Junior Fellowship Duration and Value

Fellowship Duration:

Junior Fellowships are awarded as two-year appointments.  Under exceptional circumstances, a one-year appointment is possible with the prior agreement of CIFAR and the Program Director(s).

For postdoctoral fellows, the Junior Fellowship starting date will normally coincide with the beginning of their university postdoctoral appointment, and will normally start no later than eight months from the time the Junior Fellowship is awarded.

For junior faculty members, the Junior Fellowship will begin on a date that is mutually agreeable to the Junior Fellow, his/her university department, the CIFAR Program Director(s) and CIFAR, normally not more than eight months from the time the Junior Fellowship is awarded.


Fellowship Value:

For Postdoctoral Fellows:

Beginning July 1, 2010, Junior Fellows holding appointments as postdoctoral fellows will receive an annual stipend of $65,000 CDN plus benefits and an additional $5,000 CDN for research support.  The funds will be administered by the institution offering the formal appointment.  The benefits value will vary by institution, but is estimated at up to approximately $7,000 CDN, for a total maximum Junior Fellowship value of $77,000 CDN per annum.  Please note that in instances where appointments are made at universities that provide benefits to recipients of externally-funded competitive postdoctoral fellowships, CIFAR will not provide an allotment for benefits.

Junior Fellows are permitted to hold other competitive research fellowships concurrently with the Junior Fellowship.  If a fellowship that is intended to support salary is accepted, CIFAR will reduce the amount paid through the Junior Fellowship for the remainder of the individual’s term of appointment, taking into account the value of the other fellowship(s).  For example, if a Junior Fellow receives a $40,000 CIHR Fellowship, the value of the salary portion of his or her Junior Fellowship will be reduced from $65,000 to $25,000 per annum, from the date that the CIHR Fellowship comes into effect.

For Junior Faculty Members:

Junior Fellows holding appointments as junior faculty members receive funding of $50,000 CDN per annum, on the expectation that they already receive salary and benefits support from their university.  Junior faculty members are expected to use the Junior Fellowship award to enhance their research capacity.  Possible uses include, but are not limited to, teaching release, summer salary (where applicable), student support, and salary for a research assistant.  Please note that CIFAR does not support indirect costs.

Fellowships Held Outside of Canada:

In 2010/2011, Junior Fellows based outside of Canada will receive fellowship funds at par in US dollars – i.e., US$65,000 for salary, etc.