The Simons Foundation 2027 Fellows-to-Faculty Award Program supports early-career scientists as they move from mentored training into tenure-track faculty roles. The program combines research funding, postdoctoral support, mentorship, and career development for eligible researchers.
Application Deadline:
- 13 January 2027
Tell Me About The Program:
The Simons Foundation Fellows-to-Faculty Award (offered via its Autism & Neuroscience division) is designed to support exceptional early-career scientists during the critical transition from mentored research training into independent tenure-track faculty positions. By providing transitional support while on the job market alongside a substantial faculty research grant, the program fosters innovative basic science and helps launch the independent laboratories of future leaders whose work aligns with SFARI, SCPAB, or SCENE.
Which Fields are Eligible:
Research vision and scientific focus must align with the missions of:
- SFARI (Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative)
- SCPAB (Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain) (Note: This is the final request for applications for SCPAB)
- SCENE (Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience)
Type:
Transitional Postdoctoral Fellowship & Tenure-Track Faculty Research Grant
Who can Apply:
- Academic Qualifications: Must hold a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree.
- Current Status: Must currently be in a mentored research training position.
- Career Plans: Must plan to pursue and secure tenure-track faculty appointments in the coming academic year.
How are Applicants Selected:
Applications are reviewed competitively based on the applicant’s research track record, the scientific excellence and vision of their future independent laboratory, and how closely their proposed research aligns with the core scientific missions of SFARI, SCPAB, or SCENE.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Global (Open to eligible early-career researchers worldwide; consult the official Simons Foundation guidelines for institutional eligibility).
Where will the Program be Taken:
Host academic or research institutions offering tenure-track faculty appointments (supported by initial postdoctoral training phases where applicable).
How Many Fellows:
Competitive cohort selected annually across participating divisions.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Research Grant: A commitment for a 3-year, $600,000 faculty research grant upon securing a tenure-track position.
- Postdoctoral Support: Up to 2 years of financial support during the postdoctoral phase while navigating the academic job market.
- Professional Development: Access to specialized career development activities, mentorship from leading investigators, and integration into the broader Simons Foundation network of researchers.
How Long Will it Last:
Up to 2 years of postdoctoral support, followed by a 3-year faculty research grant.
How to Apply:
- Review the official 2027 Request for Applications (RFA) and guidance documents on the Simons Foundation portal.
- Prepare your application materials, detailing your research vision and alignment with SFARI, SCPAB, or SCENE.
- Submit your completed application through the official Simons Foundation grant management system before the deadline on 13 January 2027.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
