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CIFAR Global Scholars Program
Opens Aug 20 2026 06:00 PM (EDT)
Deadline Nov 4 2026 12:00 PM (EST)
Description

The CIFAR Global Scholars Program offers early-career researchers the opportunity to develop and lead high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research, expand their professional networks and receive focused leadership training in their pivotal first years as independent principal investigators. These experiences accelerate the rise of research leaders who are positioned to drive new discoveries and open new fields of inquiry.

The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) welcomes applications from candidates across the natural, biomedical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities. Successful applicants join one of CIFAR’s interdisciplinary research programs, collaborating with global research leaders to advance transformative knowledge and address some of the most important questions facing science and humanity.

Eligibility: 

  • CIFAR welcomes applicants from all countries and is committed to building a diverse, international community of scholars. 

  • To be considered for the CIFAR Global Scholars program, you must:

    • Hold a PhD (or equivalent).

    • Hold a full-time position at an institution of higher education or research. Your position must include responsibility for leading independent research as a principal investigator, as well as supervising or teaching graduate-level trainees toward the completion of a degree. This position must be secure throughout the full term from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2029. In countries or institutions where the tenure-track system applies, applicants are expected to hold a full-time tenure-track position. In other contexts, equivalent positions that provide comparable independence and a pathway to a permanent faculty appointment will be considered. 

    • Engage in research that complements the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program. 

    • Meet the additional criteria provided on the CIFAR Global Scholars Program webpage.

Apply

CIFAR Global Scholars Program


The CIFAR Global Scholars Program offers early-career researchers the opportunity to develop and lead high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research, expand their professional networks and receive focused leadership training in their pivotal first years as independent principal investigators. These experiences accelerate the rise of research leaders who are positioned to drive new discoveries and open new fields of inquiry.

The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) welcomes applications from candidates across the natural, biomedical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities. Successful applicants join one of CIFAR’s interdisciplinary research programs, collaborating with global research leaders to advance transformative knowledge and address some of the most important questions facing science and humanity.

Eligibility: 

  • CIFAR welcomes applicants from all countries and is committed to building a diverse, international community of scholars. 

  • To be considered for the CIFAR Global Scholars program, you must:

    • Hold a PhD (or equivalent).

    • Hold a full-time position at an institution of higher education or research. Your position must include responsibility for leading independent research as a principal investigator, as well as supervising or teaching graduate-level trainees toward the completion of a degree. This position must be secure throughout the full term from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2029. In countries or institutions where the tenure-track system applies, applicants are expected to hold a full-time tenure-track position. In other contexts, equivalent positions that provide comparable independence and a pathway to a permanent faculty appointment will be considered. 

    • Engage in research that complements the themes and goals of a recruiting CIFAR research program. 

    • Meet the additional criteria provided on the CIFAR Global Scholars Program webpage.

Apply
Opens
Aug 20 2026 06:00 PM (EDT)
Deadline
Nov 4 2026 12:00 PM (EST)