Program Summary
The Simons Foundation’s Autism & Neuroscience division is offering the Fellows-to-Faculty program to nurture new talent and broaden the community of scientists contributing to basic science missions. This program is designed for Ph.D. and M.D. holding scientists currently in mentored research training positions who are preparing to seek tenure-track research faculty positions. The award provides financial support for the transition from postdoctoral research to an independent faculty role.
| Designation | Fellow / Future Faculty |
| Research Area | Autism (SFARI), Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB), Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE) |
| Location | Global (Research institutions within or outside the United States) |
| Last Date to Apply | January 13, 2027 (12:00 p.m. ET) |
Research Focus
Applicants must have a scientific vision for their future independent laboratory that advances the mission of one or more of the following areas:
- Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI): High-risk, high-reward basic science research relevant to autism.
- Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB): Research focused on cognitive aging and brain plasticity.
- Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE): Studies involving experimental systems or models in ecological contexts.
Eligibility & Qualifications
To be eligible for this award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree.
- Be in a non-independent mentored research training position (e.g., postdoctoral position or physician-scientist research fellowship).
- Must not have accepted a formal offer for a tenure-track faculty position before the award notification.
- Must not hold substantial federal grant funding as a Principal Investigator (PI), such as an NIH R01.
- Must not hold other career development awards that facilitate a transition to an independent research career at the time of application.
- Applicants are limited to a maximum of two (2) year-long submission cycles for this program.
Job Description & Funding Details
The program provides up to five (5) years of financial support, divided into two phases:
1. Optional Postdoctoral Award
- Duration: Up to two (2) years.
- Amount: $110,000 USD per year.
- Usage: Includes an $85,000 stipend, $10,000 career development allowance, and $15,000 for health insurance/benefits.
2. Faculty Research Award
- Duration: Three (3) years.
- Amount: $200,000 USD per year (inclusive of 20% indirect costs).
- Usage: Intended as a supplement to an institution-provided start-up package for reasonable costs related to the proposed research.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit a full application through the Simons Award Manager (SAM). The application should include a scientific vision for the future laboratory, research plans, and a demonstration of readiness for an independent faculty role.
Informational Webinar: An informational session will be held on October 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom.
Important Dates
- Webinar Date: October 21, 2026
- Application Deadline: January 13, 2027
- Faculty Application Cycle: Expected to apply for faculty roles in September 2027.
- Faculty Start Date: During the 2028–2029 academic year.
Apply Link: Simons Award Manager (SAM) Portal
