Fellowships and Grant Submissions

At this stage in your career it's important to start learning how to secure funding, but figuring out how to search for and apply to fellowships and grants can be overwhelming. Here are some resources to help you make sense of the funding process.

Where should I look for funding?

OHSU releases Funding Alerts every Thursday, many of which are funding opportunities specifically for postdocs! Check Research News every Thursday for the latest alerts!

Other OHSU-specific funding opportunities:

Other funding databases:

  • OHSU InfoEd - This is the tool used to create and submit proposals, and it also has one of the largest funding opportunity databases in the world.
  • OHSU Funding Database - A hand-curated database for OHSU researchers that tracks opportunities of particular interest in our community, including limited submissions. Your OHSU username and password is required to access the database.
  • Foundation Directory Online - The Foundation Directory Online provides comprehensive information on U.S. private foundations and the grants they offer. You can search this database by specific foundation or by grant opportunity. Links are available to foundation websites, IRS filings, and philanthropy news. To log in to the Foundation Directory Online, please follow the link on the OHSU Library website. 
  • Grants.gov - Grants.gov allows organizations to electronically find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from federal grant-making agencies. You can register to receive email notifications regarding grant announcements from Grants.gov site and customize these email alerts based on funding opportunity number, selected agencies and categories of funding activities, selected interests and eligibility groups, or all grant notices. After subscribing, you will receive announcements of both new grants and modifications of existing grant announcements. 
  • NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts - The NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts focuses specifically on grants and contracts available through the National Institutes of Health. This is the official publication for NIH medical and behavioral research grant policies, guidelines, and funding opportunities. The NIH considers applications for the support of basic or clinical biomedical, behavioral, and bioengineering research. Sign up to get weekly email notifications from the NIH Table of Contents to learn about funding opportunities and recent announcements. 
  • RePORTER - The NIH Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tool Expenditures and Reports database, or RePORTER, is a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other research institutions. You can search the database by PI, institution, state, and many others. You can also find publications attached to funded grants, the roster of the study section that reviewed it, and other useful information. While it does not display open requests for proposals, it is a great tool for identifying the kind and type of grants awarded by NIH.  

How do I apply for funding?

The OHSU Office of Proposal & Award Management provides pre- and post-award management to the OHSU community. In general, this is the grant application process for OHSU:

  • Work with your department's Grant Coordinator at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to a grant application due date to learn the route for approval process through InfoEd
  • Make sure to begin the routing process at least 14 days in advance of the grant due date
  • Celebrate your hard work!

Please note that many funding agencies require changes to your payroll status at OHSU which can impact your benefits, taxes, and visa eligibility. Make sure to read all the fine print of a funding announcement. Reach out to the OPA (opa@ohsu.edu) early and often with questions.

How do I get grant support at OHSU?

OHSU offers many supports to help postdoctoral scholars find funding opportunities, write grant proposals and scientific manuscripts, and much more.

  • OHSU Research Development is a program within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research that provides advice, consultation, and training for OHSU researchers. This program serves as the communication hub for information related to grants, research administration, and other key tools for investigators. Research Development offers services such as:
  • Grant Writing and Editing Service's goal is to help you become a more productive grant writer - better at formulating your ideas in writing, targeting your audience, promoting your ideas, and editing your work. Individualized services are available for postdoctoral fellows. Contact funding@ohsu.edu for more information. 
  • OCTRI Design Studios are set up to provide feedback on career development grant proposals. Design Studios invite members of the senior OHSU research community, mentors, multidisciplinary faculty, and interested partners to listen to a short presentation of your proposal, ask question, and provide feedback on your specific aims, research methodology, and career development plans. For more information contact Dr. Cindy Morris or Melissa Mudd. An OCTRI Design Studio may be valuable for anyone preparing to submit the following types of proposals:
    • Career development awards, including NIH K awards
    • Veterans Affairs career development awards
    • Foundation career development awards
    • Transitions from career development awards to first R grants
  • Contact Melissa Mudd to access examples of successful past career development grant applications and research proposals, such a K awards!

Get Familiar with Funding Opportunities

Here is information about fellowships for postdoctoral researchers in the biomedical sciences. Please note agencies may change their programs, requirements, deadlines, locations, and other information at any time. It is important to verify information on agency websites. Also, please make sure to communicate with your Grant Coordinator early and often to learn about OHSU requirements for funding opportunities.

