The Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) program 

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship (PDF) program provides outstanding scientists with two-year fellowships at Ontario’s research institutions.

Post-doctoral fellows play an important role in academic research teams, both as contributing scientists and as mentors to graduate students. They’re also a valuable resource for academia and business.

Who can apply?

PDFs are open to scientists in all disciplines. They’re intended to support research in Ontario’s priority economic sectors, which are:

• agriculture
• materials and advanced manufacturing
• life sciences
• information and communications technologies
• energy systems and technologies
• environmental technologies
• emerging technologies

How are applications evaluated?

Selection and appointment of PDFs is managed solely by the research institutions and is based on a competitive process. Applicants are encouraged to contact their university research office for more information.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible, PDF applicants must meet certain criteria as of the deadline date of the year in which they apply. PDF applicants must:

• have completed or received either a PhD in any discipline or a health professional degree no more than two years before the application deadline or be expected to complete their PhD or health professional degree no later than six months after taking up the PDF

The eligibility period may be extended to:

• three years if the applicant has at least six months of relevant work experience in industry or government after receiving a doctorate
• six years if the applicant has withdrawn from the workforce and active research for maternity/paternity leave or to raise a child for at least one year after receiving a doctorate

Please note:

• The date of degree completion is the date on which all requirements of the degree have been met.
• The health professional degree must be in a regulated health profession that requires at least a Bachelor’s degree to be eligible for licensing by that profession.
• Applicants must hold the PDF at the Ontario university through which they made their application.
• Applicants must be eligible to hold a PDF in Canada.

What funding is available?

Successful applicants will receive $50,000 annually for two years, with $25,000 contributed by the Ministry of Research and Innovation and $25,000 from the research institution.

How do scientists apply?

Applicants apply directly to the university of their choice. For more information, contact the university’s research administration office, or call:

Karla Morris
Research Branch
Ministry of Research and Innovation
416-326-8454
E-mail: awards@mri.gov.on.ca

When is the application deadline?

During Round 1 of the PDF program, 47 PDFs were placed in institutions across Ontario. Round 2 of the program is currently underway and 49 PDFs will be hired across Ontario. All PDFs are to be hired by December 31, 2008. Please contact the Institution of your choice to enquire about the application and selection process for MRI's PDF Program.