>

Funding and Career Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

  • A list of Vanderbilt University upcoming limited submission opportunities can be found at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/rds/limitedsubmission/.
  • A list of Vanderbilt University Medical Center upcoming limited submission opportunities can be found at https://www.vumc.org/oor/limited-and-external-funding-opportunities.
  • Visit the Edge Bulletin Board to check their current list of national research funding opportunities with upcoming deadlines, updated often. To submit national opportunities, email Edge for Scholars. Additionally, the Edge for Scholars Funded Grants Library has over 200 grants in the library including more than two dozen examples of NRSA fellowship applications (F30, F31, F32) written by Vanderbilt trainees that include original submissions, resubmissions, and summary statements. There are also a few AHA fellowship applications in the library. If a trainee is in the process of writing an application, they may review these shared grants by requesting access to the EFS Funded Grants Library. To gain access to the Funded Grants Library email Adrienne Babcock. Postdocs should copy their primary mentor on the request so the mentor can confirm the need for access.
  • Visit the SPIN Database of Sponsored Funding Opportunities and search their database of over 40,000 funding opportunities from more than 10,000 global sponsors.
  • Visit Grant Forward and search their database of over 9,000 sponsors and funding opportunities. 

Upcoming Funding Opportunities

  • Summer 2026 NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) | Internal applications due March 23, 2026

    The purpose of the NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00) program is to increase and maintain a strong cohort of new and talented, NCI-supported, independent investigators. This program is designed for postdoctoral fellows with research and/or clinical doctoral degrees who do not require an extended period of mentored research training beyond their doctoral degrees. The objective of this award is to facilitate a timely transition of these fellows from their mentored, postdoctoral research positions to independent tenure-track (or equivalent) faculty positions. The program will provide independent NCI research support during this transition to help awardees to launch competitive, independent research careers. 

    Vanderbilt University postdocs apply here through InfoReady: Pathway to Independence LSO competition page.

    Vanderbilt University Medical Center postdocs apply through the VUMC OOR funding page. 

    Learn more about the Pathway to Independence Award: PAR 23-286, PAR 23-287, and PAR 23-288.

     

    • Internal Deadline: March 23, 2026
    • Sponsor's Proposal Deadline: June 15, 2026
    • Award Amount: Up to 5 years of support in two phases. In the mentored phase, the award covers up to $100,000 per year toward the salary of the career award recipient, and up to $30,000 per year toward research development costs. The total cost for the independent phase (R00) may not exceed $249,000 per year.
    • Nomination Slots: 4 VU nominees (1 nominee per scientific focus area: Cancer Data Science, Cancer Control Science, Molecular/Precision Cancer Prevention and Other Cancer Research)
    • Eligibility Note: 
      • Individuals must be in mentored, postdoctoral training positions to be eligible to apply
      • Researchers in the scientific areas of cancer control, cancer prevention, and cancer data sciences are especially encouraged to apply. 
    • Disciplines: Biological/Biomedical, Physical Sciences/Engineering/Math
  • NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology | Applications due September 29, 2026

    Supports postdoctoral fellowships that train early-career scientists to apply AI to biological research, advancing biotechnology innovation while preparing future leaders at the intersection of AI and biology.

    Synopsis

    The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Biological Research has the potential to pave the way for breakthroughs in biotechnology and bio-system design that will create innovations, new industries, and jobs. To capitalize on this promise, the Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) will make awards for Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB) to recent doctoral degree recipients, for proposals with a research and training focus at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Biological Sciences to Strengthen and Safeguard Biotechnology Innovations. Applying AI to highly complex biological systems will reveal unknown mechanisms in the natural world that hold promise for technological developments.

    Candidates with AI and/or biology experience will develop deep expertise in both by proposing additional training in both areas. These combinations of current expertise and new cross-training will produce scientists who work seamlessly at the intersection of AI and biology. The fellows are expected to become field leaders who use AI capabilities to extrapolate from biological data to technological advances.

