About the Position
The Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA) is a prestigious federal funding programme supporting emerging scholars and researchers from Canada and beyond. Valued at $70,000 annually for two years, the award offers flexibility to conduct postdoctoral research at eligible institutions in Canada or internationally. Administered jointly by CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, CPRA supports the next generation of innovation leaders across health, science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. The award fosters research excellence, international collaboration, equity, and inclusion. Applications are accepted once per year, with agency-specific deadlines between September 11 and October 17. Results are announced by March 31.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Institution: Any eligible Canadian or international institution
- Department: All eligible research-focused departments
- Research Field: Health, Science, Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities
- Location: Canada or Abroad
- Number of Posts: Not specified
- Job Type: Full-time, Postdoctoral
- Start Date (Anticipated): 2026 (depending on agency cycle)
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary Range: $70,000 CAD per year
- Required Degree/Diploma: Doctorate
Research Area
- Health sciences
- Natural sciences and engineering
- Social sciences and humanities
- Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD or health professional degree completed within 3 years (exceptions apply)
- Not holding a tenure-track position
- Distinct postdoctoral project from doctoral research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Applicants from underrepresented groups (EDI commitment)
- Canadian citizens or international postdocs in Canada
- Strong research background aligned with agency mandates
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct original postdoctoral research at an eligible institution
- Engage with interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral research communities
- Contribute to Canada’s innovation and research excellence agenda
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted via the appropriate agency’s online portal:
- CIHR: ResearchNET
- NSERC: NSERC online system
- SSHRC: SSHRC portal
Required Documents:
- Completed online application
- Research proposal
- Referee letters
- Supporting documents as outlined per agency
Important Dates
- Application Opens: July (Instructions released)
- Deadlines:
- SSHRC: September 11
- CIHR: September 17
- NSERC: October 17
- Results Announced: March 31
Useful Links
- Institution Website: CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC
- Official Notification Link: NSERC – Canada Postdoctoral Research Award program
- Apply now: See above links per agency
