What is Post Doc Fellowship?
A post doc fellowship, also known as a postdoc, is a research position that is typically undertaken by individuals who have recently completed their Ph.D. or other doctoral degrees. Postdocs work under the supervision of a senior researcher or principal investigator and engage in independent research projects that contribute to the advancement of their field.
Post doc fellowships are available in a wide range of academic and research disciplines, including the sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, and more. These fellowships are often sponsored by government agencies, academic institutions, and private foundations, and provide financial support to postdocs to enable them to conduct research and publish their findings.
To apply for a post doc fellowship, candidates typically need to have completed a Ph.D. or other doctoral degree in a relevant field and have a strong research track record. They may also need to submit a research proposal outlining the project they plan to undertake during the fellowship, as well as letters of recommendation and other supporting materials.
Postdoctoral fellowships can be a valuable stepping stone for individuals looking to establish a career in academia or research, as they provide an opportunity to gain additional research experience, develop new skills and expertise, and build a network of professional contacts in their field. Many postdocs also use their fellowship as a springboard to secure a tenure-track faculty position or other research-focused roles.
Overall, postdoctoral fellowships offer a unique and rewarding opportunity for early-career researchers to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of their field, while also building their professional skills and credentials.
Post Doc Fellowship Opportunities in Université de Sherbrooke, Canada
How is the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS)?
Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) is a French-language public university located in the city of Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1954, the university has grown to become one of the largest and most respected institutions of higher learning in the province of Quebec. With three campuses, over 40,000 students, and more than 7,000 employees, UdeS is a vibrant and dynamic community that offers a rich and diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities.
Academics: UdeS offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various fields, including science, engineering, health, law, business, and arts. The university is known for its innovative and multidisciplinary approach to teaching and research, as well as its commitment to providing students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. UdeS is home to six faculties, including the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Science. Within each faculty, there are numerous departments and research centers that specialize in specific areas of study.
Research: UdeS is one of the leading research universities in Canada, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. The university is home to more than 200 research groups and centers, which are dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields, including health, science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. UdeS has a reputation for innovation and has been responsible for many groundbreaking discoveries and inventions, including the development of the world’s the first real-time MRI machine and the creation of a new technique for producing biodegradable plastics.
Campus Life: UdeS has a vibrant and active campus community that is made up of students from all over the world. The university offers a range of services and facilities to help students succeed both academically and socially. UdeS has over 200 clubs and student organizations, which cater to a wide range of interests and hobbies, from sports and fitness to arts and culture. The university also has a range of sports and recreation facilities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and indoor track, as well as outdoor facilities for soccer, rugby, and other sports.
Internationalization: UdeS is a global university that welcomes students and researchers from all over the world. The university has partnerships with over 500 institutions in more than 50 countries and offers numerous exchange and study abroad programs for students who wish to gain international experience. UdeS is also home to a large and diverse international student population, with students from more than 120 different countries enrolled in its programs.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: UdeS is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices on campus. The university has a comprehensive sustainability plan that includes targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy and water, and increasing waste diversion rates. UdeS is also committed to promoting social justice and diversity and has established numerous programs and initiatives to support underrepresented groups and promote equity and inclusion on campus.
In conclusion, UdeS is a world-class institution of higher learning that offers a rich and diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities. With its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, UdeS is a leader in the field of higher education and is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to the global community.
Potential Research Areas in UdeS
The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) is a research-intensive institution with numerous research areas spanning multiple fields of study. Some potential research areas at UdeS include:
- Health Sciences: The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UdeS is home to several research centers focused on areas such as neuroscience, cancer, genetics, aging, and epidemiology. There are opportunities for research in basic and clinical research, as well as in community and public health.
- Engineering: The Faculty of Engineering at UdeS offers research opportunities in areas such as energy, materials, environmental engineering, and biotechnology. Researchers in this faculty work on applied research projects with industry partners and government agencies.
- Natural Sciences and Mathematics: UdeS has several research centers in the natural sciences and mathematics, including the Centre for Research in Astrophysics of Quebec, the Centre for Northern Studies, and the Research Centre in Mathematics. Potential research areas include astrophysics, ecology, environmental science, mathematics, and physics.
- Social Sciences: The Faculty of Social Sciences at UdeS has research centers focused on areas such as globalization, organizational studies, and social inequalities. There are also opportunities for interdisciplinary research in areas such as sustainable development, health policy, and Indigenous studies.
- Arts and Humanities: UdeS has several research centers in the arts and humanities, including the Research Centre on Aging, the Research Centre on Francophone and Quebec Studies, and the Research Centre on Intermediality. Potential research areas include literature, history, cultural studies, and linguistics.
- Business: The Faculty of Administration at UdeS offers research opportunities in areas such as entrepreneurship, innovation, management, and marketing. There are also opportunities for interdisciplinary research with other faculties, such as engineering and health sciences.
Overall, UdeS has a wide range of research areas and opportunities for postdoctoral fellows. Potential fellows should explore the various research centers and faculties at UdeS to identify potential mentors and research projects.
Participation in research initiatives
Postdoctoral fellows in the UdeS are active and recognized members of the academic community. Each year, around 300 fellows participate in our research teams with the purpose of performing high-level, specialized research. While finishing their training for a future in research, these individuals provide a vital contribution to our University’s research environment and their specific sector. They work at one of our campuses under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff. They may aid in overseeing students doing research.
