare and also very highly competitive. At Argonne, there are "named" postdoctoral awards that select only one postdoc for the various research areas, and these are given only to extremely outstanding applicants. Such a situation is not common, and most postdocs are employed via the earlier means that I described.

Zz.

 

[charng]

Thank you for your inquiry about sponsorship for post-docs at Los Alamos. I understand the importance of sponsorship for post-docs in order to ensure a successful and productive research experience. While it is not explicitly stated, it is highly recommended that the sponsorship come from a technical staff member within the research group with the opening.

This is because a technical staff member within the research group is intimately familiar with the research being conducted and can provide valuable guidance and support to the post-doc throughout their tenure. Additionally, having a sponsor within the research group can facilitate a smooth integration into the team and maximize the post-doc's contribution to the research.

However, if a post-doc applicant is unable to secure sponsorship from a technical staff member within the research group with the opening, alternative arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, the goal of sponsorship is to ensure the post-doc's success and contribution to the research, and we are open to discussing alternative sponsorship options if needed.

Thank you for your interest in our post-doc program at Los Alamos. We look forward to receiving your application and discussing potential sponsorship options with you.