    Proposers are encouraged to consider how to leverage the nation’s diversity of existing biological data, and biological infrastructure, such as Biofoundries, Programmable Cloud Labs, Manufacturing USA Institutes, and NEON, to accelerate discovery, innovation and the biotechnology that improves human lives, promotes the U.S. economy, and benefits the nation. 

    For more information visit, https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/prfb-postdoctoral-research-fellowships-biology and https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/prfb-postdoctoral-research-fellowships-biology/nsf26-504/solicitation. 

  • Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (AGS – PRF) - Proposals Accepted Anytime

    Supports postdoctoral researchers in performing work that will broaden their perspectives, facilitate interdisciplinary interactions, and help establish them in leadership positions within the atmospheric and geospace sciences communities.

    Synopsis

    The Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS), awards Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (PRF) to highly qualified early career investigators to carry out an independent research program. The research plan of each Fellowship must address scientific questions within the scope of AGS disciplines. These disciplines include Atmospheric Chemistry (ATC), Climate and Large-Scale Dynamics (CLD), Paleoclimate (PC), and Physical and Dynamic Meteorology (PDM) in the Atmospheric Sciences, and Aeronomy (AER), Magnetospheric Physics (MAG), Solar Terrestrial (ST), and Space Weather Research (SWR) in the Geospace Sciences.

    The AGS-PRF program supports researchers (also known as Fellows) for a period of up to 24 months with Fellowships that can be taken to the institution of their choice. The program is intended to recognize beginning investigators of significant potential and provide them with experiences in research that will broaden perspectives, facilitate interdisciplinary interactions, and help establish them in leadership positions within the Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences community. Fellowships are awarded to individual Fellows, not institutions, and are administered by the Fellows.

    AGS has made it a priority to address challenges in creating an inclusive geoscience discipline through activities that increase belonging, accessibility, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (BAJEDI). Proposers are encouraged to explicitly address this priority in their proposed activities. Proposers who are women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), or who have attended two-year colleges and minority-serving institutions for undergraduate or graduate school, or plan to conduct their Fellowship activities at one of these institutions (e.g. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Alaska Native Serving Institutions, and Hawaiian Native and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions) are especially encouraged to apply.

    Program Notice: https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/atmospheric-geospace-sciences-postdoctoral

Grant Submission Resources & Guidelines

All proposals submitted for external funding require the review and approval of the Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) for Vanderbilt University (VU) and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) for Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). SPA and OSP are responsible for providing the official signature, electronic or physical, for all proposals submitted on behalf of VU and VUMC respectively. With very few exceptions faculty members/principal investigators, or their designee, are not authorized to sign or submit any form of a request for external funding that does not also include SPA or OSP’s official approval since awards are made to the institution and not the individual.

Direct-to-individual funding mechanisms (such as NSF postdoctoral fellowships), while not submitted through SPA or OSP, require VU or VUMC to be notified of the submission. The link to submit such a notification is provided below.

Before beginning the grant writing process, postdocs should consult with the relevant departmental/program administrator to determine if their current funding source enables effort to be expended on writing and preparing grant applications. Postdocs funded 100% on a federal research grant cannot devote effort to grant writing and should work with their faculty mentor to determine if alternative funds are available during the proposal preparation period to support a percentage of their effort.

Please submit the Fellowship/Grant Submission Form before the application is submitted to the funding agency.

In preparing your grant application please note:

  • A postdoc may serve as the principal investigator (PI) of a grant, upon written approval of the faculty mentor and the department chair (VUMC) or the relevant dean (VU). There should be clear evidence that the postdoc has the experience and expertise to function as PI and manage the responsibilities to direct the proposed research program, direct the budgeted personnel, manage the budget, and ensure that the research is carried in compliance with all applicable University rules and regulations as well as those of the sponsoring agency.
  • A postdoc may serve as a co-PI without prior approval, as long as another Vanderbilt faculty member (typically their mentor) is the PI.  Should a postdoc leave the University, any awarded grant funds would remain at Vanderbilt unless otherwise negotiated between the PI, co-PI and funding agency.
  • If an externally funded program requires that a postdoc be listed as a principal investigator (PI) or co-PI, no specific approval is required. SPA or OSP notification of the submission is required.

