Overview

The Killam Scholarship, an enduring tribute to Izaak Walton Killam and his visionary spouse, Dorothy Johnston Killam, continues to support excellence in advanced education and research across Canada. Their shared commitment to nurturing learning and innovation is reflected in the scholarships and fellowships awarded annually at five leading Canadian universities and through the Canada Council for the Arts.

One such prestigious opportunity is the UBC Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, offered by the University of British Columbia. This program, administered by the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies, aligns with Dorothy Johnston Killam’s wish that recipients would contribute to the development of knowledge and distinguish themselves in their fields.

Who Can Apply?

• PhD Completion: Candidates must have completed all PhD requirements within 24 months prior to the fellowship start date. Completion includes thesis defense, corrections, and thesis submission but excludes the convocation date.
• Extensions for Interruptions: The eligibility period may be extended by up to one year for interruptions due to childrearing, illness, or health-related family responsibilities, provided these occurred after completing the PhD requirements. Applicants must detail these circumstances in the “Special Circumstances” attachment.
• UBC PhD Restrictions: Candidates must not have pursued PhD-level studies at UBC. Those already in postdoctoral roles at UBC must justify the continuation in the “Special Circumstances” document.
• Faculty Positions: Applicants must not hold tenure-track or continuing faculty positions. Temporary, term, or non-tenure track faculty are eligible. Tenure-track roles typically involve open-ended teaching and research positions where the holder can lead research projects and secure external funding.
• Citizenship and Residency: The fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality, provided they meet Canadian immigration requirements. Fellowships require an appointment at UBC, with UBC serving as the primary base during the fellowship, except for research trips limited to three months annually.
• Research Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional research capabilities, contributing to academic advancement or professional distinction.
• Character and Versatility: Candidates should possess well-rounded qualities, balancing intellectual aptitude with strong character traits.

Application Procedure

1. Prepare Required Documents

Applicants must compile the following documents:

• Academic Records: Obtain official transcripts of your PhD and prior degrees.
  • Request your home university to:
    • Verify that the photocopies match their records.
    • Stamp the documents with an official seal.
    • Place the stamped documents in a sealed envelope endorsed by the Registrar.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include a detailed record of academic achievements, publications, and research experience.
• Research Proposal: Submit a clear, concise proposal outlining your intended research at UBC, its objectives, and its significance.
• Special Circumstances Document (if applicable):
  • Justify any interruptions or delays in your academic career (e.g., for childrearing, illness).
  • Provide a rationale if you are continuing a postdoctoral position at UBC.
• Letters of Reference: Secure letters from academic referees familiar with your research capabilities and achievements.

2. Complete the Application Form

Fill out the official application form provided by UBC. Ensure all information is accurate and aligns with the supporting documents.

3. Submit Application Package

Send the sealed, endorsed academic records and other required documents to:

Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
Attention: Killam Postdocs
6371 Crescent Road
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Canada

4. Review and Deadlines

Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline: November 2024 (exact date to be confirmed). Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

5. Contact for Inquiries

For questions or clarification, contact:
Email: killam.fellowships@ubc.ca

What Financial Support is Available?

Recipients of the UBC Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship are granted:

• An annual stipend of $60,000 for up to two years.
• A travel research allowance of $4,000 over two years, enabling recipients to advance their studies and research initiatives.

Hear from Alumni

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is a prestigious award that supports advanced research across various disciplines. Here are some notable alumni who have benefited from this fellowship:

Calvin Kuo (2018)

Calvin Kuo received the Killam Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship in 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science from the California Institute of Technology (2011). Prior to his postdoctoral work at UBC, Kuo was a software engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he simulated spacecraft and terrestrial rovers for NASA missions and DARPA robotics projects. At UBC, under the supervision of Professors Jean-Sebastien Blouin in Kinesiology and Dinesh Pai in Computer Science, his research focused on how inputs from different sensory systems are combined to efficiently and accurately provide feedback for balance and postural control.

Sofia Graham

Sofia Graham was awarded the Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship and worked with Dr. Govind Kaigala on bioanalytical tools and methods for precise and quantitative interrogation of biological systems. Before joining UBC, she completed her PhD in Biotechnology Engineering from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology and achieved a doctoral degree in Technical Chemistry from Leibniz University Hannover in a special dual doctoral program. Her doctoral research focused on developing microfluidics-integrated porous silicon optical biosensors for medical diagnostics. At UBC, she developed microfluidic technologies for investigations in cell communication, aiming to enable flexible experimental design to extract impactful information with high resolution, both in space and in time, related to various pathological conditions.

Andrew Bricker (2016)

Andrew Bricker was a 2016 UBC Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of English. His research focused on 17th and 18th-century British literature. Bricker's work contributed to the understanding of historical literary contexts and their influence on contemporary literature.

These examples highlight the diverse research areas and academic backgrounds of UBC Killam Postdoctoral Research Fellows, reflecting the fellowship's commitment to supporting excellence in research across disciplines.

For More Information

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