Research Opportunities
Interested in joining the group? Dr. Kelly is always on the lookout for talented new students, and new post-doctoral fellows are hired as funding permits. Read more about opportunities in the group for prospective undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows.
Graduate Students
Typically, 1-2 new graduate students are accepted into the group each year. If you're interested in joining the group as a graduate student:
- Read through the Department of Chemistry's information for prospective students (be sure to check that you meet the admission requirements).
- Submit an expression of interest via the Kelly Research Group's Google Form.
- Applicants without access to Google services (e.g., Chinese applicants) are invited to apply directly via e-mail; application materials can be included as attachments (see checklist below).
- Competitive applicants will then be advised to formally apply to the graduate program in the Department of Chemistry.
Application Items
- A short (< 3000 characters) cover letter describing your research interests and why you want to join the group.
- Cumulative grade point average from your undergraduate degree and any graduate degrees.
- The results of any English language proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL iBT).
- A short resume / CV describing your experience and qualifications; be sure to highlight any prior research experience, publications, and conference presentations.
Important Timelines
- Graduate applications for September admission start being reviewed in September the year before.
- Applications are reviewed periodically throughout the fall and winter. Short-listed candidates will be invited to formally apply to the graduate program.
- Campus visits for eligible Canadian students are usually arranged in January - March.
- Offers of admission are made anywhere from January through April.
- Admission decisions are usually finalized by May, leaving enough time for international applicants to apply for a Canadian study permit.
Running late? Don't panic! Particularly for Canadian applicants (who don't need a study permit), admissions can still be made well into the summer. Contact Dr. Kelly for more information.
No reply? We thank all candidates for their interest, but due to the large number of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Undergraduates
Wondering what goes on in an academic research lab? Looking to gain practical experience and build your CV? There are several ways to get involved in research as an undergraduate student!
Summer Research Assistants
The Kelly Research Group often employs undergraduate students at all levels to work as full-time research assistants during the summer months. These are independent research projects at the cutting edge of materials chemistry and solar energy technology, and provide valuable work experience in an academic research laboratory.
Applications for summer research assistant positions are considered in January of each year! Don't miss out - apply early!
Apply for a summer research assistantship:
E-mail Prof. Kelly with your interest in the position, and be sure to include:
- A short cover letter describing your interest in a summer research assistantship.
- A short resume / CV describing your experience and qualifications; no experience is required, but be sure to highlight any previous research experience that you do have.
- PDF copies of your post-secondary transcripts (unofficial advising transcripts are fine).
NSERC USRA and Deparmental Awards
Undergraduate students are eligible for a number of awards that make it easier for faculty to hire them as research assistants. The NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA) are prestigious, nationally-recognized awards; USRA holders work in an academic research lab for a 16 week period during the summer months. The Nixon / Spinks / Verrall awards are similar, and are managed by the Department of Chemistry. USRA applications are usually due in late January of each year, with the Nixon / Spinks / Verrall awards due a few weeks thereafter. Check with the Department of Chemistry for up-to-date information regarding these awards!
Not from the UofS? If you are a chemistry student at another eligible Canadian institution, you are still eligible to apply for a NSERC USRA at the UofS! If successful, NSERC will also provide a travel allowance for your travel to and from Saskatoon!
Research Courses
Students can also enroll in the Department of Chemistry's research courses: CHEM 380.3, 482.3, and 483.6. Students work part-time on a research project over the course of either one (CHEM 380 and 482) or two (CHEM 483) semesters, gaining university credit in the process. Students present an initial proposal in a short seminar at the start of the course, and then write a report and give a research seminar summarizing their results at the conclusion of the class.
The Kelly Research Group usually has openings for 1-2 CHEM 380/482/483 students each year.
Join the group as a CHEM 380/482/483 student:
- Register for the appropriate research course. Not sure which course to take? Talk to an academic advisor in the Department of Chemistry.
- Contact Prof. Kelly to inquire about openings for CHEM 380/482/483 students and discuss possible research projects.
- Don't delay! If interested in a CHEM 380/482/483 project in the Kelly group, get in touch as soon as you can, and ideally before the beginning of term.
Post-Doctoral Fellows
Looking to launch your scientific career? The Kelly Research Group offers fantastic opportunities for post-doctoral fellows to build their leadership skills while pursuing cutting-edge materials chemistry research.
Openings
Post-doctoral fellows are hired as funding permits. Any open positions for post-doctoral fellows will be advertised both on this website and through the Materials Division of the Chemical Institute of Canada - check back frequently. Applications for any open positions are welcomed from applicants with a wide variety of backgrounds: chemistry, physics, materials science and engineering, as well as any other related fields.
Unfortunately, if there are no open positions being advertised, only applications from self-funded fellows will be considered.
No reply? We thank all candidates for their interest, but due to the large number of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Self-Funded Fellows
There are always openings for post-doctoral fellows with their own sources of funding. Holders of major fellowships (e.g., NSERC post-doctoral fellowship or similar) should contact Dr. Kelly with a cover letter and copy of their CV; the same is true for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are interested in applying for an NSERC post-doctoral fellowship in the Kelly Research Group.
Applying for an NSERC Banting post-doctoral fellowship? Applicants must meet a very high standard of excellence to be considered for these awards. Dr. Kelly is only able to support the applications of the most outstanding young scientists, but all applicants are thanked for their interest.