Stanford Science Fellowship supports exceptional early-career scientists to pursue fundamental experimental or theoretical research; the Stanford Science Fellowship is a paid three-year appointment in the USA with stipend and research support.
The program is offered by Stanford University and places fellows within faculty research groups across natural science disciplines. Fellows receive professional development, community-building activities, and access to supplemental funds, relocation, and visa assistance where eligible.
Stanford Science Fellowship Benefits
- Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $98,000.
- Fellows will receive Stanford University benefits as part of their appointment.
- Fellows can receive up to $10,000 per year in supplemental funds for research and professional development.
- Fellows can receive up to $2,500 in relocation expenses.
- Eligible fellows can receive supplemental childcare assistance grants.
- Eligible fellows can receive visa expense assistance.
- Fellows will participate in the Stanford Science Fellows community-building and professional development activities.
- Fellows will have the opportunity to work with Stanford faculty and participate in one or more faculty research groups.
Stanford Science Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be exceptional early-career scientists who want to pursue fundamental experimental or theoretical research in a natural science discipline.
- Applicants must have earned their PhD within the last three years at the start of the fellowship.
- Applicants must have no more than two years of prior postdoctoral experience at another institution.
- Applicants should have a strong record of scientific achievement and demonstrate clear intellectual drive.
- Applicants must show a commitment to collaboration and engagement with a diverse community of scholars.
- International scholars from all nationalities are eligible to apply.
- Applicants cannot hold a paid or unpaid position at Stanford during the selection process.
- Current Stanford graduate students and postdocs are not eligible to apply.
- Prospective postdocs who will begin their Stanford appointment before March 1, 2027, are also ineligible.
- Scholars whose proposals primarily address social sciences are not eligible for this Stanford fellowship.
- International applicants must meet the applicable US visa requirements.
- H-1B employment visa holders are not eligible.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae, including publications, full legal name, contact information, and expected PhD date.
- A cover letter.
- Three letters of recommendation. A letter from the candidate’s PhD advisor is recommended.
- A career statement describing career goals, relevant experience, and contribution to the Stanford Science Fellows Program, up to two pages.
- A research statement of up to two pages, with an additional page for references if required.
- The research statement should explain the research problem, what could be accomplished within three to five years, and how Stanford can support the proposed research.
How to Apply for Stanford Science Fellowship
- The application process for the Stanford Science Fellowships 2027 is online; applicants must submit their materials through Academic Jobs Online.
- Applicants must submit their application materials through Academic Jobs Online (AJO).
- Applicants should upload their CV, cover letter, career statement, research statement, and recommendation letters.
- Applicants should identify and contact potential Stanford faculty members with whom they wish to collaborate.
- At least one Stanford faculty member must agree to host the applicant before the fellowship can be awarded.
- All application materials, including recommendation letters, must reach Academic Jobs Online before the deadline.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Stanford Science Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, required documents, and the application process.
What is the Stanford Science Fellowship?
The Stanford Science Fellowship is a paid three-year appointment offered by Stanford University for exceptional early-career scientists to pursue fundamental experimental or theoretical research in natural science disciplines. Fellows join faculty research groups, receive a stipend, benefits, and access to research and professional development funds.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants must be exceptional early-career scientists with a PhD earned within the last three years at the start of the fellowship and no more than two years of prior postdoctoral experience. They should have a strong record of scientific achievement and a commitment to collaboration and diversity.
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes. International scholars of all nationalities are encouraged to apply, but applicants must meet applicable US visa requirements. H-1B employment visa holders are not eligible, and in general international fellows must qualify for a J-1 visa, though an F-1 extension may be suitable in some cases.
What financial support does the fellowship provide?
Selected fellows receive an annual stipend of $98,000, Stanford University benefits, up to $10,000 per year in supplemental research and professional development funds, up to $2,500 in relocation expenses, and possible supplemental childcare and visa expense assistance for eligible fellows.
How long is the appointment and when does it start?
The appointment lasts for three years, typically from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2030. A start date of July 1 or August 1 may also be possible, but the appointment cannot begin later than September 1, 2027.
What research areas are eligible for this fellowship?
Applicants may propose experimental or theoretical research in natural science areas such as astronomy and astrophysics, biological sciences, chemistry, earth and oceans, mathematics and statistics, experimental physics, and theory and simulation. Proposals primarily focused on social sciences are ineligible.
What documents are required for the application?
Required documents include a curriculum vitae with publications and expected PhD date, a cover letter, three letters of recommendation (including a recommended letter from the PhD advisor), a career statement up to two pages, and a research statement up to two pages with an optional references page.
How is the application reviewed and what is the selection process?
Applications are reviewed by a committee of Stanford faculty from departments across the natural sciences. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a Zoom interview with a panel of faculty, with most interviews taking place during the first two weeks of December.
Where and how do I submit my application?
Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online through Academic Jobs Online (AJO). Applicants should upload their CV, cover letter, career and research statements, and recommendation letters before the deadline.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Stanford Science Fellowships 2027 is October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.
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