If you have finished a Ph.D. degree and want to solidify your academic accomplishments, the UdeS provides a perfect atmosphere for postdoctoral fellowships.
Eligibility for admission?
Before sending your application, make sure you respect the eligibility conditions:
Holder of a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) for less than five years
Recommended by a professor (fellowship supervisor) and the director of the academic unit concerned (faculty, school, department, program)
Scholarship recipient or funded by the mentor or unit for the duration of the fellowship
Your registration will provide you access to some essential services:
Student number to identify you with university and government bodies
Official attestation for the fellowship issued by the UdeS at the end of the fellowship (by request)
Access to the UdeS’s library resources and IT services
Map of the UdeS and a range of connected services
Were you invited for a postdoctoral fellowship, but you are not a Canadian citizen?
Consult the Section Concerning Work Permits
Duration of the fellowship
The normal duration of a postdoctoral fellowship is two years, renewable one year after assessment, for a maximum of three years. In any case, the minimum duration of a postdoctoral fellowship cannot be less than six months. In the event of a justified interruption (e.g. illness, maternity leave), the fellowship can be extended.
Admission Application
Find a Fellowship mentor
To complete a postdoctoral fellowship at the Université de Sherbrooke, the first step is finding a professor who will accept to be the fellowship mentor and host you in their research team. Consult the Specialist Directory in your field and the Inventory of Research Projects or simply the website of the faculty concerned.
After discussion with a professor and when they have accepted to host you, the faculty will send you an official letter of invitation, specifying:
The location and dates of the start and end (duration) of the fellowship;
The nature of the research plan;
The conditions for financial support (scholarships, salaries, benefits, payment terms, etc.);
How to Find a fellowship mentor for Post-Doc Research?
Finding a fellowship mentor for postdoc research can be a challenging task, but there are several ways to approach it. Here are some tips on how to find a fellowship mentor:
- Look for potential mentors through your network: Talk to your academic advisors, professors, and colleagues who are already in the field you are interested in. They may know of researchers who are looking for postdoc fellows or who are willing to take on a new researcher.
- Attend conferences and seminars: Conferences and seminars are great opportunities to network and meet potential mentors. Attend talks and sessions in your area of interest and reach out to speakers or attendees who could be potential mentors.
- Check funding agencies: Many funding agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health or the National Science Foundation, have databases of current and past grantees. These databases can help you identify researchers who have received funding in your area of interest.
- Browse university websites: Browse the websites of universities that have research programs in your area of interest. Look for faculty members whose research aligns with yours and reach out to them directly.
- Use online resources: There are many online resources that can help you find potential mentors, such as academic networking sites like ResearchGate or LinkedIn, or specialized mentor-finding services like MyMentorMatch.
When reaching out to potential mentors, make sure to prepare a clear and concise email or letter outlining your research interests, background, and goals. Emphasize your enthusiasm and willingness to learn and contribute to their research program. Be respectful of their time and schedule and make it easy for them to say yes by providing all necessary information and materials upfront. Finally, be persistent and don’t give up if you don’t receive a response right away. Follow up politely after a few weeks to show your continued interest.
Additional useful information.
It is recommended to agree in advance on the arrival date and to make an appointment with your host unit and the professor who has committed to ensuring support for your postdoctoral fellowship.
Also, make sure you understand all your rights and responsibilities regarding your compensation as a postdoctoral fellow. Consult this additional information published on the website of the Service d’appui à la recherche, à l’innovation et à la création (SARIC).
Talk to your host faculty contact to clarify the process specific to that unit. This step is imperative before completing and submitting your application.
Hosting Policy:
Our Policy for hosting and supporting postdoctoral fellows groups is information concerning the status of a postdoctoral fellow and the steps to complete the fellowship. Please read it carefully. It specifically includes information on:
The situation for international fellows and some resources to facilitate their life project in Quebec.
Details on training activities offered to all postdoctoral fellows by the Centre CR+, which provides unique opportunities to acquire cross-curricular skills, essential to a productive career in research.
Additional Post Doc Fellowship Opportunities in Canada
There are a number of postdoctoral fellowship opportunities available in Canada across various fields of research. Here are some examples:
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: This prestigious fellowship program provides funding for postdoctoral researchers in all areas of research at Canadian universities. The program provides $70,000 per year for up to two years of research.
- Mitacs Elevate: This program offers two-year postdoctoral fellowships in collaboration with industry partners. Fellows receive $55,000 per year in salary and research funding.
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Postdoctoral Fellowships: This program offers to fund postdoctoral research in health sciences. Fellowships are awarded for up to two years and provide a stipend of $40,000 per year.
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships: This program provides funding for postdoctoral research in natural sciences and engineering. Fellowships are awarded for up to two years and provide a stipend of $45,000 per year.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: This program provides funding for doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. Postdoctoral fellows receive $50,000 per year for up to two years.
- Canadian Francophonie Scholarship Program: This program provides funding for postdoctoral research in all fields for French-speaking researchers from developing countries. Fellows receive up to $30,000 per year for up to two years.
- Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED): This program provides funding for postdoctoral research in all fields for researchers from ASEAN member countries. Fellows receive up to $10,000 per year for up to two years.
These are just a few examples of the many postdoctoral fellowship opportunities available in Canada. Interested candidates should also check with specific universities and research institutions for additional opportunities.