Summary
The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) invites applications for its prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowships aimed at supporting innovative and interdisciplinary basic research in the life sciences. This opportunity encourages early-career scientists to broaden their research experience by working on novel projects in a new country.
- 🔬 Program Purpose: HFSP fellowships fund frontier, high-risk, interdisciplinary research in the life sciences that challenges existing paradigms.
- 🌍 International Mobility: Fellows must move to a new country to broaden research skills and experience new methods.
- 📚 Fellowship Types:
- Long-Term Fellowship (LTF): For PhDs in biology or related life sciences.
- Cross-Disciplinary Fellowship (CDF): For PhDs from non-biological fields (e.g., physics, chemistry, engineering) with little or no life sciences experience.
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow (Long-Term Fellowship or Cross-Disciplinary Fellowship)
Research Area
Basic research in the life sciences, tackling fundamental questions through interdisciplinary approaches.
Location
HFSPO Member Countries (specific countries depend on the applicant’s nationality)
Eligibility/Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Open to all nationalities; however, applicants cannot apply to work in their country of nationality. |
| Host Institution | Must propose a research institution in a country where the applicant is not a national. |
| Doctoral Degree | A PhD or equivalent must be completed before the fellowship start date (1 April 2027 – 1 January 2028). |
| Publication Requirement | At least one lead-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal required at the time of Full Proposal submission. |
| Previous Research Experience | Projects must be distinct from PhD or previous postdoctoral work and should demonstrate a change in research direction. |
Job Description
HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships support high-risk, high-reward research projects aimed at challenging existing paradigms in life sciences. Candidates will submit a Letter of Intent, followed by a Full Proposal if selected.
Fellowship Types:
- Long-Term Fellowships (LTF): For applicants with a PhD in biological sciences.
- Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF): For applicants with a PhD in a non-biological field.
Fellows are granted a Living Allowance and additional travel and research allowances, with the fellowship lasting 3 years and not renewable.
How to Apply
- Submission of Letter of Intent: Start an application via ProposalCentral from March 12, 2026, and submit by May 12, 2026.
- Full Proposal: Invited applicants will submit Full Proposals by September 24, 2026.
- Fellowship Activation: Must start between April 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028.
Last Date to Apply
- Letter of Intent Submission: May 12, 2026
- Full Proposal Submission: September 24, 2026
For more detailed information, candidates are encouraged to refer to the official HFSP guidelines and application instructions.
This job post is designed to attract innovative researchers eager to contribute to the life sciences through HFSP’s supportive and interdisciplinary environment.
