Postdoctoral opportunities are advanced research appointments for recent PhD graduates to deepen their expertise, conduct independent research, and further their scholarly profile under the mentorship of established senior scientists. These opportunities are designed for early-career researchers and academics who have completed their doctorate and seek to gain additional experience, publish significant work, and enhance their qualifications for a permanent university or research position.
Find a curated list of updated postdoctoral and research opportunities from around the world here.
Candidates who would like to apply or learn more about the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship are encouraged to click here. Applications are currently being accepted.
Date Posted: 02 Sep, 2025
Do you work as an academic researcher? Are you interested in doing your research in Germany? Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship. Candidates are encouraged to click here for additional information about this opportunity and to apply.
Date Posted: 01 Sep, 2025
Applications for the OISTs Visting Scholars program are now being accepted. Interested candidates are encouraged to click here to apply and learn more about this opportunity.
Date Posted: 01 Sep, 2025
Applications are currently being accepted for the Post-Doctoral Fulbright Scholar Program in the United States. For additional information about this opportunity and to apply, interested applicants are encouraged to click here.
Date Posted: 27 Aug, 2025
The Danish Project Grants supporting Societal Learning for the Green Transition are now accepting applications. To find out more about this opportunity and to apply, candidates who wish to increase the adoption of more sustainable practices by individuals and communities in Denmark should click here.
Date Posted: 27 Aug, 2025
Are you a person or an organization from a less developed or developing nation? The 2025–2026 TWAS Visting Expert Program is now accepting applications. To apply and learn more about this job, interested candidates can click here.
Date Posted: 27 Aug, 2025
Are you a recent PhD graduate? Applications are Open for the Michigan Society of Fellows Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-2029. Interested applicants can click here to learn more about this opporitunity and apply.
Date Posted: 27 Aug, 2025
Applications are now being accepted for the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early Career Women Scientists in Developing Countries. To find out more about this opportunity and to apply, interested candidates are urged to click here.
Date Posted: 26 Aug, 2025
For women interested in the American-Short Term Research Publication Grant, applications are now being accepted. To find out more about this opportunity and to apply, interested candidates are urged to click here.
Date Posted: 25 Aug, 2025
To learn more about the Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program 2026, interested candidates are urged to visit here and submit an application.
Date Posted: 25 Aug, 2025
Candidates interested in creating truly interdisciplinary projects are encouraged to click here for more information about the British Academy International Multidisciplinary Research Projects 2026 and to apply within.
Date Posted: 25 Aug, 2025
Are you a researcher in education? The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctotoral Fellowship 2026 is currently accepting applications. To learn more and submit an application, interested candidates are urged to visit here.
Date Posted: 25 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the AIMS South Africa Artificial Intelligence in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-2027. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Aug, 2025
Applications for the 2025 Canadian Food Innovation Network Innovation Scouting Fund are now being accepted. Are you a foodtech entrepreneur ready to work closely with a prominent figure in the Canadian food industry to solve practical business issues? To find out more and submit an application for this opportunity, click here.
Date Posted: 22 Aug, 2025
Women in all academic disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and those studying gender issues, are urged to apply for the AAUW American Dissertation Fellowship 2026. To find out more about this opportunity, click here.
Date Posted: 22 Aug, 2025
Applications for the Postdoctoral Fellowships In Asia Research Institute (ARI) 2026-2027 are now open. Interested applicants should click here to learn more about the program and to apply.
Date Posted: 19 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025-2026. This program is open to recent PhD recipients and doctoral candidates in the social sciences.
Date Posted: 18 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 18 Aug, 2025
Applications are invited from research scientists working in agriculture, forestry or fisheries who would like to conduct research projects abroad, in another member country of the Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) from 6 to 26 weeks. The aim of the Research Fellowships is to strengthen the international exchange of ideas and increase international mobility and cooperation among scientists working in these areas.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
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:
Leverhulme Trust.
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.