Grant opportunity
Michigan Pioneer Fellows Program 2026 Cohort
The University of Michigan is recruiting early-career scientists for a three-year postdoctoral fellowship designed to support ambitious independent research and future scientific leadership.
- Funder
- University of Michigan
- Applications close 3 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Time
- Applications close 3 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Time: Aug 3, 2026
- Award
- Three-year full-time fellowship with competitive salary, research resources, career development and dedicated mentorship
- Applicant
- Exceptional early-career life and biomedical scientists who are in the final year of a doctoral programme or less than one year beyond a PhD, MD/PhD or PharmD/PhD. International applicants are welcome and fellows must work onsite.
- Discipline
- Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Region
- Global / United States
- Posted
- Jul 29, 2026
Call summary
Overview
Michigan Pioneer Fellows receive sustained research support and mentoring across participating medical, life-science, pharmacy, dentistry and science units.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet the programme's strict degree timing rules and identify suitable University of Michigan mentorship. Current first-year U-M postdocs may apply if the proposed work and environment differ substantially from their current training.
What it supports
- Ambitious life and biomedical science research.
- Methodological skill development and preparation for research independence.
- Cross-unit mentorship and career development at the University of Michigan.
Funding and duration
- The programme is a three-year, full-time appointment with competitive salary.
- Participating mentors and units provide research resources and sustained mentorship.
- Visa assistance is available for eligible international applicants.
Applications close 3 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Time
Applications close 3 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Time: Aug 3, 2026
How to apply
Upload the cover letter, prior-accomplishments statement, future-research statement, CV, mentor support letter and three recommendations through Interfolio by 3 August 2026.
Call details
Source-based overview
The Michigan Pioneer Fellows Program supports scientists at the transition from doctoral training to independent research. Fellows undertake an onsite, three-year appointment with a University of Michigan mentor and receive salary, research resources, structured career development and a multidisciplinary scientific community.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the programme's strict degree timing rules and identify suitable University of Michigan mentorship. Current first-year U-M postdocs may apply if the proposed work and environment differ substantially from their current training.
Funding and benefits
The programme is a three-year, full-time appointment with competitive salary.
Participating mentors and units provide research resources and sustained mentorship.
Visa assistance is available for eligible international applicants.
Themes and supported activities
Ambitious life and biomedical science research.
Methodological skill development and preparation for research independence.
Cross-unit mentorship and career development at the University of Michigan.
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 3 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Time: Applications close 3 August 2026 at 23:59 Eastern Time: Aug 3, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Upload the cover letter, prior-accomplishments statement, future-research statement, CV, mentor support letter and three recommendations through Interfolio by 3 August 2026.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.