A postdoctoral position is unique as it facilitates the smooth transition from being a student in the highest academic degree program to an independent scholar.
A postdoctoral fellow in the University of Waterloo engages, in collaboration with a professor, in research activities, for a definite term that will further their professional and scholarly development.
Are you considering a postdoctoral opportunity in Engineering at the University of Waterloo?
Some of your experiences during a postdoctoral appointment at Waterloo might include:
- Opportunity to carry out world-class research, supported by excellent facilities and infrastructure
- A collaborative and inter-disciplinary environment for research and innovation
- Authorship in high impact scientific publications and reviews
- Presentations at national and international conferences and symposia
- Opportunity to apply for travel-grants, awards, and fellowships
- Support structures for wellness, social interaction, and professional matters
- Mentoring of younger trainees
So, why Waterloo?
There's nothing to hold you back!
An inclusive employer, Waterloo supports values of integrity, professional excellence and diversity and inclusion welcoming faculty, students and staff from around the world. All international postdoctoral fellow are required to have a valid Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) work permit, and we have resources to guide you through these processes.
Rich in culture and diversity, much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.
Intellectual Property
A global leader in research and innovation, Waterloo boasts one of academia's best Intellectual Property policies.
The researcher-owned invention policy enables the faculty, researchers, and students to own their invention and engage in commercial enterprise though contract research, licensing opportunities, and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Current Postdocs in the Faculty of Engineering
Current Postdoctoral Fellows in Engineering at Waterloo are independently sought after by our world-renowned faculty researchers.
Waterloo Engineering is home to over 135 postdocs. The Engineering Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs office is here to:
- support the Engineering postdoc community
- advocate for, secure, and promote postdoc resources and benefits
- promote guidelines for postdoctoral appointments
Meet Anirban, Marie and Anwar.These are just a few of the many individuals who have shared their Postdoctoral experience in Engineering at Waterloo. Check out their profiles and others on the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, Postdoctoral fellow profiles page.
Professional Development
In keeping with Waterloo’s reputation as an internationally renowned learning institution, the Faculty of Engineering strives to support the continued professional development of all of its members.
KEEP LEARNING is a UW website dedicated to promoting professional development (particularly for Faculty members, Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Students) through the collective expertise of Centre for Extended Learning (CEL), Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE), Information Systems and Technology (IST) - Instructional Technologies and Media Services (ITMS), the Library, AccessAbility Services and others.
Scholarships and Awards
Postdoctoral funding can come from a variety of sources. The majority of postdoctoral appointments in Engineering are funded by individual research grants from our professors. The University of Waterloo Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) provides an informative source of funding opportunities. Some funds may be internally managed by the University, while others are offered through external sources. Below is a sampling of some funding information.
Other current funding opportunities include:
- Provost's Program for Black and Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholars
- Focus: Reducing barriers for Blac and Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholars
- Duration: 2 years
- Value: $70,000 annual salary plus plus a benefits package. Scholars will also receive a one-time research fund of $5,000 at the time of their appointment.
- Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars
- Focus: External scholars with interdisciplinary research extending beyond boundaries
- Duration: 2 years
- Value: $70,000 annual salary plus $5,000 research fund
Find out more about the postdoc opportunities
Visit the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs website for information on supports they offer to enhance your experience at the University of Waterloo.
Stay Connected to the Centre for Career Development (CCD)
The CCD supports all students, postdocs, alumni, and employees. We offer a wide range of live and asynchronous career-focused workshops and events to assist you on your career development journey. Career advisors can support with career planning, career management strategies, work search methods and setting meaningful career goals. Visit the Graduate students & postdoctoral fellows page of the Centre for Career Action’s website for additional information on our services, and to sign up for appointments and workshops. Questions about CCA's services? Live chat or call us at 519-888-4047 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday to Friday.