The Institut Courtois at the Université de Montréal is inviting applications for the 2027 Courtois Fellowship, a fully funded postdoctoral research opportunity in Canada.
The fellowship is designed for recent PhD graduates interested in conducting innovative research in materials science and related interdisciplinary fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence.
Successful fellows will receive an annual salary of CAD 63,819, benefits, and up to CAD 30,000 per year in research funding. The fellowship is funded for three years.
In this post, we will cover the Courtois Fellowship details, eligibility requirements, benefits, research areas, required documents, and step-by-step application process.
Courtois Fellowship Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host Institution: Université de Montréal
- Research Centre: Institut Courtois
- Study Level: Postdoctoral
- Eligible Applicants: Recent PhD graduates
- Funding: Fully funded
- Annual Salary: CAD 63,819
- Approximate Annual Compensation Including Benefits: CAD 76,000
- Research Funding: Up to CAD 30,000 per year
- Duration: 3 years
- Notice of Intent Deadline: September 10, 2026
- Full Application Deadline: September 28, 2026
Courtois Fellowship Details
The Courtois Fellowship is a three-year postdoctoral research opportunity hosted by the Institut Courtois at the Université de Montréal.
The Institut Courtois brings together researchers from disciplines including chemistry, physics, computer science, and mathematics to advance materials discovery using experimental techniques, computational methods, and artificial intelligence.
The fellowship gives successful candidates an opportunity to develop an independent research programme while working within an interdisciplinary research environment and collaborating with researchers at the institute.
Applicants are expected to propose a novel and substantial research project that fits within the research expertise of members of the Institut Courtois.
Benefits of Courtois Fellowship 2027
Successful fellows will receive:
- CAD 63,819 annual salary.
- Benefits as part of the employment package.
- Approximately CAD 76,000 in total annual compensation including benefits.
- Up to CAD 30,000 per year in research funding.
- Three years of postdoctoral funding.
- Access to interdisciplinary research laboratories and facilities.
- Opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognised researchers.
- Support for developing an independent research programme.
- Visa or work-permit support for eligible international fellows.
The research funding is intended to support the fellow’s proposed research activities and should be appropriately justified in the application budget.
Eligibility Requirements for Courtois Fellowship 2027
To be considered for the Courtois Fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or have completed their PhD by the start of the fellowship.
- Have obtained their doctorate within the three years preceding the start of the fellowship.
- Be eligible to undertake postdoctoral research at the Université de Montréal.
- Propose an original research project related to the areas of expertise represented at the Institut Courtois.
- Demonstrate strong academic and research achievements.
- Be legally eligible to work in Canada or be willing to obtain the necessary work permit.
- Provide evidence of research ability and potential for independent research.
The three-year PhD eligibility window may be extended in certain circumstances, such as documented career interruptions.
Research Areas
The fellowship supports interdisciplinary research in materials science and related fields.
Potential research areas include:
- Quantum materials
- Materials for the quantum revolution
- Materials for the energy transition
- Sustainable and environmental materials
- Materials for smart societies
- Artificial intelligence for materials discovery
- Materials science for AI
- Computational materials science
- Materials modelling and simulation
- Automation and robotics in materials research
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer science
- Mathematics
How to Apply for Courtois Fellowship 2027
The application process has two important stages: the Notice of Intent and the full application.
Step 1: Submit the Notice of Intent
Complete the online Notice of Intent before September 10, 2026.
The Notice of Intent should include information such as:
- Proposed project title
- Ten research keywords
- PhD information
- Names of three referees
- Proposed mentor and co-mentor information
Step 2: Identify an Institut Courtois Mentor
Develop your research proposal in consultation with an appropriate Institut Courtois researcher who can serve as your proposed mentor.
The proposed project should align with the mentor’s area of expertise and the research priorities of the institute.
Step 3: Arrange Recommendation Letters
Contact three referees who can provide strong recommendations about your academic background, research ability, and potential.
The referees should send their recommendation letters directly to: institut-courtois@umontreal.ca
Step 4: Prepare the Research Proposal
Prepare a research proposal of up to six pages explaining the proposed research, objectives, methodology, significance, and expected outcomes.
Step 5: Prepare the Budget
Develop a research budget and provide a clear justification for the requested research expenses.
Step 6: Obtain the Mentor’s Support Letter
The proposed Institut Courtois mentor must provide a support letter for the application.
Step 7: Compile the Application
Combine the required application materials into one PDF document, including the research proposal, CV, transcript, bibliography, budget, and other required materials.
Step 8: Submit the Full Application
Submit the completed application by email to: institut-courtois@umontreal.ca
The complete application must be submitted before September 28, 2026.
Important Deadlines
There are two separate deadlines applicants should note:
- Notice of Intent: September 10, 2026
- Complete Application: September 28, 2026
Applicants should complete the Notice of Intent first and then prepare and submit the complete fellowship application before the final deadline.
📋 Required Documents
- Official doctoral transcript
- Recommendation letters from the three referees
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Any additional information required in the Notice of Intent
- Academic CV, including publications and research experience
- Research project proposal, with a maximum length of six pages
- Description of previous research experience
- List of publications
- Academic achievements and awards
- Names and contact details of three referees
- Support letter from the proposed Institut Courtois mentor
- Research budget and budget justification
- Bibliography supporting the proposed research