Postdoctoral research • Stanford, United States
Stanford GLAM Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027–2029
Build a materials research proposal around a clear scientific question and a suitable faculty collaboration. Start the host discussion early.
Award and competition dates
Stanford University’s Geballe Laboratory for Advanced Materials (GLAM) invites early-career researchers to its 2027–2029 fellowship competition.
| Support | Two years |
|---|---|
| Initial annual salary | US$80,000 plus benefits |
| Research or travel funds | US$5,000 per year |
| Application period | 14 September–30 November 2026 |
| Deadline | 30 November 2026, 11:59 pm PST; all letters must arrive by then |
| Review and offers | Review: December 2026–January 2027; offers: early spring 2027 |
The expected start window is June–December 2027.
Research areas and faculty fit
GLAM brings together researchers in Applied Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and Physics. Its research themes cover quantum materials; functional magnetic, optical and electronic materials; energy and sustainability; and soft, adaptable and bio-inspired materials.
Use these themes to locate potential collaborators. Then read their recent work and identify a specific question your proposal could address. A broad topic match is a starting point; the application needs a credible project and host discussion.
Required application materials
- CV with publication list.
- Two-page research statement describing proposed work and possible GLAM collaborations.
- A GLAM faculty host’s nomination letter, following discussion of the proposal.
- Two referee letters and the requested referee details.
- Personal, institutional and degree information requested in the online form.
- Optional: a relevant recent publication or preprint.
Submit through SlideRoom, reached from the official call below. The research statement must be a PDF of no more than two sides, with at least 11-point text. Figures are optional; plan any figures and references within the page allowance.
For administrative questions, use glamfellowships@stanford.edu. Direct research questions to the proposed host. The application platform requires JavaScript; its form fields were not independently inspected during this review.
Prepare a focused proposal
The following is CareerAidHub application guidance, separate from Stanford’s formal requirements.
Define the problem before describing methods
Explain what remains unknown and why answering it would matter to the field. Identify the evidence needed to distinguish your explanation from plausible alternatives.
Then describe the methods, facilities and expertise the work requires. Make your own contribution clear and explain how the collaboration would support it.
Keep the plan feasible
Divide the work into a small number of stages. State the first experiment, calculation or analytical step. Explain how you would adapt if it produced an unexpected result.
Use the CV to support your ability to carry out the plan. Distinguish published, accepted and submitted papers, and describe your contribution to collaborative research accurately.
Coordinate the submission
- Confirm research fit with the proposed host.
- Agree on a proposal scope and share a readable draft.
- Brief referees with your CV and project outline.
- Check document limits, final file versions and submission status.
- Retain copies and any submission confirmation.
Aim to finish ahead of the closing day so that missing documents or technical problems can be resolved.
Career Accelerator Program support
CareerAidHub offers profile review, opportunity mapping, tailored CV and cover-letter feedback, research statement guidance, outreach planning and one-to-one mentorship.
For this call, support can focus on identifying research fit, explaining your contribution and tightening the proposed work. Applicants remain responsible for the scientific content and accuracy of their documents.
CareerAidHub is independent of Stanford University. Support does not guarantee nomination or an award.
Frequently asked questions
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The FAQ says qualified international candidates are eligible; the host faculty member assumes responsibility for obtaining the necessary visa if an offer is made.
Must my PhD be complete when I apply?
No, but you must have graduated before starting. Applicants may have no more than two and a half years of postdoctoral experience.
Can I propose theoretical research?
Yes. Both theory and experimental candidates are eligible.
Can I have two mentors?
Yes. The primary mentor must belong to GLAM; a secondary collaborator may be elsewhere at Stanford. Discuss the nomination requirements with both.
Can the fellowship move to the next academic year?
No. Some start-date flexibility is possible, but deferral to the following academic year is not available.
Will there be an interview?
The FAQ states that evaluation is based on submitted materials, without an interview.
Does GLAM fund a third fellowship year?
No. Any further postdoctoral period would need a separate arrangement funded by the host.
How should I prepare my host enquiry?
Write a short, specific message explaining the question you want to investigate and why it connects to the host’s work. Attach a concise CV and seek a substantive discussion.
Official Stanford GLAM fellowship information
Last reviewed: 26 October 2026. Recruitment details were checked against GLAM’s 2027–2029 fellowship call, linked FAQ and research overview. Read the current instructions and any updates before applying.
Official Stanford GLAM fellowship call, FAQs and application portal
