Envision Research Institute Announces Search for Post Doctoral Fellows to Study Low Vision

The Gigi & Carl Allen Envision Research Institute (ERI) is now calling for letters of intent to apply for its next round of postdoctoral research fellowships. Launched in 2015 with a goal to restore function to those who are blind and visually impaired, the ERI provides access to funds, facilities, mentors and prospective study subjects for postdoctoral research into the functional implications of vision loss, impact of early screening and access to treatments, methods of optimizing rehabilitation therapies and development of accessibility technology. Fellowships last for a minimum of 1 year and maximum of two, pending a review of the first year’s progress and results, and are primarily carried out on-site at the Wichita, Kansas-based ERI, however fellows may travel to his/her mentor’s institution for up to 6 months to establish a collaboration and receive additional training not available at the ERI.

Applicants for research fellowships must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, OD, OTD, JD) in engineering, computer science, psychology, vision science, epidemiology, social sciences, or related fields at the time of the award. Qualified individuals interested in applying for an ERI Fellowship must submit a CV and a Letter of Intent, not to exceed two pages in length, no later than 12:00 p.m. CDT on Friday, December 7. Letters of Intent must contain the following:

–          Description of the applicant and his/her background;

–          Brief description of the intended research project and how it addresses the mission of Envision;

–          Proposed external mentor(s) and what new training they would support for the fellow; and

–          List of topical areas relevant to the research (for guiding appointment of the selection committee).

Invitations to apply will be sent in mid-December 2018, with applications due January 25, 2019. Awards will be announced in February 2019, with the Fellowship expected to commence by Spring 2019.

The ERI is a uniquely attractive place to conduct postdoctoral vision-related research, as it affords an opportunity for immersion in Envision’s many Wichita-based resources, among which are the Bicknell Envision Vision Rehabilitation Center, the Cathy G. Hudson Envision Child Development Center, the William L. Hudson BVI Workforce Innovation Center supporting employment accessibility for individuals who are blind and visually impaired, and other programs catering to the quality of life needs of those who are blind and visually impaired. Information about the Fellowship Program, including a Fellowship Handbook with details on the program overall as well as on the application process, can be found at http://research.envisionus.com/Fellowship-Program. For further information, write to research@envisionus.com.