Apply for Ralph McGinn Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (Canada)

Deadline: 16-Jan-2026

The WorkSafeBC Ralph McGinn Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports recent PhD graduates in conducting research on occupational health, safety, and work disability in Canada. The program provides $50,000 per year for one or two years, focusing on projects aligned with WorkSafeBC priorities, including workplace injury prevention, rehabilitation, disability management, and workers’ compensation. Fellows gain mentorship, conduct impactful research, and contribute to evidence-based improvements in workplace health and safety.

Program Overview

The Ralph McGinn Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to foster the next generation of independent researchers in occupational health and safety (OHS) and work disability research across B.C. and Canada. The program is administered by WorkSafeBC Research Services, which funds projects that provide actionable insights to improve workplace safety, rehabilitation outcomes, and workers’ compensation processes.

Research Focus Areas

Eligible research topics must align with WorkSafeBC priorities and may include:

• Occupational injuries and diseases

• Workplace exposures and hazards

• Prevention strategies for injury or disease

• Treatment and rehabilitation of workplace injuries

• Disability management and vocational rehabilitation

• Return-to-work processes

• Workers’ compensation systems

Research should aim to generate new insights, build upon existing work, and contribute to improving workplace safety and health outcomes.

Fellowship Funding

• Annual Award: $50,000 CAD per year

• Duration: 1–2 years, with possible renewal for an additional year based on progress and new research objectives

• Extensions: May be granted without additional funding under exceptional circumstances

• Top-up Funding: Eligible if holding certain external peer-reviewed awards

• Purpose: Support full-time research, with limited teaching or supervision allowed with approval

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants: Recent PhD graduates in Canada (within the last four years)

• Status: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or valid work permit holders

• Postdoctoral Position: Must hold a position at an eligible Canadian host institution

• Research Relevance: Must align with WorkSafeBC’s mandate, priorities, and worker safety concerns

• Limitations:

  • Cannot have previously held a Ralph McGinn Fellowship or more than one other postdoctoral fellowship

  • Cannot hold an academic position as an independent investigator

  • Cannot hold another major salary award concurrently

• Supervisor: Must be an established researcher with an academic or recognized research appointment in Canada

How the Fellowship Works

1. Application Submission: Applicants propose a research project aligned with WorkSafeBC priorities and secure a qualified supervisor at an eligible Canadian host institution.

2. Eligibility Review: Initial screening for adherence to program requirements.

3. Academic Review: Assessment by WorkSafeBC stakeholders or an academic review committee based on scientific merit, relevance, and research environment.

4. Final Approval: Decision by WorkSafeBC Executive Leadership Team.

5. Award Administration: Funds are disbursed annually to the host institution for management and reporting.

6. Research Conduct: Fellows devote the majority of time to research, with regular guidance from supervisors.

7. Reporting: Progress and final reports, presentations, and outputs are mandatory. Changes to supervisor, project, or institution require prior approval.

Responsibilities of Fellows

• Conduct research in line with approved objectives and timelines

• Maintain ethical and biosafety compliance

• Submit regular progress updates and final report

• Disseminate results through publications and presentations

• Collaborate closely with supervisor and host institution

Common Tips for Applicants

• Ensure the research proposal aligns clearly with WorkSafeBC research priorities

• Identify a supervisor with a strong track record in occupational health and safety research

• Demonstrate how the project addresses real-world workplace challenges

• Prepare a feasible timeline and budget within the fellowship period

• Highlight potential impact and contributions to policy or practice

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for the Ralph McGinn Fellowship?
Recent PhD graduates in Canada (within four years of PhD completion), who are citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid work permit, and have a postdoctoral position at an eligible host institution.

2. What research topics are supported?
Projects must relate to occupational injury/disease, workplace exposures, prevention, rehabilitation, disability management, return-to-work, or workers’ compensation.

3. How much funding is provided?
$50,000 CAD per year for one or two years, with possible renewal for an additional year.

4. Can I hold another major award simultaneously?
No, fellows may not hold another major salary award concurrently.

5. Are there reporting requirements?
Yes, regular progress reports, final reports, and possible presentations are required.

6. Can the fellowship be extended?
Extensions without additional cost may be granted under exceptional circumstances.

7. What are the consequences of non-compliance?
The fellowship may be terminated by any party if conditions are not met, with immediate notification required.

Conclusion

The Ralph McGinn Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a unique opportunity for recent PhD graduates to pursue impactful research in occupational health, safety, and work disability. By funding innovative projects and offering mentorship, the program advances evidence-based solutions, enhances workplace wellbeing, and cultivates the next generation of Canadian researchers in this critical field.

For more information, visit WorkSafeBC.