Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027
The Jane Coffin Childs Fellowship is a three-year postdoctoral award for early-career scientists doing fundamental biomedical research.
- FundingProgressive annual stipend plus research, travel and relocation…
- DurationThree years, starting 1 July 2027
- Who can applyAll nationalities (non-US citizens must use a US host…
- Application feeFree
Overview
The fund was set up in 1937 to support cancer research. Today it backs a small group of new postdocs each year across the biomedical sciences, and its alumni list includes many lab heads at leading research universities.
At a glance
About
- Host
- Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research
- Location
- US host institutions (US citizens may also hold it abroad)
- Duration
- Three years, starting 1 July 2027
Funding
- Funding
- Progressive annual stipend plus research, travel and relocation support
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Minimum degree required
- PhD, MD or equivalent
- Age limit
- None stated
- Work experience
- No more than one year of postdoctoral experience
- Nationality
- All nationalities (non-US citizens must use a US host institution)
Who can apply
Degree and Career Stage
- You hold an MD, PhD or equivalent, or will finish it before the fellowship starts.
- PhD holders must have received the degree within 24 months of the deadline.
- MD holders must have received the degree no more than three years before the deadline.
- You have no more than one year of postdoctoral experience.
Nationality and Location
Citizens of any country may apply. If you are not a US citizen, you can only take up the award at a US host institution. US citizens can hold the fellowship in the United States or abroad. This makes the programme a strong route for international PhD graduates who want to move to a US lab for their first postdoc.
Research Fields
The fund supports fundamental research into the causes, origins and treatment of human disease. Cell biology, genetics, structural biology, immunology, neuroscience and developmental biology projects often fit well. The project should be basic science that sheds light on disease mechanisms.
How to apply
- Agree on a project with your proposed postdoctoral advisor.
- Register on the Temelio portal as an individual, not an organisation.
- Ask your proposed advisor (and co-advisor, if any) to complete the advisor form.
- Arrange three referee letters from people other than your postdoc advisor. If you have a PhD, your thesis advisor should ideally be the first referee.
- Get one signature from the grants or contracts officer at the host institution.
- Make sure referees sign up on Temelio with the same email you entered for them.
- Submit everything before 1 February 2027 at 3:00 pm EST. The fund says there are no exceptions.
After Submission
You cannot edit the application once it is in, but you can download a copy. Decisions arrive by email in mid-May 2027.
What the Fellowship Provides
Fellows receive a stipend that increases over the three years, an allowance for research costs, and support for travel and relocation. Fellows with dependents can receive salary supplements. Exact figures are set by the fund each cycle, so check the current numbers on the official website when you apply.
Tips for a Competitive Proposal
The fund wants to see a scientist moving into new territory. Explain how the postdoc project differs from your PhD work and what new skills you will gain. Pick a host lab with a track record of training postdocs. Ask referees early, since three letters plus an advisor form take time. A clear, testable hypothesis and a realistic plan for the first year carry a lot of weight.
Frequently asked questions
Can international applicants get the Jane Coffin Childs Fellowship?
Yes. Any nationality can apply, but non-US citizens must hold the award at a US institution.
Can I apply if I am still finishing my PhD?
Yes, as long as you graduate before the fellowship starts and begin in the lab before 1 July 2027.
Can my postdoc advisor write a reference?
No. The advisor fills in a separate form. Your three referees must be other people.
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