University of Waterloo postdoctoral funding opportunities

The best and brightest are drawn to Waterloo for renowned academic programs, world-leading professional education, and teaching and research excellence. Our diverse community supports each other to develop academically, professionally, and personally within a collaborative environment that prioritizes wellbeing, growth, and achievement.

Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Waterloo are a vital component in supporting the overall intellectual strength of our institution. They play an active role in planning for and carrying out Waterloo’s research programs, build alliances and intellectual bridges to other institutions and provide mentorship to our students. In return, Waterloo offers postdoctoral scholars a supportive infrastructure and mechanisms for advancing their goals. Institutionally, we are pleased to present Waterloo-specific funding opportunities below.

AMTD Waterloo Global Talent Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The AMTD Waterloo Global Talent Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is designed to attract the most accomplished postdoctoral leaders from top universities across the globe. Through a generous gift from alumnus Calvin Choi, the AMTD Fellowship provides financial support to postdoctoral scholars with the goal of fostering boundless opportunities to develop research and scholarship at the University of Waterloo. Candidates for this program will be those who have a disruptive research agenda that accelerates the development of revolutionary talent in research and scholarship, for the betterment of society. Research focus should be in the areas identified as strategic areas of research strength, with work that challenges and advances disciplines, is transformative, and has global impact. As well, scholars should demonstrate leadership and external engagement within and outside the academy. Visit the AMTD Waterloo Global Talent Postdoctoral Fellowship for more information.   

Value: $75,000 plus $7,500 engagement fund
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: December 1, 2023

Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars 

The aim is to support emerging scholars who are engaging in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, as aligned with the University strategic plan to identify and solve challenges through approaches that extend beyond disciplinary boundaries such that increasingly complex, real-world programs can be solved. This program will support scholars whose work will bridge across different Faculties/departments, synthesize the knowledge of two (or more) disciplines, and result in high impact/innovative outcomes. Visit the Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars for more information. 

Value: $60,000 plus $5,000 research fund 
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: December 1, 2023

Provost’s Program for Black and Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholars

The aim of this program is to support Black and Indigenous scholars, as aligned with the University’s strategic plan to strengthen sustainable and diverse communities, with particular attention to promoting Indigenous initiatives and ensuring a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusivity for all. Successful scholars will improve the representation, participation and engagement of equity-deserving groups within our community, and support new and existing programs, policies, and processes that foster more diverse campus community. This program is aimed to advance emerging scholars whose work is transformative, is of societal importance, and has global impact. Visit Provost’s Program for Black and Indigenous Postdoctoral Scholars for more information.

Value: $60,000 plus $5,000 research fund
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: December 1, 2023

How to apply

1. Applicant connects with a proposed University of Waterloo faculty member through a Letter of Intent form (applicant must then follow up with their proposed faculty member by email with an attached CV)
2. University of Waterloo faculty member submits an endorsement form; GSPA contacts applicant
3. Applicant contacts referees to provide reference letters
4. Applicant completes and submits an online application by December 1, 2023

Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria for these programs before submitting their application; applicants may only apply to one of the three funding opportunities and must have endorsement from a University of Waterloo faculty member prior to applying. 

Information Webinar

To provide more information about these programs, we held a webinar on Thursday, October 12, 2023.  To view the recording, please visit the link below.