IRPP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025

The IRPP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025 supports Indigenous, Black, and other racialized scholars interested in advancing public policy in Canada. This prestigious opportunity aims to foster a more inclusive public policy dialogue and support the career advancement of junior researchers.

📜 About the Fellowship

Since 1972, the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) has partnered with researchers to mobilize knowledge and ensure their work reaches decision-makers. This fellowship is part of IRPP's strategic priority to amplify the voices of underrepresented scholars in academia, government, and the think tank world.

Program Details:

• Duration: 24 months (starting in 2025)
• Focus: Canadian public policy within IRPP's ongoing research programs:
  • Empowering Canada's workforce
  • Building new foundations for economic growth
  • Toward a more equitable Canada

💰 Benefits of the Fellowship

• Stipend: $70,000 per year
• Research Allowance: Up to $5,000 per year for travel, equipment, software, and data (subject to IRPP approval)
• Access to:
  • IRPP resources, including mentorship, editorial and communications support
  • An extensive network of experts and government contacts
  • IRPP's office in Montreal and participation in staff and research meetings (virtual or in-person)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Identify as Indigenous, Black, or a member of another racialized group.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• Reside in Canada for the duration of the fellowship.
• Have completed a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, sociology, political science, geography, public policy).
  • PhD candidates expecting to complete their degree by December 31, 2025, are also eligible.
• Apply within five years of completing a PhD.
• Demonstrate a track record of research publications or conference presentations on Canadian public policy.
• Have a career plan aligned with the fellowship’s objectives.
• Not hold a permanent faculty position or one leading to a permanent position.
• Have arrangements for affiliation with a recognized Canadian university and an academic co-supervisor.
  • Exceptional candidates without such an arrangement may still apply, but their appointment will be conditional on IRPP securing a co-hosting university.

📝 Application Process

Required Documents:

1. Research Proposal: A detailed 24-month project proposal aligned with one of IRPP’s research programs, including:
   • Research question and motivation
   • Contribution to the selected research program
   • Methodology
   • Relevance to Canadian public policy
   • Research plan with milestones, timelines, and publication plans
   • Hardware, software, and data requirements
2. Cover Letter: Explaining how the applicant meets the fellowship’s requirements and how the fellowship will contribute to their professional goals.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic and professional qualifications, publications, and research dissemination activities.
4. Identity Declaration: Evidence of eligibility as Indigenous, Black, or a member of another racialized group.
5. Career Plan: A detailed plan with clear linkages to Canadian public policy research.
6. Letter of Support: From a host institution or faculty member willing to co-supervise the applicant.
   • If unavailable, provide a list of potential academic advisers and evidence of attempts to secure support.
7. PhD Certificate and Transcripts:
   • If the PhD is not yet completed, a letter from the academic supervisor confirming the degree will be obtained by December 31, 2025.
8. Recommendation Letters: Three letters to be sent directly by referees to IRPP.

Submission Instructions:

• Combine all documents (except recommendation letters) into a single PDF file named:
  "Postdoctoral Fellowship Application - [Applicant's Full Name]".
• Email the application to postdoc@irpp.org with the subject line:
  "Postdoctoral Fellowship Application - [Applicant's Full Name]".
• Referees must send recommendation letters in PDF format directly to postdoc@irpp.org with the subject line:
  "Postdoctoral Fellowship Letter - [Applicant's Full Name]".

📅 Important Dates

• Application Review Begins: May 15, 2025 (rolling basis)
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
• Ideal Start Date: September 2025

🌐 Contact Information

For inquiries, contact the selection committee at postdoc@irpp.org.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Canadian public policy while advancing your academic and professional career. Don't miss the chance to make a meaningful impact!

• Stipend of $70,000 per year.
• Additional research allowance of up to $5,000 per year for travel expenses and acquisition of equipment, software, and data (each item to be approved by the IRPP).
• Access to IRPP resources, including an IRPP CO-supervisor, advice and mentorship, editorial and communications support, an extensive network of external experts and government contacts, and exposure to a broader audience.
• Access to the IRPP's office in Montreal and an opportunity to attend regular staff and research team meetings (virtually or in person).