Postdoctoral Research Opportunities for People with PhDs 2025 - 2026

    • Centre for International Governance Innovation Digital Policy Hub Program logo
    • Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Digital Policy Hub Program 2025-2026 (Funded)

      Applications are open for the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Digital Policy Hub Program 2025-2026. The new Digital Policy Hub at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) hosts a diverse group of emerging, innovative thinkers from the social, natural and applied sciences, providing opportunities for them to further develop their own research, analytical and policy skills.

      Date Posted: 04 Feb, 2025

    • Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Programme logo
    • Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Programme 2026 (Funded)

      Applications are open for the Nordic Africa Institute African Scholarship Programme 2026. The purpose of the African Scholarship Programme is to provide opportunities for early career researchers based in Africa to work and develop their ongoing research at the Nordic Africa Institute. Apply now!

      Date Posted: 04 Feb, 2025

    • LCRF Leading Edge Research Grant Program logo
    • LCRF Leading Edge Research Grant Program 2025 (up to $150,000)

      Applications are open for the LCRF Leading Edge Research Grant Program 2025. This grant program aims to fund innovative projects across the full spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological, health services, early detection, disparities, and social determinants of health research.

      Date Posted: 04 Feb, 2025

    • Royal Society Newton International Fellowship logo
    • Royal Society Newton International Fellowship 2025 (up to £280,000)

      Applications are open for the Royal Society Newton International Fellowship 2025. The Newton International Fellowship (NIF) programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The fellowships enable researchers to access expertise, gain new perspectives and build long-lasting collaborative relationships. This scheme is jointly run by the British Academy and the Royal Society.

      Date Posted: 03 Feb, 2025

    • Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research logo
    • Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research 2025 (€350,000 Total Award)

      Applications are open for the Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research 2025. The Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research in cooperation with the QUEST Center for Responsible Research at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charite honors researchers, institutions, and early career researchers around the globe whose work helps to fundamentally advance the quality, transparency, and reproducibility of science and research.

      Date Posted: 03 Feb, 2025

    • TWAS Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators logo
    • 2025 TWAS Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) (up to USD 67,700)

      With the support of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), UNESCO-TWAS launched a new programme to strengthen the capacity of African countries lagging in science and technology. The programme is aimed at early career researchers who have obtained their PhD abroad and have recently returned or will shortly return to an academic position in their home country. Grants are awarded to promising high-level research projects in Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, Earth sciences, Engineering, Information Computer Technology, Mathematics, Medical Sciences and Physics carried out in African countries lagging in science and technology identified by TWAS.

      Date Posted: 01 Feb, 2025

    • FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships logo
    • FENS/IBRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships 2025 (up to EUR 4,000)

      Applications are open for the FENS/BRO-PERC Exchange Fellowships 2025. Directed at Master and PhD students as well as early-career postdocs in Europe, this program aims to foster and broaden their scope of methodological training by supporting goal-directed laboratory visits in established European laboratories.

      Date Posted: 01 Feb, 2025

    • Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship logo
    • Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 (Funded)

      Applications are open for the Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025. This opportunity is open to outstanding researchers of all nationalities, who are under the age of 35 and have obtained their PhD within the past three years,

      Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2025

    • JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme logo
    • JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2025 (Funded)

      Applications are open for the JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2025. Jointly organized by the UNU and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the JSPS-UNU Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is designed to provide promising, highly qualified young researchers with the opportunity to conduct advanced research in sustainability under host researchers at domestic universities and research institutions across Japan in cooperation with UNU-IAS.

      Date Posted: 16 Jan, 2025

    • IWA MEWE Early Career Researcher Award logo
    • IWA MEWE Early Career Researcher Award 2025

      Applications are ongoing for the IWA MEWE Early Career Researcher Award 2025. This Award recognizes accomplishments of early-career professionals in the field of MEWE, who are within 5 years after PhD/highest degree at the time of nomination, and who are active not only in the academic environment but also in the industry or (non-)governmental organizations, among other relevant sectors.

      Date Posted: 16 Jan, 2025

    • IWA MEWE Mid Career Researcher Award logo
    • IWA MEWE Mid Career Researcher Award 2025

      Applications are ongoing for the IWA MEWE Mid-Career Award 2025. This Award recognises sustained accomplishments of a mid-career professional in the field of MEWE, who is within 15 years after PhD/highest degree at the time of nomination, and who are active not only in the academic environment but also in the industry or (non-)governmental organisations, among other relevant sectors.

      Date Posted: 16 Jan, 2025

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Postdoctoral Opportunities FAQs

What is a postdoctoral opportunity?

A postdoctoral opportunity is an advanced research position that allows individuals with a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) to gain additional training and experience in their field. It generally involves working on specific research projects under the mentorship of senior researchers or professors.

 

Who can apply for a postdoctoral position?

Most postdoctoral positions are open to individuals who have recently completed their doctoral degree. Some opportunities may also require specific qualifications, research experience, or skills relevant to the field or project.

 

How long do post-doctoral positions last?

Post-doctoral positions typically last between one to three years, though the duration can vary depending on the funding source, research project, or institution.

 

Are post-doctoral positions paid?

Yes, most postdoctoral opportunities come with a salary or stipend. The amount depends on the institution, country, and funding source. Some positions may also include additional benefits such as health insurance, travel allowances, and research grants.

 

What are the benefits of pursuing a postdoctoral opportunity?

Some benefits of pursuing a postdoctoral opportunity include:

  • Gaining advanced research skills and expertise.

  • Building a strong academic or professional network.

  • Improving your CV for future faculty or industry positions.

  • Contributing to significant projects and publications in your field.

 

Do post-doctoral fellows teach?

It depends on the institution and role. Some post-doctoral fellows may be required to teach or assist with undergraduate and graduate courses, while others may focus solely on research.

 

What organizations fund postdoctoral researchers?

Many organizations provide grants and fellowships for post-doctoral researchers. Some notable ones include:

 

What are the challenges of pursuing a post-doctoral opportunity?

Common challenges may include:

  • High competition for positions.

  • Temporary contracts with no long-term job security.

  • Balancing research responsibilities with personal goals.

 

What are the key skills needed for a successful post-doctoral experience?

The essential skills youare need to succeed include:

  • Advanced research expertise.

  • Grant writing and securing funding.

  • Networking and collaboration.

  • Leadership and project management.

 

Can I pursue a postdoctoral opportunity in a different field from my PhD?

Yes, interdisciplinary postdoctoral opportunities exist. However, you may need to demonstrate how your skills and experience are transferable to the new field.