For NRSA Individual Fellowships, childcare supplements may be requested. Visit NIH Notice NOT-OD-21-074 for more information. 

External Training Opportunities

  • Skills for Health & Research Professionals (SHARP) Program Announcement | Summer 2026 Offerings

    Registration is now open for 31 hands-on summer boot camps designed for health and research professionals from any organization and all career stages! Learn immediate take-away skills directly from the experts over one to four days. We have several exciting updates to share:

     

    • There are three new training topics for Summer 2026: archival methods for public health research, metallomics and computational toxicology.
    • Scholarships are available for most trainings with additional awards depending on training capacity, and we’ve expanded eligibility criteria for Summer 2026. Check our website for more details and apply before March 20!
    • Two of our SHARP Trainings have merged into one comprehensive workshop led by the same experts. The former Data, Designed and Powerful Presentations trainings will now be the Data Visualization and Presentations Essentials Workshop!
    • Trainings will be offered in-person, livestream virtual, or hybrid (in-person and livestream virtual). The format of each training is different, but all are live courses (not self-paced, pre-recorded). You can find our summer lineup, dates and formats below.

     

    Scholarships || SHARP Training website  || Flyer

      
    All SHARP Trainings are open to individuals from any organization and have limited capacities. Please share this information with anyone who might be interested and encourage them to subscribe for updates. We send out minimal emails on new topics and core deadlines.

     

    Find Your SHARP Training

     

    Archival Methods for Public Health Research Training

    Interested in archival methods for public health research? Get introduced to the basics of historical analysis. (In-person; August 17-18, 2026)

    Bayesian Modeling for Environmental Health Workshop

    Want to use Bayesian modeling with environmental health data? Learn spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal methods. (In-person: August 5-7, 2026)

    Causal Mediation Analysis Training

    Studying mediating mechanisms? Rigorous intro to causal mediation concepts, techniques, and data analysis methods. (Virtual: May 27-29, 2026)

    Climate Change and Health Boot Camp

    Want to effectively engage with climate change issues? Learn methods to improve and integrate into your health professional work. (Virtual: June 10-12, 2026)

    Code Rigor and Reproducibility with R Boot Camp

    Interested in making R code more efficient and reproducible? Learn methods to create bug-free, ready-to-share research code. (In-person: August 10-11, 2026)

    Community-Engaged Environmental Data Science Training (formerly titled Community Exposures and Health)

    Interested in community-engaged environmental data science? Learn concepts and methods for conducting effective and solution-driven research. (Hybrid at University of Washington, Seattle: July 9-10, 2026)

    Computational Toxicology Workshop

    Interested in Computational Toxicology? Get introduced to computational methods and approaches to assess health risks from toxic chemical exposures. (Hybrid: August 20-21, 2026)

    Creating Compelling Research Narrative Workshop

    Want to write more effective grant proposals and manuscripts? Learn concepts to craft a compelling research story. (Virtual: June 25, 2026)

    Data Visualization and Presentations Essentials Workshop

    Want to create more effective data visualizations and presentations? Learn to conceptualize, plan and develop data visualization products. (Hybrid: July 6-8, 2026)

    Environmental Mixtures Workshop

    Researching multiple pollutants? Learn concepts and data analysis methods used for mixtures in environmental epi studies. (In-person: July 23-24, 2026)

    Epigenetics Boot Camp

    Interested in epigenetics? Learn DNA methylation principles and data analysis methods used in human epigenetics studies. (Hybrid: July 16-17, 2026)

    The Exposome Boot Camp

    Exploring exposures on an omics scale? Rigorous intro to concepts and data analysis methods used in untargeted exposomics studies. (In-person: July 30-31, 2026)

