STEM faculty fellow position open for applications

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A group of four MSU Honors College students in front of the red brick entrance to Eustace-Cole Hall. Three students are sitting on a black bench, while another is standing. The students are in jeans and various MSU t-shirts, holding green and white Honors College pennants.

In collaboration with the deans of the College of Natural Science, College of Engineering, and Honors College, the Distinguished Student Awards Office (DSAO) seeks a faculty member or academic specialist in the continuing system to serve as the STEM faculty fellow for the academic year. The fellow will support STEM students applying for prestigious awards, such as the Goldwater and Churchill scholarships.

The DSAO, administered by the Honors College, helps undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent alumni across the university throughout the competitive application processes.  

Position Summary 

Responsibilities include supporting Assistant Dean Kristin Janka with recruiting STEM students for prestigious awards, providing feedback on application materials and endorsement letters, preparing finalists for national interviews, and attending relevant DSAO/Honors College special programming when possible.  

Commitment and Compensation 

The time commitment for this position is approximately 5-10 hours per week each semester from August 16, 2026 through May 15, 2027 and varies with the award cycle. Compensation is $8,000-10,000 per semester as overload pay. Applicants must have approval of their chair/supervisor prior to applying. 

Qualification Requirements 

  • Ph.D. in a STEM field or interdisciplinary STEM field 
  • Faculty or academic staff member in the continuing system
  • Experience mentoring students (e.g., conference proposals, graduate school applications, awards)
  • Demonstrated scholarly record (publications, grants, research, awards)
  • Approval of chair/supervisor prior to applying 

Qualifying members from the College of Engineering, College of Natural Science, and Lyman Briggs College are especially encouraged to apply. 

Application Materials 

Applicants should submit the following materials to Assistant Dean Kristin Janka at studentawards@msu.edu by May 29, 2026: 

  1. Cover letter describing how the applicant’s experience and expertise align with the position. The cover letter should also include a statement assuring prior approval of chair or supervisor.
  2. CV 

Key Dates 

The deadline to apply is May 29, 2026. Final candidates will be notified by mid-June.

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