Stanford University is inviting applications from exceptional early-career researchers worldwide for the prestigious Stanford Science Fellows program. This fellowship offers scholars the opportunity to pursue innovative fundamental research in the natural sciences while collaborating with world-class faculty across multiple academic departments.
Program Overview
| Fellowship Position | Stanford Science Fellow (Postdoctoral Researcher) |
| Host Institution | Stanford University |
| Location | Stanford, California, United States |
| Appointment Duration | 3-Year Term (typically starting September 1) |
| Annual Stipend | $98,000 per year |
| Research & Travel Funds | Up to $10,000 annually |
| Relocation Assistance | Up to $2,500 |
| Application Deadline | October 16 (11:59 PM EDT) |
Designation & Fellowship Benefits
Stanford Science Fellows receive full financial and institutional support designed to accelerate their scientific careers:
- Annual Stipend: $98,000 per year.
- Supplemental Funding: Up to $10,000 per year for research expenses, conference travel, and professional development.
- Relocation Allowance: Up to $2,500 to assist with moving expenses.
- Additional Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare benefits, supplemental child care assistance grants, and visa support.
- Academic Appointment: Fellows hold primary appointments within Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability, School of Medicine, School of Humanities and Sciences, or School of Engineering.
Research Areas
The program supports fundamental experimental and theoretical research across natural science fields, including:
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Biological sciences
- Experimental chemistry (including chemical biology)
- Earth and oceans (including ecology)
- Mathematics and statistics
- Experimental physics
- Theory and simulation
Note: Proposals focused primarily on social science disciplines are not eligible.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Academic Degree: Candidates must have earned their PhD within three years prior to the start date, or expect to complete their PhD before the fellowship begins.
- Postdoctoral Experience: Candidates must have no more than two years of prior postdoctoral experience at other institutions.
- Stanford Affiliation Restriction: Applicants must not hold any paid or unpaid appointment with Stanford University throughout the review period (through the end of February). Current Stanford postdocs and graduate students are ineligible.
- Nationality & Visa Status: Open to international candidates from all nationalities. International scholars must be eligible for a J-1 visa or F-1 OPT extension (H-1B employment visas are not supported as the fellowship does not establish an employer-employee relationship).
Job Description & Responsibilities
Stanford Science Fellows enjoy the intellectual freedom to pursue independent research while working in close collaboration with Stanford faculty. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting cutting-edge experimental or theoretical scientific research.
- Engaging with one or more host faculty research groups across departments.
- Participating actively in community-building events, seminars, and professional development activities organized by the Stanford Science Fellows program.
- Submitting annual progress reports and contributing to the multidisciplinary scientific community.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via Academic Jobs Online (AJO). Candidates are required to provide the following documentation:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including publication list, contact information, legal name, and PhD conferral date (or expected date).
- Cover Letter: Brief introductory statement.
- Career Goals Statement: Up to 2 pages detailing career objectives, past achievements, and prospective contributions to the Stanford Science Fellows community.
- Research Statement: Up to 2 pages (plus 1 page for references) outlining the proposed research question, expected accomplishments over 3 to 5 years, and how Stanford provides the ideal environment.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three confidential letters of reference (including one from the PhD advisor). Letters must be uploaded directly by recommenders through AJO.
- Formatting Rules: Statements must use at least 11-point font and 0.75-inch (3/4 inch) margins.
Tip: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential Stanford host faculty members ahead of time to discuss research alignment, as fellowships require at least one confirmed faculty host.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline to submit all application materials—including all three reference letters—is October 16 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Apply Link
For detailed guidelines, faculty directories, and submission links, visit the official fellowship portal:
Apply for Stanford Science Fellowships
