Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Western’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program awards funding to a cohort of postdoctoral scholars who contribute to research, scholarship and creative activity across the institution.

Grounded by Western Research's strategic plan, the Western Postdoctoral Fellowship program incorporates principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and aspires to:

  • attract diverse postdoctoral talent from a global candidate pool who will contribute positively to research excellence at Western;
  • enhance support for promising research programs that advance Western’s strategic goals for research success; and 
  • foster a vibrant and inclusive environment for scholars and position them for success as early-career researchers.

Application Deadline:

  • April 7, 2026: ROLA submission deadline (to be submitted by the applicant's supervisor)
  • April 14, 2026, 3 p.m. EDT: Application submission deadline (including reference letters at the time of submission)
  • April-May 2026: Selection committee review
  • May-June 2026: Communication of results
  • July 1, 2026- June 30, 2027: Start date range for successful candidates
  1. Internal program applications must be accompanied by a completed ROLA proposal, reviewed and approved by the department chair and faculty dean.
  2. Program applications must be received by the Western Research internal grants online submission portal before the posted deadline.

 

Application Guidelines:

Value and duration:

The award provides a minimum stipend of:

  • Year 1: $70,000, plus 14% benefits and a $5,000 research allowance.
  • Year 2: $70,000, plus an annual increase (per collective agreement), 14% benefits and a $5,000 research allowance.

Approximate total award value: $171,994 over two years. 

Matching requirement: Western Research will contribute 50% of the base fellowship (stipend and recoverable benefits), plus a $5,000/year research allowance for a total maximum contribution of $90,997 over the term of the postdoctoral fellowship (maximum 2 years). The host faculty and/or supervisor is responsible for securing, at a minimum, the remaining 50% of the stipend/benefits.

Submission: 

  1. Internal program applications must be accompanied by a completed ROLA proposal, reviewed and approved by the Department Chair and Faculty Dean.
  2. Program applications must be received by the Western Research Internal Grants online submission portal before the posted deadline.

 

Final Report:

Final reports are to be submitted by both the postdoc and the supervisor, no later than 3 months after the completion of the award. Please click here to access the final report feedback form.

 

Contacts:

If you have any questions about the Western Postdoctoral Fellowship program, please contact the Internal Grants Team. For information on the postdoctoral appointment process, contact Mihaela Harmos.