KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is one of Canada’s most prestigious funding opportunities for exceptional postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance their careers at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

This highly competitive program provides substantial financial support and academic resources to talented researchers from around the world, allowing them to conduct innovative research in various disciplines.

What is the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship?

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program was established through the generous endowment of Dorothy J. Killam and the late Izaak Walton Killam.

The fellowship aims to attract and support outstanding scholars who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions to their fields of research.

Fellowship Benefits

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers several attractive benefits to successful applicants:

• Annual stipend of $50,000 CAD
• Research and travel allowance of $4,000 CAD per year
• Two-year fellowship term
• Access to UBC’s world-class research facilities and resources
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers
• Professional development support
• Prestige and recognition that can enhance career prospects

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, candidates must:

• Have completed a doctoral degree within the last five years, or expect to receive their doctorate by the start date of the fellowship
• Demonstrate outstanding research achievement and potential
• Propose a compelling research project to be conducted at UBC
• Secure a faculty sponsor at UBC who will support their application
• Not have previously held a Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
• Not currently hold a faculty position or be on leave from such a position

Research Fields

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship supports research across all disciplines, including:

• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Fine Arts

Application Process

The application process for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship involves several steps:

• Find a Faculty Sponsor: Identify and contact a UBC faculty member who shares your research interests and is willing to sponsor your application.
• Prepare Application Materials: Compile all required documents, including your research proposal, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation.
• Departmental Nomination: Work with your faculty sponsor to secure a nomination from the relevant UBC department.
• University-Wide Selection: Nominated applications undergo review by a university-wide selection committee.

Required Documents

A complete application package typically includes:

• Research proposal (maximum 5 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Three letters of reference
• Letter of support from the UBC faculty sponsor
• Academic transcripts
• Other supporting materials as specified in the current application guidelines

Selection Criteria

The selection committee evaluates applications based on:

• Academic excellence and scholarly achievements
• Quality and originality of the proposed research
• Potential impact of the research on the field
• Fit with UBC’s research environment and resources
• Letters of recommendation and support

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship typically falls in September each year for fellowships beginning the following academic year.

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the application deadline is September 15, 2025.

Please note: Deadlines may vary by department, as some units may have earlier internal deadlines. Check with your potential faculty sponsor or department for specific dates.

Tips for a Successful Application

To increase your chances of securing a KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship:

• Start the application process early, ideally 6-8 months before the deadline
• Research potential faculty sponsors thoroughly and establish contact well in advance
• Craft a clear, compelling research proposal that highlights innovation and impact
• Emphasize how your research aligns with UBC’s strengths and priorities
• Select reference writers who can speak specifically about your research potential
• Follow all application guidelines precisely

Life at UBC

The University of British Columbia is consistently ranked among the top 40 universities worldwide and offers:

• A vibrant research community with over 17,000 faculty and staff
• State-of-the-art research facilities
• Beautiful campus locations in Vancouver and the Okanagan
• Access to diverse cultural and recreational activities
• Supportive environment for international scholars

Fellowship Outcomes

KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellows often go on to distinguished careers in academia, industry, and public service. The fellowship provides:

• Protected time for focused research
• Networking opportunities with leading scholars
• Publication and conference presentation opportunities
• Foundation for future grant applications and academic positions

Contact Information

UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies 170-6371 Crescent Road Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 Canada Email: postdoctoral.fellows@ubc.ca

Conclusion

The KILLAM Postdoctoral Research Fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity for outstanding researchers to advance their careers at one of Canada’s leading universities.

By providing substantial financial support and access to world-class research facilities, the fellowship enables scholars to pursue innovative research that can make meaningful contributions to their fields and society.

Frequently Asked Questions