    GIS Workshop

    Mapping health outcomes? Learn how open-source GIS platforms can visualize your research and understand health data. (Virtual: July 27-29, 2026)

    Google Earth Engine Boot Camp

    Want to use geospatial data to measure environmental exposures? Learn Google Earth Engine methods for your research. (Virtual: May 18-19, 2026)

    K Awards Training

    Want to improve your K application? Learn to position your research to engage reviewers for funding success. (Virtual: September 10, 2026)

    Life Cycle Assessment Boot Camp

    Interested in more sustainable healthcare systems? Learn Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) concepts and methods. (Virtual: August 13-14 & October 1-2, 2026)

    Machine Learning Boot Camp

    Interested in Machine Learning? Learn concepts and data analysis methods with applications in biomedical research. (Hybrid: June 1-2, 2026)

    Metallomics Training

    Interested in studying metals in human health? Get introduced to metallomics, learn to measure metals, analyze complex metal data, and communicate findings. (Hybrid: July 20-21, 2026)

    Mendelian Randomization Boot Camp

    Starting Mendelian Randomization? Learn about MR concepts, packages, data sources, and data analysis methods. (Virtual: August 20-21, 2026)

    Microbiome Data Analytics Boot Camp

    Interested in the microbiome? Rigorous intro to planning, generating, and analyzing 16S rRNA gene sequencing surveys. (Virtual: September 2-3, 2026)

    Multi-omics Boot Camp

    Analyzing multiple omic data? Learn concepts and methods used to analyze omics data in observational studies. (Virtual: July 13-15, 2026)

    NIH Grant Writing Boot Camp

    Want to demystify the grant process? Learn how to turn reviewers into advocates and position your grant for success. (Virtual: June 15-16, 2026)

    PI Crash Course

    Postdoc or New PI starting a lab? Condensed, intensive leadership training needed for success in your new lab. (Hybrid: June 8-9, 2026)

    PI’s Business of Research Boot Camp

    Want to build and lead an effective research team? Learn personnel, project, time, and budget strategies to advance your career. (Virtual: June 22-23, 2026)

    Python Data Analysis Boot Camp

    Want to analyze your data with Python? Learn methods to data wrangle, clean, manipulate, and analyze biomedical data. (In-person: June 15-16, 2026)

    Quantitative Genomics Training

    Interested in whole-genome analysis? Learn concepts and tools for whole-genome & transcriptome analyses in health studies. (Virtual: June 1-2, 2026)

    Radiation Safety Officer Training

    Want to be a RSO Officer? Meet the 40hr coursework training requirement for a NRC type C license. (Hybrid: July 17-19; 24-26, 2026)

    The Scientist and the Storyteller Workshop

    Want to effectively communicate science to the public? Learn to turn science into a compelling story that drives results. (In-person: August 13-14 2026)

    Single Cell Analysis Boot Camp

    Conducting Single Cell RNA Seq? Learn Spatial Transcriptomics, scRNASeq concepts, techniques, and data analysis methods used in health studies. (Virtual: May 18-20, 2026)

    SQL Boot Camp

    Storing and querying data? Learn relational database design and how to write queries using the SQL programming language. (Hybrid: June 10-12, 2026)

    Statistical Analysis with Missing Data Workshop

    Is missing data a challenge in your health study? Learn methods to handle missing data and achieve valid statistical inference. (In-person: June 22-23, 2026)

Job Opportunities

A full listing of Vanderbilt career resources can be found on the OPA Resources website.

Visit the National Postdoc Association (NPA) Career Center for up-to-date listings of job opportunities and the career portal, a one-stop career resource center to prepare you for your next opportunity. 

Additionally, please check out the Postdoc Portal for information on open positions, connecting with faculty, and more.

 

Check back soon for open job opportunities!

