The Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program invites applications from outstanding emerging scholars across all disciplines who seek to advance cutting-edge research, develop as early-career leaders, and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive academic community at Western University. Jointly administered by Western Research and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, this prestigious fellowship aligns with the university’s strategic research vision Mobilize for Impact! and reinforces its commitment to excellence, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Program Overview
The Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program aims to:
- Attract top global talent who will enrich Western’s research excellence.
- Support promising research programs that align with Western’s strategic directions.
- Cultivate professional development, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a thriving research environment.
- Position scholars for long-term success as independent researchers.
Postdoctoral fellows at Western engage in individualized development plans, mentorship structures, and opportunities that prepare them to lead high-impact research programs.
Award Value and Funding Structure
The fellowship provides a minimum total value of approximately $171,994 over two years, including:
Annual Support
- Stipend: Minimum $70,000/year (plus annual increase in Year 2)
- Benefits: 14% benefits rate
- Research Allowance: $5,000/year
Matching Requirement
- Western Research covers 50% of the base fellowship + $5,000/year research allowance
→ Total maximum Western contribution: $90,997 over two years - Host faculty/supervisor must secure the remaining 50% of stipend/benefits.
- Faculties may contribute additional funds where available.
A limited number of cases may receive supplemental central funding based on demonstrated financial need and exhausted faculty resources.
Program Duration
- Fellowship start dates: July 2026 – June 2027
- Award term: 24 months
- Fellows must complete the full two-year term at Western University (London, Ontario).
If a fellow leaves early, remaining funds are returned and the award terminates.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have earned a PhD (or equivalent) within 5 years of the proposed start date
(extensions possible for documented life or career interruptions). - Not currently or previously hold a postdoctoral position at Western.
- Not hold a tenure-track or tenured academic position.
- End any other postdoc appointments before starting this award.
- Secure a qualified Western faculty supervisor with confirmed matching funds.
- Meet all immigration/documentation requirements if international.
- Be subject to research security screening (NSGRP & STRAC compliance).
Applications are welcomed from all disciplines, including interdisciplinary and intersectoral research.
Program Timelines — 2026 Cycle
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| February 2026 | Program launch |
| April 7, 2026 | ROLA proposal submission deadline |
| April 14, 2026, 3:00 p.m. EDT | Full application + referee letters due |
| April–May 2026 | Committee review |
| May–June 2026 | Results communicated |
| July 2026 – June 2027 | Fellowship start window |
All applications must be submitted through Western’s internal grants submission portal and accompanied by a fully approved ROLA proposal.
Final Reporting
Both the postdoctoral fellow and supervisor must submit a final report within 3 months of fellowship completion, detailing outcomes, impact, and research achievements.
Additional Notes
- Incomplete or inconsistent applications may be removed from competition.
- Postdocs may teach courses, but the fellowship amount will be adjusted proportionally.
- International scholars may contact the program’s designated support for immigration queries.
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