Organization: Human Frontier Science Program (HFSPO)
Degree level: Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: May 12, 2026
Fields of study: Life Sciences, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Math, Engineering
The Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) Postdoctoral Fellowships support early-career scientists who want to broaden their research skills by moving into new areas of study while working in a new country. The program is unique in its focus on 'high-risk, high-gain' research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Two tracks are available: Long-Term Fellowships (LTF) for biologists proposing a new project, and Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF) for scientists from fields like physics, chemistry, or engineering moving into biology.
Benefits
Generous living allowance (adjusted by country)
Research and travel allowance
Child and parental leave allowances
Relocation allowance
Fellows can defer the start of the fellowship for up to 1 year
Eligibility
Must have a Ph.D. conferred within the last 3 years (or be in the final stage)
Must have at least one lead author publication in a peer-reviewed journal
Must propose a research project in a DIFFERENT country from where the Ph.D. was obtained (Mobility Rule)
Nationals of non-member countries must apply to work in an HFSPO member country
Requirements
Letter of Intent (LOI) - First Stage
Full Proposal (if invited) - Second Stage
Letter of Support from Host Supervisor
Two Reference Letters
Required Documents
Research Plan
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
List of Publications
Host Supervisor Statement
Programs of Study
Long-Term Fellowships (LTF) - For Biologists
Cross-Disciplinary Fellowships (CDF) - For Non-Biologists
Application Process
Initiate a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the HFSP ProposalCentral portal
Submit the LOI by the May deadline
Review committee selects top candidates
Invited candidates submit a Full Proposal (typically in September)
How to Apply
Visit the HFSP funding page and download the 'Application Guidelines'
Create an account on ProposalCentral to obtain an LOI ID number
Contact your proposed host supervisor well in advance to co-develop the project
Selection Process
Peer review by the HFSP Review Committee
Evaluation of the applicant's excellence and the novelty of the proposal
Focus on interdisciplinary and international collaboration