ACS Bridge Postdocs Grant in Green Chemistry24 Views

 The ACS Early Career Postdoctoral–Faculty Bridge Grant offers $125,000 to support researchers launching independent labs in green chemistry. This unique funding empowers postdocs or new faculty to build sustainable research programs, mentor future scientists, and integrate green principles into academic teaching at top U.S. institutions.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) Early Career Postdoctoral–Faculty Bridge Grant is a prestigious funding opportunity tailored to support early-career researchers transitioning into independent faculty roles. With a strong emphasis on advancing green and sustainable chemistry, this grant provides significant financial support to help launch the careers of postdoctoral scholars or newly appointed faculty. The program aims to build a robust pipeline of academic leaders equipped to tackle critical environmental challenges through chemical research.

This article offers a detailed and professionally structured overview of the program, including eligibility criteria, funding details, application procedures, and timelines. As of 2025, the ACS continues to champion this initiative as part of its broader mission to foster innovation and sustainability in chemical sciences.

Program Overview

Purpose and Scope

The ACS Early Career Postdoctoral Faculty Bridge Grant is designed to bridge the financial and professional gap between postdoctoral research and an independent academic position. The core objective is to empower early-career chemists by funding the hiring of a postdoctoral fellow who will assist in establishing a new research lab focused on sustainable or green chemistry.

Funding Details

• Total Award Amount: Up to USD 125,000

• Duration: Two years

• Use of Funds: Exclusively for postdoctoral fellow salary, benefits, and travel expenses. Indirect costs or overheads are not cove

Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible:

Career Stage

• Currently in a postdoctoral research position OR

• Recently appointed to a faculty role (appointment must not have occurred before August 2024).

Institutional Affiliation

• The applicant must be affiliated with a U.S.-based institution. This includes Ph.D.-granting universities, national laboratories, or eligible companies.

Research Area

• The proposed research must fall under the umbrella of green or sustainable chemistry. This includes work that promotes environmental safety, renewable resources, energy efficiency, and pollution reduction.

Experience Limitation

• Applicants should have no more than five years of cumulative postdoctoral experience at the time of application.

Nationality

• The program is open to candidates of all nationalities, provided they are based at an eligible U.S. institution.

Application Timeline

Important Dates

• Application Portal Opens: July 14, 2025

• Submission Deadline: September 19, 2025, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time

• Award Notification: December 2025

Funding Activation

• For newly appointed faculty who began their role in or after August 2024, funds are disbursed upon verification of employment.

• For postdoctoral applicants, funding will commence within three months of their transition into an approved faculty position.

Application Process

Submission Method

All applications must be submitted online through the ACS grant portal. The system requires a structured proposal entry using designated web forms. Applicants should prepare all materials in advance and paste content into the appropriate sections.

Required Information

Applicants must provide the following:

1. Proposal Title: Limited to 250 characters

2. Abstract: Up to 250 words summarizing the proposed research

3. Postdoctoral History: Include details of total time in postdoctoral roles and current/final appointments

4. Institutional Details: Indicate current or expected academic home

5. Teaching Responsibilities: 200-word description outlining teaching plans, particularly how sustainability will be integrated into courses

6. Sustainability Statement: 200-word explanation of the project’s relevance to global sustainability, including any alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)

7. Mentorship Identification: Name and details of current postdoctoral mentor

8. Research Proposal PDF: A two-page document (double-spaced, Times/Arial/Courier, 12-point font), including figures and references. This proposal must clearly differentiate the new research focus from past postdoctoral work.

Additional Notes

• No letters of recommendation are required.

• Budget forms and overhead cost breakdowns are not necessary, as indirect costs are not permitted.

Grant Utilization and Conditions

Hiring of Postdoctoral Fellow

The primary purpose of the grant is to hire a postdoctoral fellow, whose employment will be funded for two years. The fellow’s role is to assist the principal investigator (PI) in establishing a new, independent research program.

Teaching Commitment

Recipients are expected to teach at least one course (either undergraduate or graduate level) during the grant period. This course must explicitly include content related to green or sustainable chemistry.

Program Participation

Awardees are required to engage in ACS programming that supports mentorship, green chemistry education, and leadership development. One such example is the ACS Preparing for Faculty workshop series.

Evaluation and Selection

Review Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

1. Relevance to Green Chemistry: The extent to which the research advances sustainability in chemical science.

2. Scientific Merit: The quality, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed research.

3. Applicant Qualifications: Track record, expertise, and readiness to lead an independent research group.

4. Teaching Integration: Plans for embedding green chemistry into the academic curriculum.

Strategic Benefits

For Researchers

The grant offers a timely boost to postdoctoral scientists on the verge of academic independence. It provides not only financial support but also structured professional development, mentorship capacity-building, and visibility within the green chemistry community.

For Institutions

By fostering a new generation of sustainability-focused faculty, host institutions benefit from increased research capacity, curriculum enrichment, and alignment with broader environmental goals.

Case Example

Previous recipients have demonstrated how impactful this funding can be. For instance, Dr. Houqian Li at the University of Wisconsin–Madison utilized this grant to investigate advanced upcycling methods for plastic waste. His project also introduced innovative sustainability modules into undergraduate chemistry labs, reflecting the dual goals of research excellence and educational transformation.

Summary Table

Conclusion

The ACS Early Career Postdoctoral Faculty Bridge Grant is a transformative opportunity for early-stage researchers. committed to advancing sustainability through chemistry. With a strong foundation in mentorship, research funding, and teaching integration, the program supports a successful transition to independent academic leadership. For those with a clear vision for a sustainable future and the passion to innovate within green chemistry, this grant represents a compelling and practical launchpad.

Further details, updated guidelines, and the application portal are available on the ACS official website [Source: ]

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