Life Sciences Research Foundation: Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant

The Life Sciences Research Foundation offers a Postdoctoral Fellowship to support exceptional young scientists engaged in basic life sciences research. This three-year award is aimed at U.S. and non-U.S. citizens working in U.S. labs, who have completed their PhD within the last five years. Candidates must secure a letter of acceptance from their postdoctoral supervisor and are required to conduct their research in a lab different from their graduate institution. Visit the FAQs for more information.

Background
Supporting exceptional postdoctoral researchers in all areas of basic life sciences discovery
We believe that fundamental advances in life sciences depend upon the training and support of high quality young scientists at a critical point in their career – their postdoctoral training. Our goal is to identify these exceptional young scientists and secure funding for their projects. We seek out and partner with biotech and pharma companies, foundations, and philanthropic individuals who recognize the value and importance of basic scientific research. These contributors fund one or more researchers for the duration of their three-year award.
The LSRF award provides three (3) years of support to a named postdoctoral researcher at a non-profit university or research institution. The award is paid to the university or research institution where the researcher is carrying out their project and is solely for the benefit of the named researcher. It is not a gift or donation and should not be classified as such.
Visit our FAQs page for answers to many common questions about eligibility and the application process.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens are eligible to work in any geographic location. Non-U.S. citizens must work in a U.S. laboratory to be eligible for an award.
Applicants must apply within 5 years of receiving their PhD (or MD/DVM whichever was awarded later) as of October 1, 2024. If you received your PhD (or MD/DVM) before October 1, 2019, you are not eligible to apply. You may apply before defending your thesis, but must have your PhD (or MD/DVM) degree by the time the award is activated on August 1, 2025
The application requires a letter of acceptance from your proposed postdoctoral supervisor (the Principal Investigator of the lab where you will conduct your postdoctoral training.You must complete your postdoctoral training in a lab different from that of your graduate (thesis) lab. Remaining in your thesis lab for a few weeks or months after receiving your degree, before moving to your postdoc lab, is acceptable.

Ineligibility

Applicants planning to remain in their thesis labs for the duration of their postdoctoral training period are NOT eligible.No indirect or overhead costs may be charged to the fellowship. Individuals who have held a PhD or MD degree for more than 5 years at the time of application are not eligible for an LSRF fellowship.Individuals intending to remain in their thesis labs to complete their proposed LSRF postdoctoral research project are not eligible for an LSRF fellowship. You must complete your LSRF research project in a different lab. Working as a postdoc in your thesis lab for a brief period before moving to your new postdoc lab is acceptable.