Postdoctoral Fellows

Our Postdoctoral Fellows work with leaders in their field to contribute to a body of knowledge that impacts our region, our country, and the international community.

What is a Postdoctoral Fellow?

Postdoctoral Fellows are individuals who have completed a doctoral degree and who are seeking further training in a particular area of research. As valued members of the UBC Okanagan community, Postdoctoral Fellows make an indispensable contribution to the research environment of the University and to their chosen field. In doing so, they raise the profile of themselves and UBC. They work under the general supervision of a faculty member and may assist with the supervision of graduate students.

Postdoctoral fellows at UBC can be either employees or trainees (award recipients), depending on the job description, level of direction and nature of the research grant.

BECOMING A POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW AT UBC OKANAGAN

Postdoctoral appointments at UBC are managed through individual faculties and departments. The College of Graduate Studies does not accept applications nor are we involved in the hiring process.

Eligibility

Postdoctoral research fellowship eligibility can be found in UBC Policy AP10, Postdoctoral Fellows. In order to be eligible for a postdoctoral fellowship, a postdoctoral fellow generally must be within 5 years of being awarded a PhD or within 10 years of being awarded a M.D. or D.D.S. degree.

First Steps

The first step in finding a PDF position at UBC is to search the research interests of individual faculty members to locate a potential supervisor. Faculty members can be contacted directly to discuss potential PDF appointment opportunities, and applications can be made directly to faculty members.

UBC announces  investment to increase financial support for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars

The University of British Columbia is launching a multi-million-dollar initiative to significantly strengthen funding support for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars.  

Alongside concurrent increases in funding investments for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars across the broader research ecosystem (e.g., Canada Graduate Research Scholarships; Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards; BC Graduate Scholarships), this initiative represents a substantial expansion of funding resources. It forms one component of an ongoing, system-wide review of graduate and postdoctoral funding at UBC. 

Postdoctoral Scholars 

This investment will support the establishment of a minimum annual stipend of $55,000 per year for postdoctoral scholars holding either employee or award-recipient appointments, effective Fall 2026. Faculties and supervisors may, and often already do, provide stipends above this level in accordance with disciplinary norms and other considerations.  

One-time incremental (top-up) funds will be available to support postdoctoral scholars whose current supports fall below the minimum after the implementation date through a review process, with more details to follow.  

This initiative reflects UBC’s commitment to excellence across our scholarly communities and to supporting the academic pursuits and wellbeing of PhD students and postdoctoral scholars.  

More information will be shared as implementation progresses. 

Read the full announcement

Dedicated Research Facilities

In addition to dozens of active research labs, Postdoctoral Fellows can collaborate with researchers at one of the many institutes and centres housed on UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Accomplished Faculty Members

If you are interested in applying for a Postdoctoral Fellowship, you will have access to renowned and award-winning faculty members, who are recognized leaders in their field.

UBC Okanagan Postdoctoral Association

The Postdoctoral Association focuses on enhancing postdoctoral fellows’ experiences by generating support and resources, organizing events and workshops, and building a community for postdoctoral fellows at UBC Okanagan.