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.

The Danish Advanced Research Academy (DARA) is pleased to announce its Summer 2025 Call for Open PhD Fellowships.
Date Posted: 05 Jul, 2025

The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemical Sciences or Chemical Instrumentation Award Program supports advanced research by postdoctoral scholars within the core areas of fundamental chemistry or the development and build of chemical instrumentation
Date Posted: 04 Jul, 2025

The Africa region of the World Bank Group (WBG) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship Program for Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates who are Sub-Saharan Africa nationals.
Date Posted: 04 Jul, 2025

The NHR Graduate School of the NHR Alliance awards up to nine PhD scholarships a year to doctoral students from all over the world.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

The Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD fellowship program recognizes the contributions of emerging leaders in computer science and engineering at the graduate and postgraduate level.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the TWAS-ICCBS Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Date Posted: 26 Jun, 2025

The AWHF is pleased to announce the Moses Mapesa Research Grant, established to support African doctoral and master’s students conducting research in the field of natural and cultural heritage.
Date Posted: 26 Jun, 2025

The Planetary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship cultivates new knowledge and solutions at the intersections of health and the environment.
Date Posted: 21 Jun, 2025

They are seeking a research assistant to support the production of the 2025 edition of the State of AI Report.
Date Posted: 20 Jun, 2025

Call for applications for CORAF scholarships 2025: offers of 4 doctoral thesis (PhD) scholarships as part of the implementation of the Food Systems Resilience Program (PRSA/FSRP) in West Africa
Date Posted: 20 Jun, 2025

MSIF's McDonald Fellowships fund 2-year research placements for early career researchers from low- and middle-income countries.
Date Posted: 14 Jun, 2025

The Allianz Climate Risk Award is a global award open to PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers.
Date Posted: 14 Jun, 2025

Manchester Metropolitan University is looking for a highly motivated doctoral student to join their research team based in central Manchester (UK) to contribute to exciting new studies investigating the musculoskeletal outcomes of a behavioural change intervention for weight loss in obese adults.
Date Posted: 06 Jun, 2025

The Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund aims to catalyse new and strengthen existing collaborations between researchers in Africa and Cambridge and support high quality training activities.
Date Posted: 06 Jun, 2025

Invitation of excellent researchers from all disciplines to Bonn for short stays (up to 12 days).
Date Posted: 04 Jun, 2025

Applications are open for the L'Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents Caribbean for Women in Science Program 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2025

The Australian-American Fulbright Commission offers scholarships to Australian citizens across all career stages. Awardees take part in an academic and cultural exchange, pursuing research or study at a U.S. institution, experiencing life abroad and bringing back their knowledge and experience to share with their communities in Australia.
Date Posted: 03 Jun, 2025

If you’re working on innovative research in risk management or climate adaptation, you can now apply for funding through the Lloyd’s of London Foundation’s new grant programme.
Date Posted: 29 May, 2025
Applications are open for the British Council 90th Anniversary Research Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh 2026. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 May, 2025

Applications are open for the Max Planck - Weizmann Joint Postdoctoral Program 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 May, 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.