2026 Michigan Pioneer Fellows

Description

The University of Michigan invites applications for a postdoctoral research program, the Michigan Pioneer Fellows program — a unique, multidisciplinary community of scholars that provides mentorship focused on creating the next generation of leaders in the life and biomedical sciences. The University of Michigan’s Medical School, Life Sciences Institute, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, College of Pharmacy, and School of Dentistry are participating units for the 2026 Cohort. 

Eligibility

• We are seeking early-career researchers of exceptional promise in the life and biomedical sciences.
• Applicants must be less than one-year post-degree (Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., or Pharm.D./Ph.D.) at the time of application, or enrolled as students in the final year of their doctoral degree program. Degree confirmation must be provided prior to the start of the fellowship.
• For applicants who have entered clinical training programs (including those with M.D., D.O., and Pharm.D. degrees), they must be less than one-year past their postgraduate clinical training end date at the time of application.
• Applicants currently in their first year of postdoctoral research in a U-M laboratory are eligible. However, individuals who seek to continue training in the laboratory environment in which they have conducted doctoral thesis research are not eligible.
• Applications from international students are welcomed. Recent international graduates are encouraged to utilize their F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) period or STEM extension, if applicable. For those not eligible for F-1 OPT, we will provide assistance in securing the appropriate visa.
• Applicants must be available to work onsite for the duration of the fellowship, as this is not a virtual program.

For more information regarding the program and eligibility, visit pioneerfellows.umich.edu

Application Instructions

Application Requirements:

• All documents should be formatted in Arial font, 11-point size, with 0.5-inch margins.
• A cover letter from the applicant (up to 1 page).
• A document describing the applicant's previous accomplishments (up to 1 page).
• A document describing future professional objectives and proposed research direction (up to 2 pages, not counting references).
• A letter of support is required from the proposed primary mentor (in the case of multiple mentors, this should be a combined letter as only one letter can be uploaded). This is not a reference letter but should outline the applicant’s qualifications, the significance of the research project, and a detailed mentorship plan. Mentors must also confirm their commitment to providing funding, resources, and active participation in the Pioneer Program (see “Expectations” on the website in About the Program for Mentors section) (up to 2 pages). The mentor identified to provide a letter of support will receive an email with a link where they can upload the letter directly to Interfolio.
• In addition, three letters of recommendation are required from faculty mentors. These may be past or present faculty, and they do not need to be from the University of Michigan. These individuals cannot be postdoc mentors (see letter of support above). The individuals identified to provide a letter of recommendation will receive an email with a link where they can upload their letter directly to Interfolio.
• Applicant's curriculum vitae (CV).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.