Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships are two-year fellowships for scientists fresh from their PhD training or neurology residence. The fellowships support training at major research institutions to help these scientists become independent Parkinson’s disease researchers. Applicants must name an individual who will serve as their research mentor and supervisor. Please include a clear indication of mentor involvement in the proposed project.

Funding Information

• The program offers two different levels of support for basic research scientists and clinical neurologists. The program grants $134,000 over two years to Basic Scientists, including $62,000 for the postdoctoral fellowship salary stipend and an annual $5,000 research allowance. The program grants $150,000 over two years to Clinical Neurologists, including $70,000 in annual salary support and a $5,000 annual research allowance.
• The Postdoctoral Fellowship salary stipend may be supplemented by your mentor from other sources to match the current NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Stipend or your institutional pay scale levels, but never decreased. The $5,000 research allowance may be used at the discretion of the fellow, with the approval of the mentor, to pay for items such as books, training courses, travel costs or a computer.
• This award does not provide for a provision for the deduction of fringe benefits, postdoctoral taxes, institutional or administrative costs, or other fees. Healthcare expenses remain an issue for the research community and many costs are being born as out-of-pocket expenses for Fellows. Therefore, if requested in writing to the Foundation prior to the start of the award, the fellow can apply up to $1,000 of their research allowance per annum to defray the Fellow’s out-of-pocket costs for their health insurance premium (this does not apply to Fellows who have their health insurance premiums fully covered by their institution).

Eligibility Criteria

• The Basic Scientists applicants must be within five years of receiving their Ph.D. at the time the award starts (i.e., on or after August 1, 2020). The Clinical Neurologists must possess an M.D. or equivalent and be within three years of having completed a residency in neurology at the time the award starts (i.e., on or after August 1, 2022). The Foundation has a policy of extending an applicant’s eligibility for postdoctoral fellowships due to formal periods of leave (e.g., maternity, paternity, adoptive, family care, military, or extended sick leave). The maximum period that a nominee’s eligibility may be extended is two (2) years. This program is open to both national and international applicants. If awarded, a Postdoctoral Fellow must commit 80% of their effort to the Parkinson’s Foundation-funded project. Additionally, fellows may not concurrently hold an overlapping award from another source.
• Applications from groups that have been historically underrepresented or excluded in the scientific workforce, including but not limited to racial and ethnic groups, sexual orientation and gender identities, individuals with mental/physical disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are especially encouraged.

Review Criteria

• LOIs and full proposals are subject to peer review and are competitively ranked based upon the candidate’s accomplishments, scientific merit, potential to develop into an independent scientist, impact of proposed research upon Parkinson’s disease, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission. Final decisions are expected in June.

For more information, visit Parkinson’s Foundation.