Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program​ (PPFP)

Fellowship program provides funding to Graduate Faculties to increase opportunities for hiring postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented groups, specifically Indigenous and Black researchers only . These fellowships will enable postdoctoral researchers to grow their scholarly profiles, undertake academic work at the University of Toronto, and strengthen the research environment at the University with diverse perspectives. This funding is designed to help the University compete with peer institutions for top-tier candidates, and to support the University in meeting its institutional goal of fostering increased diversity and representation at all levels of teaching, learning and research. Nominees must be nominated by their prospective Faculties/divisions following the timeline and processes outlined below. While the nomination/application process will normally begin with faculty advisors/mentors, funding for the successful nominees will be provided to their respective Faculty Research Office for administration. Read about the recipients of the Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellows on the PPFP webpage . Value & Duration The Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is available to engage eight Indigenous and/or Black postdoctoral researchers annually. Each award will provide $80,000 per year to the Faculty to support up to two years of a postdoctoral fellowship salary and employer costs. This level of funding exceeds the median postdoctoral salary at the University of Toronto and is in keeping with Canada’s most prestigious postdoctoral awards. Effective 2026-2027 the Fellowship may be used to fund: The gross salary only: the salary is provided at the rate of $80,000 /year** (or higher), in which case, the Faculty/Unit/Supervisor would be responsible for covering the additional employer costs* above the annual $80,000 PPFP envelope**; or Both the gross salary and employer costs:* the salary is provided at a minimum rate of $70,000 /year**, with the remaining $10,000 contributing towards the employer costs* payable by the Faculty/Unit/Supervisor. *Employer costs in 2026-2027 include the Standard Benefit Rate (SBR) payable at a rate of 10.50% and the PDF Levy, payable at a rate of 7.75% ** Additionally, successful postdoctoral fellows will also receive a start-up stipend fund of $5,000 per year (as taxable income), funded through the Faculty Research Office or faculty advisor. Units/departments may augment the salary, cover the start-up stipend and employer cost from a variety of sources, including operating budget, faculty advisor funds such as research grants, other awards, etc. Employment as a Provost Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE Unit 5 Collective Agreement . Eligibility The award is open to Indigenous and/or Black researchers, both domestic and international candidates. Nominees must: Demonstrate academic excellence and high potential for success in their chosen fields; Identify as Indigenous to Turtle Island and/or Black – the terms and conditions for award holders will align with any University processes and policies around Indigenous identity substantiation; Have obtained a doctoral degree, at the time the fellowship commences and normally within the last five years from the start of the fellowship; and Not have held a Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship previously. Recipients must: Begin the fellowship by January 2027, following the competition; Be engaged as a postdoctoral employee of the University of Toronto; Be hired by a UofT supervisor appointed to a graduate unit; Register and remain registered with the Postdoctoral Office at SGS; Not hold concurrently another major fellowship; Not hold a faculty position or be on leave from such a position; Establish an IDP (Independent Development Plan) and submit to SGS within the first three months of the fellowship. The IDP should be reviewed annually and the revised copy sent to the Postdoctoral Office at SGS; and Submit proof of…