Postdoctoral Funding Awards with Time Limits

  • American Cancer Society, Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • April 1, October 15
    • Supports postdoctoral training in cancer research, including basic, preclinical, clinical, cancer control, psychosocial, behavioral, epidemiology, health services, and health policy research. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have had your doctoral degree for less than 3 years.
  • American Diabetes Association, Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • Varies
    • Supports innovative scientific discovery that translates to better treatment, healthier lives, and eventual cures of diabetes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States or U.S. possessions. Most fellowships require applicants to have no more than 7 years of research training following doctoral degree.
  • American Federation for Aging Research, Funding Opportunities
    • Varies
    • Supports research towards basic aging mechanisms and/or translational findings that have direct benefits to human aging and healthspan. Applicants who have more than 5 years of postdoctoral training must provide a justification for the additional training period.
  • American Society of Hematology, Research Training Award for Fellows
    • January
    • Open to both MD and MD-PhD researchers between their second and fifth year of fellowship. Designed to encourage junior researchers in hematology, hematology/oncology, and other hematology-related training programs to pursue careers in academic hematology. 
  • Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellows Award Program
    • September
    • Supports postdoctoral scholars with the highest potential for success in an independent academic career in chemistry and the life sciences. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with no more than 18 months cumulative postdoctoral research experience.
  • ASPEN Rhoads Research Foundation Grants
    • ​​​​​​​June
    • Supports research projects by early-career investigators with the potential to advance the science and practice of clinical nutrition and metabolism. Applicants must be within 10 years of completing a terminal research degree, medical residency, or end of post-graduate clinical training. Applicants still in postdoctoral training are eligible. Individuals outside the U.S. are eligible. 
  • Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network, Young Investigator Award
    • ​​​​​​​February
    • Funds researchers in basic, translational, clinical, epidemiologic, bio-engineering, or any other scientific or research field who are working in a research environment capable of supporting transformational bladder cancer research. Applicants must be from a U.S. or Canadian sponsoring academic, non-profit, or governmental institution and within 6 years of completion of a professional degree or clinical training.
  • Cancer Research Institute, CRI Irvington Institute Fellowship Program
    • April 1, October 1
    • Supports qualified young scientists at leading universities and research centers around the world who wish to receive training in cancer immunology or general immunology. No citizenship restrictions; however, research must take place at a non-profit institution. Only in exceptional circumstance will applicants who have already spent 3 or more years in a sponsor’s laboratory be considered and applicants with 5 or more years of relevant postdoctoral experience are not eligible.
  • Children's Tumor Foundation, Young Investigator Award
    • ​​​​​​​January letter of intent
    • Supports early career NF researchers to help them become established as independent NF investigators. No citizenship requirements; however, applicant can be no more than 7 years past completion of their first doctoral degree.
  • ​​​​​​​Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Psychosocial Research Postdoctoral Fellowship
    • ​​​​​​​March letter of intent
    • Designed to encourage specialization in the field of SCI. Fellowships intended to provide mentored training in SCI research to early career investigators. Applicant not required to be a citizen of the U.S. or Canada; however, the applicant must be employed by an eligible grantee institution and no more than 5 years past completion of their first doctoral degree.
  • ​​​​​​​DoD Melanoma Research Program, Melanoma Academy Scholar Award
    • ​​​​​​​Varies
    • Supports the addition of new scholars to the virtual academy that provides intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for early-career melanoma investigators. Applicants must be within 7 years of their last terminal degree. See application instructions for citizenship requirements. 
  • ​​​​​​​DoD Parkinson's Research Program, Early Investigator Research Award
    • ​​​​​​​Varies
    • Designed to support Parkinson's research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers under the guidance of a designated mentor. Candidates must be within 10 years of advanced degree or residency training completion (or equivalent). See application instructions for citizenship requirements.
  • Earth Institute, Columbia University, Postdoctoral Research Program
    • November
    • Provides postdoctoral scholars with the opportunity to build a foundation in one of the core disciplines represented within the Earth Institute (i.e. social, earth, biological, engineering, and health sciences), while acquiring cross-disciplinary expertise needed to address critical issues related to sustainable development. Program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Candidates must have received their doctoral degrees within 5 years.
  • Helen Hay Whitney Foundation, Research Fellowship
    • June
    • Supports early postdoctoral research training in all basic biomedical sciences. Accepts applications from candidate who have no more than 2 years of postdoctoral research experience and who received a PhD no more than 3 years before the deadline or MD no more than 4 years before the deadline. Fellowships may be awarded to U.S. citizens planning to work in laboratories in the U.S., Canada, or abroad and also to foreign citizens for research in laboratories in the U.S.
  • ​​​​​​​Hereditary Disease Foundation, Postdoctoral Researcher Fellowship
    • ​​​​​​​Varies
