2023 postdoctoral funding programs now open

Applications for 2023 postdoctoral funding programs are now open, including two new opportunities supported by the provost for interdisciplinary scholars and Black and Indigenous scholars.

Postdocs at the University of Waterloo play a vital role in advancing impactful research. These top-tier funding opportunities create the possibility to attract exceptional scholars across all disciplines.

“At Waterloo, postdoctoral scholars are defined as emerging thought leaders, transitioning from their PhD programs to impactful futures,” says Jeff Casello, associate vice-president for graduate studies and postdoctoral affairs. “These programs are intended to attract exceptional candidates to Waterloo and provide extraordinary support for them as they work towards their goals. These top scholars can be transformative for the University research mission and impacts.”

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 well-being, growth and achievement.

Applicants to these programs must have support/endorsement from a University of Waterloo researcher. The application deadline is December 1. For more details, including eligibility criteria and the endorsement process, please visit the University of Waterloo Postdoc Funding web page.

Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars 

The aim of this program is to support emerging scholars who are engaging in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, as aligned with the University's 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 and departments, synthesize the knowledge of two (or more) disciplines, and result in high-impact and innovative outcomes. Please visit 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, 2022

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 a more diverse campus community.

This program is aimed to advance emerging scholars whose work is transformative, is of societal importance, and has global impact. Please 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, 2022

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. Further details on the innovative AMTD Waterloo Global Talent Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, including application process and timelines can be found on the AMTD web page.

Value: $75,000 plus $7,500 engagement fund
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: December 1, 2022