Updated 10:06 a.m. November 22, 2025

Overview 

As part of the University’s commitment to advancing excellence and innovation in teaching, research and service, the Office of the Provost is launching a Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellows Program in Spring 2026. This University-wide initiative is designed to recruit outstanding early career postdoctoral scholars whose research advances the university’s mission as a land-grant institution and advances our strategic imperative to engage in research that is innovative, makes a community impact and shapes the future. Research for the fellowship must aligns with the University of Arizona’s strategic research priorities of National Security in Space, Promise of Fusion Energy, AI-Driven Health Care Innovation, Future of Sustainable Mining and Critical Minerals, and Environmental Systems, Arid Lands Agriculture and Water.

Program Goals

The program is designed to:
•    Attract and support highly motivated researchers committed to advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary inquiry.
•    Foster pathways to faculty careers for outstanding scholars whose work enhances the university’s mission and strategic research priorities.
•    Strengthen the university’s research enterprise by integrating postdoctoral talent into academic and research communities across colleges.

SUBMIT APPLICATION

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold or receive a Ph.D. or terminal degree (JD, MD, MFA, DVM, EdD, etc.) from an accredited university before the fellowship start date.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Have research that aligns with the University’s strategic research priorities: AI-Driven Health Care Innovation, Promise of Fusion Energy, Future of Sustainable Mining and Critical Minerals, and Space and National Security.

Restrictions

Individuals currently serving as postdoctoral scholars, residents, or fellows at the University of Arizona are not eligible to apply. In addition, those holding faculty appointments at any institution of higher education and international applicants are not eligible for consideration.

Structure and Support

• The pilot program funds up to 3 postdoctoral appointments annually.
• Duration: Two years (24 months), with renewal at 12 months based on satisfactory progress.
• Appointment Level: Fellows are appointed at the college level, supported institutionally, and partnered with a faculty research mentor.
• The Office of the Provost will provide funding for the first two years of the fellowship, after which the sponsoring department or college will assume financial responsibility if there is a desire to continue the position beyond two years.

Compensation and Benefits

• Please note that the current stipend rate corresponds to an annual salary range of $62,000 to $65,000. Additionally, the fellow will receive annual allowances for research and travel-related expenses of $5,000.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability coverage, and paid leave. 

Applications Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive overview of academic and professional history.
• Research statement: A document detailing previous research accomplishments and proposed research for the fellowship that aligns with the University of Arizona’s strategic research priorities of National Security in Space, Promise of Fusion Energy, AI-Driven Health Care Innovation, Future of Sustainable Mining and Critical Minerals, and Environmental Systems, Arid Lands Agriculture and Water.
• Letters of recommendation: At least three letters from individuals who can speak to candidate research and academic potential.
• Mentorship preference: Indicate potential faculty mentors and explain why their expertise would be beneficial.
• Department’s recommendation to the Dean, accompanied by a letter of support. The letter should describe:
  • The department’s capacity to provide the fellow with necessary resources
  • The quality of the mentor–mentee match
  • The potential for the fellow to be considered for a future tenure-track position
• Dean’s letter of support. This letter should articulate the college’s commitment to the fellow’s success, describe how the proposed research aligns with the University’s mission, and confirm the college’s support for the fellowship appointment.

Selection Process

Recruitment and Selection:

• Fellows are recruited and selected by each department and college through a competitive process that emphasizes scholarly excellence, innovation, and contributions to the University’s strategic imperatives and research priorities.

Recruitment Protocols:

• All recruitment efforts must follow established University policies and procedures for postdoctoral hiring, ensuring consistency, transparency, and compliance with institutional standards.

Departmental Review and Recommendation:

• In accordance with university hiring protocols, the departmental search committee recommends candidate(s) to the department head. The department head identifies qualified external candidates and submits the department’s recommendation to the Dean, accompanied by a letter of support. The letter should describe:
  • The department’s capacity to provide the fellow with necessary resources
  • The quality of the mentor–mentee match
  • The potential for the fellow to be considered for a future tenure-track position

College Review and Submission:

• The Dean reviews departmental recommendations and forwards the complete packet to the Office of the Provost through Arizona Cultivate, including a college-level letter of support. This letter should articulate the college’s commitment to the fellow’s success, describe how the proposed research aligns with the University’s mission, and confirm the college’s support for the fellowship appointment.

Mentorship and Professional Development

Each Fellow works closely with a faculty mentor within their academic unit. In collaboration with the Graduate College, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and Faculty Affairs, Fellows benefit from:

• Structured mentoring and research support
• Professional and leadership development programming
• Cohort-building activities across colleges and disciplines
• Opportunities to participate in teaching and academic service, typically teaching one course per year (with flexibility per departmental norms)

Individuals currently serving as postdoctoral scholars, residents, or fellows at the University of Arizona are not eligible to apply. In addition, those holding faculty appointments at any institution of higher education and international applicants are not eligible for consideration.

Responsibilities of the Department

• Manage the fellow’s research and professional travel funds.
• Create a supportive training and mentoring environment.
• Coordinate with the mentor and fellow to assign teaching and research duties, if applicable.
• Provide details on stipends, benefits, and ensure annual stipend updates.
• Provide appropriate workspace and necessary office resources.
• Oversee onboarding, including ID card, email setup, and related administrative access.
• Welcome the fellow and share information about departmental meetings, events, and resources including those provided by the office of postdoctoral affairs.
• Add the fellow to department, center, and college websites and listservs.
• Share contact information for administrative staff and outline departmental procedures.