About the opportunity
The Fellows-to-Faculty Award program is designed to assist early-career scientists in successfully transitioning from mentored research training positions into independent, tenure-track faculty roles. The program provides a comprehensive support package, including funding, professional development, and mentorship. Fellows gain access to a network of investigators and receive support to help them establish their independent laboratories. Applicants must demonstrate a clear scientific vision that aligns with the mission of the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), the Simons Collaboration on Plasticity and the Aging Brain (SCPAB), or the Simons Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE). This cycle marks the final request for applications for the SCPAB Fellows-to-Faculty program.
Funding and benefits
- Three-year, $600,000 faculty research grant
- Up to two years of postdoctoral support while on the job market
- Professional development and mentorship
- Access to a network of investigators
Who can apply?
- Scientists with Ph.D. and/or M.D. degrees
- Currently in a mentored research training position
- Planning to pursue tenure-track faculty appointments in the coming academic year
- Scientific vision must align with SFARI, SCPAB, or SCENE missions
Required documents
- Application materials as specified in the official funding opportunity portal
When to apply
- Applications are due January 13, 2027
- Informational webinar: October 21, 2026, 1–2:15 p.m. EDT
How to apply
- Register for the informational webinar if desired
- Submit the application through the official Simons Foundation funding portal by the deadline
Additional information
- This is the final request for applications for the SCPAB Fellows-to-Faculty program.
- The program is managed by the Autism & Neuroscience division of the Simons Foundation.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Ideal for postdoctoral researchers or those in similar mentored training roles who are actively preparing for the academic job market.
- Strong fit for scientists whose research interests directly intersect with autism, neuroscience, brain plasticity, or ecological neuroscience.
- Excellent for candidates seeking both financial stability during the transition period and long-term mentorship to support their future independent lab.
What should you think carefully about?
- The program is highly specialized; your research vision must align with specific Simons Foundation initiatives (SFARI, SCPAB, or SCENE).
- This is a competitive transition award, not a standard postdoctoral fellowship, and requires a clear trajectory toward a tenure-track faculty position.
- Note that this is the final opportunity to apply for the SCPAB-specific track of this program.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This award is a strategic bridge for researchers aiming to secure a tenure-track faculty position. By providing both postdoctoral support and a guaranteed faculty research grant, it removes significant financial barriers during the challenging transition to independence, allowing recipients to focus on their research and job search.
Our take
Early-career scientists in the specified neuroscience and autism fields who are ready to enter the tenure-track job market should prioritize this application. It is less suitable for those whose research does not align with the foundation's specific scientific missions or those not yet at the stage of seeking independent faculty roles.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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