    • Intended to cultivate interest in Huntington's disease research by encouraging young, promising scientists early in their careers. Funds applications for postdoctoral fellowships in laboratories around the world. Applicants should be no more than 7 years past their PhD.
  • Hope Funds for Cancer Research Postdoctoral Fellowship
    • September
    • Support work on highly innovative research projects that challenge the traditional paradigms of understanding the causes, mechanisms, progression, disease markers or risk factors of the most difficult-to-treat cancers. Proposed investigation must be conducted at a university, hospital, or research institution in the U.S. Applicants must not have been in their sponsor’s lab for more than two years.
  • Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research, Fellowship Information
    • February 1
    • Supports postdoctoral research into the causes and treatment of cancer. Applicants should not have more than one year of postdoctoral research experience. Applicants may be citizens of any country, but for foreign nationals awards will be made only for study in the U.S. American citizens may hold a fellowship either in the U.S. or in a foreign country. Applicants should have no more than 18 months of postdoctoral research experience and PhD must not have been conferred more than 24 months prior to deadline.
  • Lalor Foundation, Fellowships
    • January
    • Supports research in the field of mammalian reproductive biology as related to the regulation of fertility. Potential fellows should not have held the doctoral degree more than two years. The individual nominated by the applicant institution may be a citizen of any country.
  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Career Development Program
    • Varies
    • Offers career development awards to postdoctoral fellows, as well as early-career independent investigators, engaging in basic, clinical, or translational research to help understand and treat hematologic malignancies and relevant premalignant conditions. Various timeframe requirements. Welcomes applications worldwide from appropriate academic institutions and investigators of any nationality.
  • Life Sciences Research Foundation
    • October 1
    • Funds outstanding postdoctoral fellows in all areas of the life sciences. Awards intended to provide support for postdoctoral scholars who began work in their lab within the past couple of years. U.S. citizens are eligible to work in any geographic location while holding an LSRF award. Non U.S. citizens must work in a U.S. laboratory to be eligible.
  • ​​​​​​​Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Research Fellow Award
    • ​​​​​​​Varies
    • Supports postdoctoral fellows working under the supervision or guidance of a research mentor in the multiple myeloma field. Applicants must have obtained their highest degree within 10 years of the application date. Available to investigators at academic, not-for-profit, institutions in the U.S. and abroad.
  • National Hemophilia Foundation, Fund Your Research
    • February for letter of intent
    • The Judith Graham Pool Postdoctoral Research Fellowship supports basic science and pre-clinical research in bleeding disorders. Individuals with more than six years of experience since completing doctoral training are not eligible to apply. U.S. citizenship is not required, but candidates must be affiliated with a U.S. based organization.
  • NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology
    • December
    • Fellowships support recent recipients of a doctoral degree for research and training in selected areas supported by the Directorate for Biological Sciences. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or national) or a U.S. permanent resident and cannot have worked in any position that requires the doctoral degree for a combined total of more than 15 full time months prior to the deadline.
  • NSF EAR Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • November
    • The Division of Earth Sciences awards postdoctoral fellowships to recent recipients of doctoral degrees to carry out an integrated program of independent research and education. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (or nationals) or legally admitted permanent residents of the U.S. at the time of application and cannot have worked in any position that requires the doctoral degree for a combined total of more than 15 full time months prior to the deadline.
  • NSF SBE Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
    • November
    • The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences offers Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in two tracks: Fundamental Research in the SBE Sciences and Broadening Participation in the SBE Sciences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (or nationals) or legally admitted permanent residents of the U.S. at the time of application and cannot have worked in any position that requires the doctoral degree for a combined total of more than 15 full time months prior to the deadline.
  • Paralyzed Veterans of America Research Foundation
    • July 1
    • Grants support innovative research and fellowships that improve the lives of those with spinal cord injury and disease. Applicants not required to be U.S. or Canadian citizens, but grantee institutions must be located in the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must apply within 4 years of receiving PhD. Applicants with more than 4 years of postdoctoral experience should apply for a research grant.
  • ​​​​​​​Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research, Scientific Scholar Award
    • ​​​​​​​Varies
    • Supports young, talented investigators who have novel ideas and fresh approaches to ovarian cancer research. Candidates cannot have more than 4 years of postdoctoral experience. Foreign and non-resident postdocs not excluded from applying, but must have commitment from a mentor for the duration of the project.
  • Skin Cancer Foundation, Research Grant Awards
    • ​​​​​​​January
    • Supports dermatology residents, fellows, and junior investigators conducting basic research and clinical studies that address improved methods of prevention, detection, and treatment of skin cancer. Open to fellows within 10 years of their first academic appointment. Projects must be conducted in or in conjunction with the dermatology departments of medical or academic institutions in the U.S.

