Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship at UBC Canada

About the Fellowship

The Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, is a prestigious award supporting exceptional early-career researchers across diverse academic disciplines. Established in memory of Izaak Walton Killam through the Will of Dorothy Johnston Killam, this fellowship promotes excellence in advanced education and research. Recipients are chosen for their potential to make significant contributions to learning and professional distinction, reflecting both intellectual excellence and strong character. Offering a two-year fully funded postdoctoral opportunity, the fellowship provides scholars with resources and academic freedom to pursue impactful, independent research within UBC’s dynamic, world-class environment.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Host Institution: The University of British Columbia (UBC)
Administering Body / Funding Agency: Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies
Location: Vancouver and Okanagan campuses, British Columbia, Canada
Research Field(s): Open to most fields of research
Fellowship Type: Full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship
Level: Early-career
Fellowship Duration: Up to 2 years
Expected Start Date: 2026 (exact start date varies by department)
Working Hours: Full-time, as per UBC norms
Funding/Compensation: Annual stipend of CAD $60,000 for up to two years
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD or equivalent (completed before fellowship start date)

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Main Disciplines:

Humanities
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Engineering
Health Sciences
Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Fields:

Environmental Research
Innovation and Technology
Global Policy and Governance
Arts and Cultural Studies

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Candidates must have completed or be nearing completion of a PhD from a recognised institution
Applicants must apply through a UBC department or unit, which will nominate them for the fellowship
Strong research potential and demonstrated academic excellence

Preferred Qualifications:

Evidence of research publications or creative work
Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration
Leadership qualities and strong personal character

Not Eligible:

Applicants who have already held a Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship
Candidates who received their PhD from UBC are typically not eligible

Fellowship / Job Benefits

Annual stipend: CAD $60,000 for a maximum of two years
Professional development and research support
Access to UBC’s extensive research facilities and networks
Collaborative opportunities across UBC campuses
Recognition as a Killam Scholar within a globally respected academic community

Key Responsibilities

Conduct high-quality, independent research in collaboration with a UBC faculty mentor
Contribute to academic publications, conferences, and scholarly activities
Engage with the wider UBC research community through seminars, talks, and outreach initiatives

Application Process

How to Apply:

Complete the official Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship application form
Submit all required documents to the UBC department or unit you wish to join
Departments will review and nominate selected applicants to the central Killam Committee

Required Documents: