The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network (CZ Biohub Network) and the Stellar Science Foundation (SS-F) have jointly launched the Global Science Scholars program, an international postdoctoral fellowship designed to advance excellence in bioengineering and biomedical research. This initiative aims to support early-career researchers by providing them with opportunities to conduct groundbreaking research in top-tier laboratories across the United States and Japan.
Virtual Symposium and Q&A Session
To introduce the program, the Stellar Science Foundation and members of the CZI Science team will host a free virtual symposium on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ET). The event will highlight the importance of international scientific collaboration and will feature a Q&A session with key leaders, including:
- Amy Herr – Vice President, CZ Biohub Network
- Steve Quake – Head of Science, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
- Takanori Takebe – Director, Stellar Science Foundation
A recording of the symposium will be made available for those unable to attend.
Fellowship Overview
The Global Science Scholars program is a prestigious two-year postdoctoral fellowship aimed at fostering innovative research and strengthening cross-border scientific collaboration. The program supports researchers committed to advancing bioengineering and biomedical sciences by enabling them to work in a research institution outside their degree-granting country.
Candidates must have received their doctoral degree on or after July 1, 2021, and should align their research aspirations with available positions within the CZ Biohub Network and SS-F research ecosystems. The program offers two distinct fellowships:
1. Global Science Scholars in Residence in Japan
- Open to early-career researchers with a doctoral degree from a U.S. institution.
- Research placement at a leading Japanese research institution.
- Stipend: 9,600,000 JPY per year, plus up to 749,000 JPY annually for reimbursable relocation expenses.
- Fellowship funding available until March 2027.
2. Global Science Scholars in Residence in the U.S.
- Open to early-career researchers with a doctoral degree from a Japanese institution.
- Research placement at a CZ Biohub Network partner university (San Francisco, Chicago, or New York).
- Stipend: $75,000 USD per year, plus up to $5,000 USD annually for reimbursable relocation expenses.
- Fellowship duration: Two years.
Both fellowships include additional travel funds for participation in a required annual scientific convening.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree conferred by July 1, 2025.
- Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English and be eligible to obtain a visa for the respective host country.
- Applications are welcome from researchers with interdisciplinary interests at the intersection of biology and technology.
Application Process and Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from December 17, 2024, to May 27, 2025. Submissions will be reviewed monthly, with awards allocated as funding permits. The application portal may close before the final deadline if all fellowships are filled.
Key Deadlines:
- December 17, 2024 – Application portal opens.
- January 28, February 25, March 25, April 29, May 27, 2025 – Rolling application review dates.
- May 27, 2025 – Final application deadline (subject to early closure).
Applicants must complete their submissions via the online grants portal at https://apply.chanzuckerberg.com. Required materials include applicant details, lab/project selection, a research summary, a full CV, and letters of recommendation.
Commitment to Open Science and Collaboration
The CZ Biohub Network and SS-F are dedicated to fostering an open, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment. Scholars are expected to contribute to the broader scientific community by sharing their findings and engaging in scientific exchange.
This program provides a unique opportunity for talented postdoctoral researchers to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries while gaining invaluable international research experience. Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of securing a fellowship spot.
Website: https://www.czbiohub.org/program-ssfcz-global-science-scholars/
