1. Official transcripts from the applicant's undergraduate and graduate institutions
2. Updated curriculum vitae, including contact information
3. A research statement that discusses the applicant's research experiences and selection of MERIT Research Mentor; the applicant must have selected a MERIT Research Mentor prior to the submission of the application
4. A career statement that discusses the applicant's career plans and how receipt of teaching experiences will further his/her career goals
5. Two letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant's doctoral mentor
6. A letter of support and proposed training plan from the applicant's MERIT Research Mentor

MERIT Research Mentors undergo a rigorous selection to ensure that they have adequate funding and previous training experience to mentor MERIT Scholars. To select a MERIT Research Mentor, please view the list of current MERIT Research Mentors and contact any who best match your research interests.

If you do not identify a Mentor that matches your research interests, please contact the MERIT Program Director, Dr. David Schneider at dschneid@uab.edu or 205.934.4781. He will be happy to work with you to match your interests to UAB faculty members.

All application materials will be reviewed by the MERIT Program Executive Committee. The criteria for applicant selection to interview will include the applicant's performance and productivity while a graduate student, the strength of commitment to teaching and research, and the strength of the letters of recommendation. In addition, the committee will evaluate the selection of the MERIT Research Mentor and the mentor's training plan. Those selected for interviews will be invited to the UAB campus for a 3-day interview.

Day 1: Applicants will meet with the MERIT Program Director and Co- Program Directors of Research Training and Teaching Instruction to review the organization and expectations of the MERIT Program. In addition, applicants will meet with their respective MERIT Research Mentors to discuss research training, interact with current Postdoctoral Scholars and tour UAB facilities.

Day 2: Applicants will visit University of Montevallo, Oakwood University, and Lawson State Community College campuses, meeting with Co-Program Directors at the campuses, and attendance at ongoing classes at the institution.

Day 3: Applicants will complete the interview process with a meeting with the MERIT Program Director to answer any questions that may have arisen during the visit.

Based upon reviews from the MERIT Program Director and Co-Program Directors, applicants who demonstrate exceptional research skills and outstanding teaching potential will be offered admission to the MERIT Program. Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance via telephone, email, and US mail; applicants will be given two weeks to either accept or reject the offer.

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2024.