Stanford Science Fellowships are for exceptional early-career scientists who wish to pursue fundamental experimental and/or theoretical research in any natural science discipline.
Application Deadline
- 16 October 2026 (11:59 p.m. EDT)
Tell Me About The Fellowship
The Stanford Science Fellows programme offers early‑career researchers a three‑year postdoctoral appointment at Stanford University. Fellows receive a $98,000 annual stipend, benefits, and additional research funding. The fellowship supports fundamental experimental and theoretical research in the natural sciences, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual innovation.
Type
- Postdoctoral Fellowship | Natural Sciences | USA
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Have received a PhD within three years of the fellowship start date.
- Have no more than two years of prior postdoctoral experience at another institution.
- Propose fundamental research in the natural sciences (not social sciences).
- Hold the PhD before beginning the fellowship (current doctoral candidates may apply if degree is awarded before start).
- Not hold any Stanford affiliation (paid or unpaid) during the selection process (through Feb 2027).
- Be willing to collaborate across disciplines and participate in fellowship community activities.
- International applicants are eligible (visa support provided, but H‑1B status is not compatible).
Eligible Research Areas
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Biological Sciences
- Experimental Chemistry (including chemical biology)
- Earth & Oceans (including ecology)
- Mathematics & Statistics
- Experimental Physics
- Theory & Simulation
Benefits
- $98,000 annual stipend (≈$294,000 over three years).
- Benefits under fellowship appointment.
- Up to $10,000/year for research and professional development.
- Up to $2,500 relocation support.
- Supplemental childcare and visa‑expense assistance.
- Access to Stanford faculty, labs, and interdisciplinary research communities.
- Participation in professional development and community‑building activities.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last
- Three years (start date: 1 July, 1 August, or 1 September 2027).
Required Documents
- CV (with publications, PhD date, contact details).
- Cover letter.
- Three recommendation letters (one from PhD advisor recommended).
- Career statement (≤2 pages).
- Research proposal (≤2 pages + 1 page references).
How to Apply
- Prepare application materials in English.
- Submit via Academic Jobs Online (AJO) portal.
- Ensure referees upload letters directly via AJO.
- Select a primary research area.
- Submit by 16 October 2026 (11:59 p.m. EDT).
- Shortlisted candidates invited to Zoom interviews in December 2026.
- Final selection by February 2027 (award requires confirmed Stanford faculty host).
🌐 Visit the application webpage for details
