The Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows Program (REPFP) is a centrally supported, cost-shared initiative funding 100 two-year postdoctoral appointments across two cohorts. The program strengthens the University’s research capacity and supports early-career scholars in developing independent research. Designed to attract outstanding domestic and international talent, it seeks emerging scholars of exceptional promise and impact. UTM has been allocated six fellowships, with three awarded in the program’s first year and up to three to be awarded in the program’s second year, in line with the university-wide model.
The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual and gender minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. UTM views these Fellowships as an important tool to ensure diverse groups have access to research support at this important early career stage.
Award Overview
- Award Category: Postdoctoral Awards, International Awards
- Applications open: September 9, 2026 (Cohort Two)
- UTM Department due date to OVPAD: November 9, 2026 (Cohort Two)
- Candidate due date to UTM Department: set by each unit – applicants are encouraged to confirm this due date with their unit, as may be much earlier than November 9
- Value & duration: $80,000 per year for up to two years of postdoctoral research, with an additional $10,000 in annual independent research funding; up to 3 recipients per cohort
- Required legal status: Domestic / International
- Results: February 2027
- Funding Source: 40% UTM's Office of the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, 60% Provost
Value and Duration
The REPFP is designed to engage 100 exceptional postdoctoral fellows across all three University of Toronto campuses over two years. Six postdoctoral fellows will be recruited at the University of Toronto Mississauga, including three in the 2025 cohort one and up to three in the 2026 cohort two. Commencing 2025-2026, each award will provide the full cost of a two-year postdoctoral salary and associated employer costs, and an additional $10,000 in annual independent research funding for use by the postdoctoral fellow.
The structure of the award is as follows:
- Full cost of a two-year postdoctoral salary ($80,000 per year) and associated employer costs are covered by the program; e.g. in 2026 this includes an annual salary increase payable at a rate of 1.8%, the Standard Benefit Rate (SBR) at 10.5% and the PDF Levy, payable at a rate of 6.00%
- An additional $10,000 in funding is provided annually for independent research
- Top up funds may be contributed by supervisors
Purpose
The REPFP at the University of Toronto is a prestigious opportunity for early-career scholars to develop and expand their research expertise at one of the world’s most distinguished public research universities. The program will empower postdoctoral scholars with the autonomy to pursue an ambitious research program, while benefiting from close collaboration with leading faculty and access to tailored professional and career development supports. The program is designed for exceptional postdoctoral scholars eager to contribute to an innovative, vibrant and inclusive academic community. This program specifically seeks to bridge the critical gap between doctoral training and independent academic careers by providing postdoctoral fellows with the resources, autonomy, and mentorship necessary to establish themselves as independent researchers. Recipients are expected to develop and lead their own research agenda, distinct from, but complimentary to, their postdoctoral supervisor’s work, positioning them for future faculty appointments or leadership roles in research intensive environments.
Eligibility
In addition to the eligibility requirements outlined in the Fall 2026 UTM Postdoctoral Fellowship Competitions Intake, the following additional eligibility requirements apply:
Candidates must:
- Not have applied to the REPFP at more than one division.
Award Recipients must:
- Establish an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and submit it to the Postdoctoral Office at SGS within the first three months of the fellowship. The IDP should be reviewed annually and the revised copy sent to SGS.
Results
Past competition results are available here.