Summary
The Simons Foundation invites applications for the Pivot Fellowship Program, designed for researchers looking to shift to a new scientific discipline. This fellowship supports individuals with a strong record of success in their current field to gain new skills and expertise through mentorship.
Pivot Fellowship Program in Natural Sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics, Mathematics)
Designation
Pivot Fellow
| Field/Research Area | Location |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics, Mathematics) | Various academic institutions worldwide |
Eligibility/Qualification
- Degrees: Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, data science, or computer science.
- Position: Faculty members or holders of equivalent positions at academic institutions, must have a tenured or tenure-track position.
- Mentorship: Must secure an approved mentor from a different discipline.
Job Description
The Pivot Fellowship provides:
- One year of salary support equivalent to the fellow’s academic-year salary.
- A $10,000 research, travel, and professional development allowance during the fellowship training year.
- An opportunity for eligible fellows to apply for a research award in their new field for up to $1.5 million after the fellowship.
Key responsibilities include:
- Learning a new discipline through mentorship in a lab setting.
- Engaging in scientific research that differs significantly from the applicant’s current field.
- Developing skills in a new discipline that will contribute to the scientific community.
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted via the Simons Award Manager (SAM): sam.simonsfoundation.org.
- Create applications in SAM for both fellows and mentors independently.
- Ensure all required documents are uploaded, including scientific narrative, CV, and letters of recommendation.
Last Date to Apply
May 14, 2026, by 12:00 PM ET
For inquiries, contact:
- Program Inquiries: pivotfellowship@simonsfoundation.org
- Administrative Inquiries: sfgrants@simonsfoundation.org








