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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.
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
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
The Rising Star Africa Prize is awarded to early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2025
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
Applications are now open for the 2025 Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Future Professors Programme (FPP). Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Jan, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa- AI4D Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Scholarship Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Jan, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 IAEA Lise Meitner Programme. Applicants are invited to apply to one or more of the three LMP visiting professional programmes that best align with their professional experiences and qualifications.
Date Posted: 22 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the Information Controls Fellowship Program 2025. The Information Controls Fellowship Program (ICFP) cultivates research, outputs, and creative collaboration on topics related to repressive internet censorship and surveillance.
Date Posted: 22 Jan, 2025
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
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
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
Are you working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your country of origin – a non-European developing or transition country? Then you should apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Date Posted: 10 Jan, 2025
To drive higher R&D outcomes, the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council is seeking new R&D projects. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 09 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the Mastercard Foundation/University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund 2025. This opportunity is open to pairs of researchers (post-doctoral level and above) from the University of Cambridge and African universities or research institutes across all disciplines.
Date Posted: 09 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the Megatrends Afrika Project Fellowships 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 08 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Global Science Scholars Program 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the CanFASD Researchers Travel Award 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Dec, 2024
Applications are open for the Policy Innovation Centre Institute Research Fellowship 2025. The Fellowship offers scholars a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research that advance gender equity and socio-economic development.
Date Posted: 28 Dec, 2024
The Eur-Asian Border Lab, together with the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) invites applications for a week-long programme of workshops, field trips, and lectures to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan between 2-6 June, 2025. Apply now!
Date Posted: 28 Dec, 2024
Applications are open for the Google Research Scholar Program 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 23 Dec, 2024
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.