Deadline: 22-Oct-2025
The Parkinson’s Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships are two-year fellowships for scientists fresh from their PhD training or neurology residence.
The Parkinson’s Foundation seeks research proposals from promising early career scientists that will directly impact the understanding of Parkinson’s disease or its treatment.
The fellowships support training at major research institutions to help young scientists become independent Parkinson’s disease researchers. Applicants must name an individual who will serve as their research mentor and supervisor, with a clear indication of mentor involvement in the proposed project. The program offers two levels of support: $140,000 over two years for Basic Scientists, which includes $65,000 for the postdoctoral fellowship salary stipend and an annual $5,000 research allowance, and $160,000 over two years for Clinical Neurologists, which includes $75,000 in annual salary support and a $5,000 annual research allowance. Salary stipends may be supplemented by mentors to match institutional or NIH NRSA levels but cannot be decreased. The research allowance may be used for books, training courses, travel, or a computer, with mentor approval. Fellows may also allocate up to $2,500 annually from their research allowance to offset out-of-pocket health insurance premiums if requested before the start of the award.
Eligibility is restricted to Basic Scientists within five years of receiving their Ph.D. by the award start date and Clinical Neurologists within three years of completing neurology residency by the award start date. Formal leave periods such as maternity, paternity, family care, military, or extended sick leave may extend eligibility by up to two years. Both national and international applicants are eligible. Fellows must commit 80% of their effort to the funded project and may not hold overlapping awards. Only one fellowship per lab and one per institution may be awarded per year.
Applications from groups historically underrepresented or excluded in the scientific workforce, including racial and ethnic groups, sexual orientation and gender identities, individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, are especially encouraged. Proposals are welcome from all areas of Parkinson’s disease research. The application process follows two steps: A Letter of Intent, which undergoes internal and external peer review, followed by an invitation for a full proposal if selected. Applications are highly competitive, and final funding decisions are made based on impact, scientific merit, applicant qualifications, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission. Funding typically begins on August 1 and ends on July 31 of the following year, with decisions announced in June. The deadline for application is 22 October 2025.
For more information, visit Parkinson’s Foundation.