The OFI International Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers an opportunity for early career PhDs to conduct innovative, full time, collaborative research that is aligned with OFI's research priorities.

The term of the award is two years. Successful candidates will be based at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with frequent travel to and from one of our partner institutions in Europe or the United States, providing Fellows with exposure to diverse research approaches. These partners are:

• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
• Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (Columbia University)
• GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research
• Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research
• Norwegian Institute of Marine Research
• ISBlue
• Marine Institute of Ireland

• Highly qualified, early career researchers who have completed their PhDs within the past four years
• Candidates who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program may apply; however, they must complete all the requirements of their PhD (including course work, thesis defense, and the final submission of thesis) before beginning the OFI International Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Researchers currently participating in the OFI International Postdoctoral Fellowship, or individuals who have participated in the program within the past two years, are not eligible to re-apply

Duration and stipend

The OFI International Postdoctoral Fellowship is awarded for two years and is non-renewable. The award provides total compensation of $55,000 CAD/year plus benefits (see 'Postdoctoral Fellow Employees'), and $15,000 CAD/year for work-related travel costs which include relocation expenses, travel to partner institutions, conferences, workshops, summer schools, and the non-travel exception for the purchase of a laptop/computer to a maximum amount of $1,500 CAD. Expenses such as long-term accommodation and visa application fees are not eligible expenses.

Terms and conditions

The applicant’s proposed work should complement OFI’s research priorities. OFI will expect successful candidates to participate in research life at their selected institution (for example, participating in at least one presentation of their research in a departmental seminar, undergraduate lecture, or a public lecture during their research stay). Fellows must acknowledge OFI in all publications arising from their participation in the program and must notify OFI of any scholarly articles or books published, as well as media interviews. They must also contribute to OFI’s annual submission to its funding agency.

For logistical purposes, successful applicants must be based and start at Dalhousie University for the two years of the fellowship.

Successful applicants should expect to begin their Fellowship within 1 year of their offer letter being accepted. In this round, the OFI anticipates awarding up to 8 Fellowships.

Step 1: Prepare

• Review OFI’s research priorities and begin to identify a research project to complete during your Fellowship: one that supports OFI's work while also aligning with your expertise, interests, and experience.
• Contact potential OFI research supervisors at Dalhousie University and state your interest in participating in OFI's International Postdoctoral Fellowship (visit OFI research to learn about the projects and the teams who are conducting the work). In addition to OFI researchers, any Dalhousie faculty member can act as a Fellowship supervisor, if their work aligns with OFI’s research priorities.
• Identify and contact a second potential faculty member at one of OFI's eight international partner institutes. This can be done in consultation with a potential Dalhousie supervisor.
• Work together with both potential supervisors to prepare your research proposal and application, following the guidelines below.

Step 2: Develop an application

• Download the 'Research Statement' template

The application must include of a detailed Research Statement. Please follow all guidelines in the template to ensure your application is complete. In addition, please provide the following (as described in the Research Statement template):

• Curriculum vitae, including educational background, work experiences and publication record.
• A copy of university transcripts from your PhD program.
• Letters of support from each of your proposed supervisors detailing their support for your application and your proposed research project. The letters should indicate the collaborative nature of the research project, the planned benefits, and the academic support that will be offered (e.g., technical assistance, office/laboratory space).
• A list of referees of the two people defined above.
• Letters of reference from two people who can assess your research. Referees should use the provided template here and directly submit letters to the OFI at ofi@dal.ca. They should not be shared with the applicant.

Step 3: Submit your application

Submit your completed application to the OFI (currently closed).

The Selection Committee will use the following criteria to assess applications:

Research excellence

Excellence in intellectual contribution of the applicant to their field of research, as assessed by scholarly contributions and/or a demonstrated capacity to shape the direction of research and thought. Excellence of the applicant's proposed research, especially the degree to which it complements OFI research priorities.

Multi-/Interdisciplinary perspective

Demonstrated track record of engagement across multiple disciplines or plans to work across disciplines.

Quality of proposed research and potential for forging strong new linkages

Realizable research objectives and the feasibility of the proposed work to be pursued during the applicant’s assignment. A clear case for how this placement will support OFI’s research priorities must be made. Likelihood of a valuable and enduring relationship through strengthening of academic networks for ongoing research activity and/or enhanced educational programs.

The OFI may interview you during the selection process.

The OFI is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The OFI encourages applications from Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

For further information please contact:

Tracey Woodhouse
Programs Manager
Email: tracey.woodhouse@dal.ca