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Funding and Fellowships
Funding and Fellowships
Funding and Fellowships
All postdoctoral scholars at Western must have funding secured before an appointment can begin. Funding arrangements vary by discipline, appointment type, and career stage, but generally follow a small number of common pathways.
This page explains how postdoctoral funding works at Western, outlines major funding options, and points you to resources for identifying and applying for funding.
How Postdoctoral Funding Works at Western
Postdoctoral funding may come from one or more of the following sources:
- External fellowship or award programs held by the postdoc
- Supervisor research grants or contracts
- University‑based fellowships and institutional awards
- Partnered or applied research programs, such as industry‑linked fellowships
Your funding source helps determine:
- appointment type (Postdoctoral Fellow or Postdoctoral Associate)
- compensation and benefits
- length of appointment
- eligible research expenses
Funding arrangements should be discussed early with your supervisor and confirmed before submitting an appointment request.
Funding Pathways
External Fellowships (Held by the Postdoc)
Many postdoctoral scholars secure their own funding through competitive external fellowships. These awards are typically portable, with Western serving as the host institution.
Examples include:
- Canadian Tri‑Agency postdoctoral fellowships (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR)
- Provincial and national foundation fellowships
- International mobility and training awards
External fellowships often provide greater independence and visibility but require early preparation and strict adherence to deadlines.
Supervisor‑Funded Appointments
Some postdoctoral scholars are supported through:
- supervisor‑held research grants
- research contracts
- faculty or institute resources
In these cases, funding terms and expectations are defined by the funding source and the appointment type.
Western‑Based Funding
Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Western offers a prestigious institutional fellowship program supporting outstanding postdoctoral scholars across disciplines.
Program highlights
- Minimum stipend: $70,000 per year (subject to applicable agreements)
- Recoverable benefits
- $5,000 annual research allowance
- Two‑year award duration
Learn more about the Western Postdoctoral Fellowship Program →
Applying for External Funding at Western
Many external funding applications require institutional approval prior to submission.
When applying for external funding, ensure that:
-
Research On‑Line Administration (ROLA)
Your supervisor has created and submitted a corresponding ROLA proposal.
If the funding opportunity is not listed, contact rolahelp@uwo.ca with the program details and deadline. -
Application review
A complete PDF of your application must be submitted to the Office of Research Services at least five business days before the agency deadline. -
Institutional signatures
All required internal approvals must be completed before institutional signatures can be released.
Failure to meet institutional requirements may result in applications not being approved for submission.
Finding External Funding Opportunities
Funding programs change frequently, and eligibility varies by discipline and career stage. Postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to rely on maintained sources rather than static lists.
Recommended starting points:
- Western Research funding pages
- National and international funding agencies
- Professional associations in your field
- SGPS funding and fellowship resources
Explore external funding and fellowship opportunities →
Opportunities at Western
Looking for funded postdoctoral positions currently available at Western?