Latinx Social Science Pipeline Initiative at UC Berkeley
Call for Applicants: Junior Scholars Symposium
Deadline for Application: March 15, 2025, 5 pm (PT)
Introduction:
The Latinx Social Science Pipeline Initiative (LSSPI) at the University of California, Berkeley, recognizes the significance of Latinx issues in contemporary U.S. society and is committed to promoting social science research in this vital field. Working with UC Berkeley scholars, students, and staff, LSSPI supports the training and development of social scientists, data analysts, policymakers, and public intellectuals focused on Latino/a communities and efforts to improve socioeconomic conditions and advance racial justice.
The LSSPI, in collaboration with UnidosUS, is pleased to announce the Junior Scholars Symposium. This program is an annual initiative that convenes young scholars working on a dissertation, a book, or another research project related to U.S. and transnational Latinx communities to improve socioeconomic conditions and advance racial justice.
We encourage graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, lecturers, contingent faculty, and assistant professors to apply for this unique opportunity to advance their ongoing research projects with the guidance of accomplished Latinx social scientists.
The symposium participants will receive relevant training and the opportunity to establish networks with leading scholars in their fields of study.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be ABD and enrolled in a social science graduate program in the U.S. or a recent PhD graduate within three years of doctoral completion who currently holds a postdoctoral fellowship, lecturer position, or assistant professorship at a U.S. university or college.
- Applicants must conduct social science research on the U.S. Latinx community in some capacity.
Symposium Details:
- Dates: June 3-6, 2025
- Location: UC Berkeley Latinx Research Center, University of California, Berkeley.
- Duration: 3 days and 3 nights (inclusive of travel dates).
- The symposium will cover travel and accommodation expenses for all selected Junior Scholars.
Expectations:
Junior Scholars selected for the symposium will:
- Engage in intensive workshops to advance their ongoing research projects.
- Receive feedback and mentorship from Latinx Social Science Pipeline Project co-leads at UC Berkeley and other esteemed Latinx social scientists.
- Participate in discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities throughout the duration of the program and provide feedback to other junior scholars.
- Submit a manuscript (e.g., dissertation chapter, article for journal submission, or chapter for edited volume) three weeks prior to the symposium. The manuscript should be no longer than 30 double-spaced pages.
Application Requirements:
Applicants should submit the following materials:
- A brief Cover Letter that includes:
- Personal expectations for the symposium.
- A sense of the applicant's career goals.
- Any other relevant personal information the applicant wishes to share with the application committee, including information about mentorship history and needs.
- Outline of research agenda, interests, and trajectory.
- Description of 1 or 2 manuscripts that you seek feedback on.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A Research Statement (2 pages max). Here, we are looking for a description of the main questions and theories that motivate your work. It should also include a brief discussion of your dissertation (grad student) or major first project, an overview of any other side intellectual projects, and a brief discussion of your future research trajectory.
- A Letter of Recommendation from an academic advisor or faculty mentor.
Application Submission:
Please submit your application materials in a single PDF document to luis.hernandez@berkeley.edu by March 15, 2025. The email should read “Junior Scholars Symposium Application” in the subject line. The letter of recommendation can be submitted in a separate email from the academic advisor or the faculty member. The letter of recommendation is also due on March 15, 2025.
Notification of Awards:
Successful applicants will be notified by April 2025.
Contact: For inquiries or additional information, please contact Luis Javier Hernandez at luis.hernandez@berkeley.edu
The Junior Scholars Symposium offers an invaluable opportunity to advance research projects, receive mentorship from experienced scholars, and establish connections with peers in Latinx social science. We look forward to receiving applications from dedicated and passionate Junior Scholars and supporting innovative Latinx Social Science projects!