Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Awards

Purpose

The Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program is intended to advance the research career development of the award holder and to enhance the research productivity of the supervising Saskatchewan university faculty member. It provides financial support to high-quality candidates for a period of postdoctoral research in a health-related field under the supervision of an experienced, active researcher.  

Scope

Research supported must be relevant to human health. It may be biomedical science, clinical research, health services and systems research, or research on the cultural, social, and environmental determinants of population health. At minimum, 50% of funding will be given to those who focus on a health research priority area as defined in the provincial Health Research Strategy.

Partnered Awards

SHRF partners with other agencies to support some postdoctoral fellowships. Specific opportunities and related details are outlined in synopses on our website.  All partnership fellowships follow the same policies, application process, and deadlines as our regular fellowships.

Current Partnered Opportunities

Terry Fox Postdoctoral Fellow

Crohn’s and Colitis Postdoctoral Fellow

Important Dates

Application Deadline:       4:30 p.m., March 15, 2012
Applicant Assessments:   April 15, 2012 (see Application Form)   
Funding Decisions by:      June 30, 2012        
Funding Start Date:         July 2012 - January 2013 (first of a month)

Funding

The program is offered annually, subject to funding availability. The award includes:

  • a stipend solely for the award holder’s salary in the amount of $45,000 per year for up to 2 years; and
  • a research allowance in the amount of $5,000 per year for up to 2 years.

A Top-up Incentive Award of $10,000 per year for 2 years in stipend is available for applicants who:

  • are recommended and approved for a SHRF Postdoctoral Fellowship; and
  • are successful in obtaining a Tri-Agency Postdoctoral Fellowship (CIHR, SSHRC, or NSERC) to be held in SK, commencing between April of the year of application to SHRF and April of the following year (note: this does not include Regional Partnership Program (RPP) awards).

Allowable Expenses (Research Allowance)

The Research Allowance is for the direct benefit of the award holder’s research career development and can be used for the following types of expenditures:

  • travel by the award holder to scientific meetings, conferences or workshops related to the research project, including meeting and non-degree course registration fees and texts, meals and accommodation, and transportation;
  • professional membership fees relevant to the award holder’s field of study; and
  • costs of linkages and outreach that support the award holder’s dissemination or exchange of research findings.

The research allowance may not be used for project supplies and equipment (including computers), which must be provided by the supervisor’s operating grant identified as supporting the fellowship application.Research allowance funds for Fellowships are available at the start of each year of the award; funds not used may be carried into the next year. All activities and expenses must be completed or committed by six months after the fellowship term.

Eligibility

To be eligible, the applicant:

  • must hold a Ph.D. degree, or a health professional degree (M.D., D.D.S., D.V.M., Pharm.D. or equivalent), or will hold such a degree prior to the deadline for taking up awards;
  • must be within 3 years of having completed the qualifying degree at the time of application (Note: Allowances may be made for parental and medical leaves; SHRF reserves the right to seek verification of  leaves);
  • must have Canadian immigration approval to live and work in Canada for the term of the fellowship, which must be in place before the award commences;
  • may not simultaneously hold a university faculty appointment or equivalent, or any major award for salary purposes;
  • will apply with a supervisor who is a Saskatchewan university faculty member (or equivalent) with an active, nationally funded research program and experience in the proposed field of study;
  • will undertake a project that is designed to advance his/her development as an independent researcher;
  • will undertake the fellowship on a full-time basis in Saskatchewan; and
  • will undertake the fellowship in a research environment different from his/her Ph.D. work (e.g., a new academic unit or research group), and with a supervisor different from his/her Ph.D. work.

Review

Applications are evaluated in a competitive, peer-review process that considers the following criteria:

  • quality and potential of the candidate, looking at: academic preparation; research training and experience; research achievements; and potential to contribute to the proposed field of study;
  • quality of the proposed project, looking at: importance and originality to the field of study; potential to enhance the applicant’s research skills; and quality of the design and methodology;
  • quality of the research environment, looking at: suitability of the facility, including space and equipment; strength of the supervisor’s research program, including funding support; and potential for the candidate to develop research expertise and independence; and
  • adherence to principles of ethical research. 

RELATED LINKS 

Canadian Common CV (CCV) 

What are SHRF’s processes for submitting grant and award applications?

What are SHRF’s processes and policies, including peer review, approvals and extensions?

What do you need to know about managing your SHRF grant or award?

What are some tips for submitting a strong application?

FORMS 

Although SHRF does its best to ensure the most accurate and up-to-date information is available throughout our website, in the event that you experience difficulty obtaining a form contact Tanya at tskorobohach@shrf.ca 

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Application Form 2012-2013
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Applicant Assessment Form 2012-13 
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Annual Report 2012 (Word)
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Annual Report 2012 (PDF)
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Final Report 
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Review Form 2012