Postdoctoral Fellows (PDFs) are individuals who have completed a doctoral degree and who are seeking further training in a particular area of research. As valued members of the UBC community, PDFs make an indispensable contribution to the research environment of our department, the University and to their chosen field. In doing so, they raise the profile of themselves and UBC. They work under the general supervision of a faculty member and may assist with the supervision of graduate students.
The University of British Columbia offers and administers programs (see below) that provide financial help to Postdoctoral Fellows. Most funding opportunities require institutional endorsement of applications. It is strongly recommended that you contact a potential supervisor and their department well in advance of any fellowship application deadlines (note that the UBC funding opportunities listed below have both internal and external deadlines) in order to secure the support of both a faculty supervisor and host department.
More information can be found here:
https://www.postdocs.ubc.ca/award/killam-postdoctoral-research-fellowship
DEADLINES:
September 18, 2026. Expression of Interest (EOI) to department. Successful applicants selected for departmental endorsement will be notified so they may prepare their formal application package for submission by the deadline.
TBD early October, 2026. Invited applicants will submit their full application packages to department for further adjudication and/or feedback.
TBD early November, 2026. Department nomination (one) to Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for the UBC-wide competition.
Expressions of Interests should include:
- A CV of the applicant and/or statement on their scholarly achievements to date.
- A max. one-page statement, written by the applicant, of the applicant’s proposed research project.
- A max. one-page statement by the faculty sponsor, outlining the candidate’s strengths and how they would fit within the Department.
More information can be found here:
https://www.postdocs.ubc.ca/award/canada-postdoctoral-research-award-cpra-sshrc
https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PD-NP/cpra-bprc_eng.asp
DEADLINES:
August 4, 2026. Expression of Interest (EOI) to department. Successful applicants selected for departmental endorsement will be notified in advance of the national competition application deadline (by mid-August).
TBD but likely early September, 2026. Endorsed application package(s) to SSHRC Application Portal.
Expressions of Interests should include:
- A CV of the applicant and/or statement on their scholarly achievements to date.
- A max. one-page statement, written by the applicant, of the applicant’s proposed research project.
- A max. one-page statement by the faculty sponsor, outlining the candidate’s strengths and how they would fit within the Department.
Prospective postdoctoral fellows who have secured, or are in the process of securing, their own external funding are welcome to explore opportunities to join the Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies (AMNE).
- Identify a potential faculty sponsor
Prospective postdocs should first identify an AMNE faculty member whose research interests align with their proposed work and contact them directly to discuss the possibility of being hosted by the Department. Faculty availability and willingness to sponsor a postdoctoral fellow will vary, so prospective candidates are encouraged to make contact well in advance of their proposed start date. - Develop a research plan with the faculty sponsor
If a faculty member agrees to sponsor the prospective postdoc, the candidate and faculty sponsor should discuss the proposed research, anticipated dates of the appointment, funding arrangements, and any other relevant details of the proposed postdoctoral fellowship.
The faculty sponsor must notify the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) of the proposed postdoctoral appointment at least four months before the anticipated start date. The sponsor will provide the GSC with information about the prospective postdoctoral fellow and the proposed research and appointment for review.
Further information about the subsequent steps in the appointment process will be provided following the GSC review.