These funding opportunities may be of interest to postdoctoral scholars at UT. We encourage you to explore and apply for these fellowships designed to support and elevate early-career research. If you pursue or receive one of these awards, we’d love to hear from you at postdocs@utk.edu. Your feedback helps us tailor future communications to better support postdocs in achieving their professional goals.
Global Science Scholars
The Global Science Scholars program, supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network and Stellar Science Foundation, offers up to two years of postdoctoral research in the U.S. or Japan for early-career researchers in bioengineering and biomedical sciences. Applicants must have earned their doctoral degree on or after July 1, 2021, and conduct research outside their degree-granting country. Applications open December 17, 2024, and close by 3:00pm Pacific Time (6pm EST) on May 27, 2025 — or earlier if all fellowships are awarded. Early submission is strongly encouraged. Learn more about the Global Science Scholars.
AIM–AHEAD Research Fellowship Program
The AIM-AHEAD Research Fellowship supports early-career researchers (graduate students, postdocs, junior faculty, and others within 10 years of their highest degree) in applying AI/ML methods to biomedical data to improve behavioral health, cardiometabolic health, and cancer outcomes. Fellows receive funding, training, and data access through the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, which promotes health equity by expanding participation in AI/ML research. Cohort 4 begins September 2, 2025. Learn more about the AIM–AHEAD Research Fellowship Program. Application deadline May 27, 2025, 11:59pm EST.
Heidelberg Future Leaders in Sciences and Humanities Forum
Are you an excellent early career researcher within 4 years of completing your PhD? Apply to join bold, innovative thinkers at the Heidelberg Future Leaders Forum on 7–8 October 2025 in Germany. Present your research, engage with Heidelberg’s vibrant academic community, and explore funding pathways for postdoctoral or group leader positions. Travel and accommodation are covered. Learn more about the Heidelberg opportunity. Apply by 31 May 2025.
Smith Richardson Foundation – Strategy & Policy Fellows Program
$60,000 to support junior faculty, postdocs, and researchers working on U.S. foreign policy, international relations, and related topics. Applicants must have a Ph.D. by the June 9, 2025 deadline. Awardees will be announced on November 3, 2025. Contact arutenberg@utk.edu to apply
American Psychological Foundation – Wayne F. Placek Grants
Up to $15,000 for research advancing understanding of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. Two grants will be awarded, one focused on Black LGBTQIA+ populations by scholars of color. Open to graduate students and doctoral-level researchers. More info about the Wayne F. Placek Grants. Deadline: June 12, 2025.
Michelson Prizes – Next Generation Grants
$150,000 for early-career researchers (35 or younger) pursing innovative work in human immunology, vaccine discovery, or immunotherapy. Open to postdocs, clinical fellows, and doctoral students. Applicants must dedicate 50% effort to the project. Deadline: June 22, 2025. Contact jpassano@utk.edu if interested.
CGE International Funding Opportunities
Looking to fund your international research, travel, or collaboration? The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) offers a variety of funding opportunities for postdocs. Explore the full list and apply here!
For additional funding opportunities
You may want to subscribe to ORIED’s Funding Opportunities Digest as well as CGE’s International Funding Opportunities Newsletter. Additionally, you may want to avail yourself of the Pivot database for additional funding opportunities.