The eFellows Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and administered by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), stands as a prestigious opportunity for early-career engineers aiming to advance their research careers. Established to address critical global challenges, the program offers participants the chance to collaborate with esteemed faculty, gain substantial financial support, and engage in cutting-edge research. Whether you’re a recent Ph.D. graduate or an early-career professional, the eFellows program provides a platform to foster leadership, innovation, and global networking in the engineering domain.
About the Fellowship Program
The eFellows Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is designed to place early-career Ph.D. holders in engineering fields into university research postdoctoral positions. Beyond hands-on academic research with a faculty advisor, fellows participate in professional development and mentoring activities aimed at preparing them for future research careers.
Program Name: eFellows Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Current Status: Active and accepting applications
Scope & Objectives: The program aims to equip recent Ph.D. graduates in engineering with essential skills and knowledge to address global engineering challenges. By promoting interdisciplinary research and fostering diversity in STEM fields, it prepares individuals for impactful careers in academia, industry, and beyond.
Program Duration: Two years
Study Mode: Full-time research collaboration with host institutions
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the eFellows Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Requirements: Ph.D. in an engineering field completed between January 1, 2019, and August 31, 2022.
- Work Experience: Open to individuals pursuing their first or second postdoctoral position.
- Nationality: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.1
- Additional Requirements: Applicants must coordinate with a faculty postdoc advisor to apply as a pair, developing the application collaboratively. The faculty advisor must be a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at a U.S. academic institution and cannot be the applicant’s Ph.D. advisor or current/most recent postdoc advisor. 2
Application Process
Applying for the eFellows Fellowship involves the following steps:
- Identify a Faculty Advisor: Secure a tenured or tenure-track faculty member at a U.S. academic institution who agrees to serve as your postdoctoral advisor.
- Develop a Research Proposal: Collaborate with your chosen advisor to craft a detailed research proposal aligning with the program’s focus areas.
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather all required documents, including your CV, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit your application through the official eFellows application portal by the specified deadline.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive overview of your academic and professional background.
- Research Proposal: A detailed plan outlining your proposed research, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically, two to three letters from individuals familiar with your academic and research capabilities.
- Proof of Citizenship or Residency: Documentation verifying U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status.
Focus Areas / Fields of Study
The eFellows Fellowship supports research in various engineering disciplines, with emphasis on:
These areas are pivotal in addressing pressing global challenges and advancing engineering knowledge.
Financial Benefits
Fellows receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Annual Salary: $75,000 per year for two years.
- Travel Allowance: Up to $3,000 to cover travel expenses related to research activities.
- Benefits: Host institutions receive subawards to cover salary, benefits, and travel expenses.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Application Review: A panel evaluates submitted applications based on academic achievements, research potential, and alignment with program objectives.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews to discuss their research proposals and career aspirations.
- Final Selection: Successful applicants receive fellowship offers and coordinate with their host institutions to commence the fellowship.
Key Dates
While specific dates may vary annually, applicants should note:
- Application Opening: Typically in June.
- Application Deadline: Late June to early July.
- Award Announcements: August.
- Fellowship Start Date: September.Northeastern Engineering
For the most current dates, refer to the official eFellows website.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
A compelling application is your key to securing the eFellows Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship. Follow these tips to stand out:
- Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Be Specific: Clearly define your research interests and how they align with your host advisor’s expertise.
- Highlight Impact: Emphasize how your research addresses real-world engineering challenges.
- Show Vision: Discuss your long-term career goals and how the fellowship will help achieve them.
- CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Tailor for Research: Include relevant publications, patents, conference presentations, and grants.
- Highlight Collaboration: Showcase experiences working in multidisciplinary teams or with faculty.
- Organize Smartly: Use clear headers and bullet points for easy navigation.
- Letters of Recommendation
- Choose Wisely: Select referees who know your work well and can speak about your research potential.
- Provide Context: Share your research goals and draft SoP with them to help craft a relevant letter.
Contact Information
For questions or program-related assistance, use the official contact details below:
- Program Coordinator: eFellows Administrative Team
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: Not publicly listed; refer to the official website for updates
Conclusion
The eFellows Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship offers unmatched opportunities for early-career researchers to launch impactful careers in engineering. With its strong financial support, access to experienced mentors, and focus on innovation, it stands among the most respected fellowships in the field.
Quick Summary Table
Feature | Details |
Program Name | eFellows Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship |
Host Country / Region | United States |
Funded By | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
Eligibility | U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents with Ph.D. in Engineering (2019–2022) |
Financial Support | $75,000/year for 2 years + $3,000 travel allowance |
Fields of Study | Robotics, Sustainability, Materials, Climate Tech, Advanced Engineering |
Application Deadline | Expected Mid-2025 (check site for updates) |
Official Website |
FAQs
It’s a fully funded NSF-backed postdoc program for U.S.-based Ph.D. holders in engineering fields.
U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a Ph.D. in engineering between 2019 and 2022 can apply.
Fellows receive $75,000 annually for two years, plus up to $3,000 for research travel.
Applications usually close in early July. Always check the official website for updated deadlines.
Yes, but only if this is your first or second postdoctoral position.
Yes. You must apply jointly with a tenured or tenure-track faculty advisor at a U.S. university.
No. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible.
Key fields include sustainability, robotics, climate solutions, advanced materials, and innovation.
The program runs for two years, full-time.
Applications are submitted online at the official ASEE eFellows portal: https://efellows.asee.org
