2026–2027 University of Pennsylvania and CHOP Provost Postdoctoral Fellowship

Description

About the Program: The University of Pennsylvania and CHOP Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity designed to support early-career scholars across all disciplines. This fellowship offers highly mentored research training, generous resources, and opportunities to develop the skills needed for successful careers—whether in academia, industry, government, or nonprofit sectors. The Penn and CHOP fellowships share a common application, although each institution maintains independent funding and review processes. 

Program Focus: The fellowship seeks applicants with outstanding academic promise and a deep commitment to research excellence. Scholars across a wide range of disciplines—including the arts, sciences, engineering, biomedical, and social sciences—are encouraged to apply. The program is designed to welcome candidates from a broad array of backgrounds and experiences. Individuals from all walks of life are invited to bring their unique perspectives to Penn and CHOP’s vibrant research communities. Each scholar’s path is valued, and there is strong anticipation for the contributions new fellows will make—both to their fields and to the intellectual life of the university. 

SNF Paideia Co-Sponsored Opportunity:
For the 2026–2027 cycle, one Penn-based fellowship will be co-sponsored by the SNF Paideia Program. The SNF Paideia Program supports learning and research grounded in dialogue and community engagement, with a focus on fostering individual and societal well-being. The selected fellow will be required to teach one SNF Paideia-designated undergraduate course related to their academic interests; contribute to advising or community-building within the SNF Paideia undergraduate fellows program; and support co-curricular programming that aligns with the mission of the SNF Paideia Program and the fellow’s scholarly work. This opportunity is open to Penn applicants only, and additional details will be provided on the fellowship website.

Support and Benefits: 

• Stipend: The 2026-2027 stipend rate starts at $67,000 in year one, with $2,000 increases in years two and three.
• Allowances (Penn applicants only): $7,000 annually for research and travel; one-time relocation up to $5,000 (if eligible)
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package through host institution (Penn or CHOP)
• Mentorship and Professional Development: Structured guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities are provided to foster research independence and preparation for next-step career paths.
  

For more information on Penn application considerations, please visit the website.

For more information on CHOP application considerations, please visit the website

Qualifications

The Provost Postdoctoral Fellowship is open to scholars who meet the following criteria:

• Doctoral Degree: Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, their doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Timing of Degree Completion: Postdoctoral scholars from other institutions are eligible if they have completed their doctoral degree within the last two years at the time of application.
• Professional Degrees: Applicants with professional degrees (e.g., MD, JD, DMD, VMD) are eligible if they are within one year of completing their post-degree professional training at the time of application.
• Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or DACA recipients.
• Postdoctoral Status at Penn/CHOP: Applicants must not currently hold a postdoctoral, residency, or fellowship position at the University of Pennsylvania or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
• Mentorship: Applicants must identify one or more Penn or CHOP faculty mentors who can provide committed, ongoing mentorship and support the applicant’s proposed research plan.

Equal Employment Opp