Open Job Positions

  • Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Biochemistry) at Southwestern University | Open Until Filled

    Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Biochemistry)

    Southwestern University: The Jack and Camille Garey School Of Natural Sciences: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

    Location

    Georgetown, Texas

    Open Date

    Sep 12, 2025

    Description

    The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Southwestern University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor with expertise in biochemistry to begin in Fall 2026. Southwestern University is a selective undergraduate liberal arts institution with an innovative American Chemical Society (ACS) certified program and new state-of-the-art facilities for scientific teaching and research. We seek a teacher-scholar with a demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate education and research.

    Excellence in teaching is the central criterion for faculty evaluation at Southwestern, and the typical teaching load is 3-2, totaling five courses per academic year. Primary teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses in biochemistry, introductory chemistry courses, and specialty courses in their area of expertise. The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to the university’s developing neuroscience curriculum and to the general education program. We are especially interested in candidates who can create inclusive learning environments and are enthusiastic about mentoring undergraduates in both classroom and research settings.

    Faculty are expected to maintain a research program that results in peer-reviewed publications and significantly incorporates undergraduate students. All areas of chemistry and biochemistry research will be considered for this position. The successful candidate will also be expected to actively contribute to university and departmental service and to participate in academic advising and retention initiatives, including high-impact experiences.

    We value innovative, engaged, and student-centered teaching, and we encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our community. As an institution with a Hispanic-Serving Institution designation, Southwestern University is especially committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment.

    Qualifications

     A Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Biology or a closely related field within chemistry is required by August 2026. While postdoctoral and/or prior teaching experience is desirable for this position, it is not a requirement. Additional qualifications include:

    • Strong commitment to teaching at a liberal arts institution

    • Ability to involve undergraduates in a sustained research program

    • Interest in interdisciplinary teaching and research collaboration, particularly in the field of neuroscience

    Application Instructions

    Applicants should submit the following materials through Interfolio https://apply.interfolio.com/173821:

    • A cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position

    • Curriculum vitae

    • A teaching statement outlining your teaching philosophy with particular attention to how you plan to incorporate evidence-based and inclusive teaching practices. Please also describe your approach to engaging a diverse student population and any relevant teaching experience (no more than 2 pages)

    • Statement of research plans, including how you will involve undergraduate students in your research (no more than 3 pages)

    • Statement of Inclusive Excellence. As a student-centered liberal arts institution, Southwestern values teaching and scholarship that support student success and belonging. Please describe how your teaching, research, and/or service abilities have contributed, or will contribute, to developing an environment where students from a variety of backgrounds can engage and succeed. 

    • Names and contact information for three references. Finalists will be asked to have letters of recommendation submitted promptly, so please ensure your references are prepared to provide letters on short notice

    • Review of applications will begin October 6, 2025, and continue until the position is filled.

    Materials will not be accepted in hard copy or via email.

    For more information, please visit: https://www.southwestern.edu/chemistry-and-biochemistry/.

    Starting annual salary for 9-month position: $65,000. The final offer for the successful candidate will be commensurate with experience and may exceed this figure. Teaching in Southwestern University summer school provides faculty with an opportunity to supplement their income during the summer months.

    Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas) is a selective undergraduate residential liberal arts institution in the greater Austin area. Established in 1840, Southwestern enrolls approximately 1,500 students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. The university provides a highly interdisciplinary, integrated, and holistic education that values high-impact learning experiences, including study abroad, internships, faculty-student research, and community-engaged learning. Additional information about the university can be found at our website: www.southwestern.edu.

    At Southwestern University we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels respected, valued, and empowered. We believe that a thriving community is built on the strength of varying perspectives and experiences, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. Our actions are guided by a commitment to fairness, openness, and the belief that our differences are what make us stronger as a whole.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

    Southwestern University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all persons without regard to sex, race, religion, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status or any other impermissible factor.  Southwestern University is also committed to compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities, including sexual misconduct.  The Southwestern University's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at titleixcoordinator@southwestern.edu.