Postdoctoral Funding Awards

  • Alkermes, Pathways Research Awards
    • Varies
    • Designed to support the next generation of researchers working on the front-lines to advance understanding and awareness of disease states in the field of neuroscience. Must be current postdoctoral fellow able to complete proposed research within 2 years and a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or holder of a temporary non-immigrant visa that is valid for the duration of the 2-year grant period.
  • American Brain Tumor Association, Basic Research Fellowship
    • November for letter of intent
    • Grants are two-year, $100,000 grants supporting postdoctoral fellows conducting brain tumor research. Applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens or residents and can be conducting research at a non-profit, non-governmental research institution anywhere in the world.
  • American Epilepsy Society, Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
    • October for letter of intent
    • Fellowships support postdoctoral trainees conducting research into the causes, treatment, and consequences of epilepsy under the guidance of a mentor with expertise in epilepsy research. U.S. citizenship not required; however, all research must be conducted in the U.S.
  • American Fund for Alternatives to Animal Research, Fellowship Grant for Alternatives to Animal Research in Human Health or Sex Differences
    • October 1
    • Offers a $40,000, one-year postdoctoral fellowship grant (with possible renewal) to a woman interested in developing, validating, or using alternatives to animal methods in the investigation of human health or sex differences.
  • ​​​​​​​Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Postdoctoral Fellowship
    • ​​​​​​​Varies
    • Provides funding for the next generation of FTD researchers. Accepts applications from both U.S. and international postdoctoral researchers. ​​​​​​​
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
    • Varies
    • Fellowships support postdoctoral research training related to cystic fibrosis. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non-residents working in a U.S.-based laboratory. Applicants can apply for this fellowship anytime during their postdoctoral period; however, preference will be given to recent graduates and those just beginning their research careers.
  • FRAXA Research Foundation, FRAXA Fellowships
    • February 1
    • Funds medical research aimed at finding specific treatments and ultimately a cure for Fragile X syndrome. Any university, hospital, or other non-profit lab in the world may apply.
  • Human Frontier Science Program, Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • August
    • Offers 3-year postdoctoral fellowships to enable the most talented early career scientists, trained in the life sciences or in the physical sciences, to extend their scientific repertoire in laboratories in another country. Candidate who is not a national from one of the HFSP members may apply to work only in a research institution in one of the member countries. Applicants must propose to work in a country different to the one where they did their previous PhD work or first postdoctoral studies. Applicants must have at least one lead author publication by the submission deadline of the letter of intent.
  • National Academies, Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships
    • November
    • Awards made to individuals who have demonstrated superior academic achievement, are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level, show promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers, and are well prepared to use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents are eligible.
  • NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award
    • Standard due dates
    • The purpose is to enhance the research training of promising postdoctoral candidates who have the potential to become productive, independent investigators in scientific health-related research fields relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. By the time of award, the individual must be a citizen or a non-citizen national of the United States or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
  • OHSU Fellowship for Diversity in Research 
    • Ongoing
    • This goal of this award is to address the need for increased representation of minoritized races/ethnicities in STEM at the postdoctoral level. OFDIR Fellows receive mentored research training and opportunities to build community with and receive support from other scientists who identify as members of a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in STEM. 
  • ​​​​​​​OHSU Foundation Collins Medical Trust
    • ​​​​​​​February, June, & September
    • The Collins Medical Trust accepts 15 proposals from OHSU for each of their three annual deadlines and typically funds two to four projects each round. Preference is given to proposals where the investigator is newly embarking on their research career and is clearly supported by their respective mentor(s). Since the grant is payable to the OHSU Foundation and not the researcher, it does not matter if the researcher is a U.S. citizen.
  • Prevent Cancer Foundation, Fellowships
    • August
    • The foundation is solely devoted to cancer prevention and early detection. Applicants need not be U.S. citizens; however, research must be conducted primarily in the U.S.
  • RAND Corporation, Postdoctoral Training Program in the Study of Aging
    • January
    • Supports junior scholars in demographic and aging research. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.​​​​​​​

Career Transition Awards

  • ​​​​​​​Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, Early Career Research Grant
    • ​​​​​​​Varies
    • Funds research that will advance current scientific knowledge about desmoid tumors, moving toward the development of new treatment options. Particularly interested in innovative and translational research projects.
  • NIH Pathway to Independence Award
    • Standard Due Dates
    • This program is designed to facilitate a timely transition of outstanding postdoctoral researchers or clinician-scientists from mentored research positions to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions, and to provide independent NIH research support during the transition. Must be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen with no more than 4 years of postdoctoral research experience.
  • Simons Foundation Autism Research Institute, Bridge to Independence Program
    • August for letter of intent
    • Aimed at senior postdoctoral fellows who intend to seek tenure-track faculty positions during the upcoming academic year. Awardees will receive a commitment of $495,000 over three years, activated upon assumption of a tenure-track professorship.
  • Tourette Association of America, Young Investigator Award
    • November for preproposal
    • Funds basic and clinical research studies on all aspects of Tourette syndrome. Open to postdocs and independent faculty within 5 years of their first independent faculty appointment. Investigators outside the U.S. are welcome to apply.

Agencies with Fellowships and Career Transition Awards