Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Canada

Are you a recent PhD graduate passionate about materials science, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, or sustainable innovation? The Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional chance to advance your research career at one of Canada’s leading universities. This fully funded three-year program provides generous financial support, access to cutting-edge infrastructure, and the opportunity to work alongside world-class experts in an interdisciplinary environment.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about the fellowship in clear, straightforward language. Whether you are exploring options or preparing your application, you will find all the essential details organized for easy reading. Let’s dive in.

Scientific Programming at Institut Courtois:

The institute’s research is organized around ambitious scientific goals designed to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. These activities revolve around four main research thrusts and two cross-cutting axes.

Scientific and Societal Horizons

New materials are at the heart of transformative progress. The four key thrusts include:

• Materials for the Quantum Revolution: Researchers develop quantum materials and systems that will power the next generation of quantum technologies, from ultra-secure communication to advanced computing.
• Materials for the Energy Transition: This area focuses on breakthroughs in energy production, storage, and conversion, supporting the global shift to clean and renewable energy sources.
• Materials for a Sustainable Environment: Projects here design innovative materials that enhance environmental resilience, reduce pollution, and promote circular economies.
• Materials for a Smart Society: This thrust explores materials that enable advanced information technologies, intelligent systems, and next-generation digital infrastructure.

These thrusts ensure that research has both scientific depth and real-world impact.

Cross-Cutting Axes

Two powerful axes support all scientific work at the institute:

• Modeling, Theory, Materials Simulation, and Artificial Intelligence: This axis uses predictive modeling and AI to speed up discovery while fostering rich exchanges between AI specialists and materials experts.
• Automation, Robotization, and AI Applied to Experimental Data: Researchers develop high-throughput experiments, autonomous laboratories, and sophisticated data analysis tools to make scientific discovery faster and more efficient.

Together, these elements create a stimulating environment for exploring big questions in materials science and generating high-impact results.

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Objectives of the Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship:

The fellowship program has three primary goals:

• To attract top-tier researchers who will conduct original, innovative, and high-impact postdoctoral work.
• To encourage the development of truly interdisciplinary projects that span chemistry, physics, and computer science.
• To strengthen the national and international reputation of Institut Courtois through outstanding research contributions.

By supporting ambitious early-career scientists, the program helps build the next generation of leaders in materials research.

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Funding Details: Salary, Research Support, and Duration:

Successful candidates receive excellent financial support that allows them to focus fully on their research:

• Annual Salary: 63,819 CAD per year (approximately 76,000 CAD including benefits).
• Additional Research Funding: Up to 30,000 CAD per year, provided the expenses are well justified.
• Duration: Three full years of funding.

This package is highly competitive and provides stability for in-depth research projects. The research allowance can cover equipment, conference travel, materials, and other essential costs.

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Important Dates for 2026 Applications:

Mark these key deadlines on your calendar:

• Contest Launch: May 4, 2026
• Notice of Intent Deadline: September 10, 2026 at 11:59 pm (EST)
• Full Application Deadline: Monday, September 28, 2026 at 11:59 pm (ET)
• Results Announcement: January 2027
• Funding Start Window: Between March and September 2027

Early preparation is essential. Start drafting your research proposal and contacting potential mentors well before the notice of intent deadline.

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Who Is Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for the Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet these criteria:

• Plan to enroll in a postdoctoral program at the Université de Montréal.
• Have completed (or be on track to complete) their doctoral degree within three years before the start of funding. In cases of career interruptions such as maternity leave or illness, this window may extend to four years.
• Propose an original research project that aligns with the expertise of Institut Courtois members.
• Be eligible to work in Canada (Canadian citizens or permanent residents preferred) or commit to obtaining the necessary work permit. The institute provides support for visa and permit applications.

The program welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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Notice of Intent: First Step in the Application Process:

Before submitting the full application, you must complete a Notice of Intent using the official online form. This includes:

• Your full name as the candidate.
• Proposed project title.
• Ten relevant keywords.
• Details of your PhD institution and year of completion.
• Names of three referees who will provide letters of recommendation.
• Names and email addresses of your proposed mentor(s) and co-mentor(s).

This step is mandatory and helps the institute prepare for the review process. Complete it by September 10, 2026.

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Full Application File: What You Need to Prepare

Your complete application must be submitted as a single PDF file and include several key documents.

Research Project (Maximum 6 Pages)

This is the centerpiece of your application. It should clearly address:

• The core scientific problem you aim to solve.
• Specific research objectives.
• A concise literature review showing your familiarity with the field.
• Detailed methodology and approach.
• Strong justification for choosing an Institut Courtois mentor.
• Clear explanation of how your project fits into the institute’s research axes.

Write in accessible language suitable for a multidisciplinary audience of chemists, physicists, computer scientists, and mathematicians. Consider using the Heilmeier Catechism questions to structure your proposal effectively.

Other Required Documents

• Detailed budget using the provided Excel template, plus a one-page budget justification.
• Bibliographical references (maximum 1 page).
• Official doctoral transcripts, including a grading scale if from a non-Canadian institution.
• Full curriculum vitae that includes a complete list of publications and presentations.
• Letter of support from your proposed Institut Courtois mentor (co-signed if there is a co-mentor).

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Letters of Recommendation:

You will need three strong letters of recommendation. Referees must send them directly to institut-courtois@umontreal.ca.

Use the following format for the email subject line: ICPDF2026 – letter for LAST NAME First name

Name the PDF file clearly, for example: Rec-letter NAME of XXX.pdf

Choose referees who know your research capabilities well and can speak to your potential as an independent scientist.

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Mentor Letter of Support Requirements:

The letter from your Institut Courtois mentor is very important. It should:

• Suggest three potential external evaluators.
• Clearly highlight the innovative aspects and added value of your project compared to existing work in the mentor’s group.
• Discuss how the project complements or extends exploratory research already supported by the institute.

A strong mentor letter demonstrates genuine integration into the host research group.

Step-by-Step Application Instructions:

1. Complete the Notice of Intent online before September 10, 2026 using this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/ZZKs4taH92?origin=lprLink
2. Ask your referees to send letters directly by email to institut-courtois@umontreal.ca
3. Compile all application documents into one PDF named: NOM_Prénom_FellowpostdocIC2026 Send it by email to institut-courtois@umontreal.ca with subject: ICPDF2026 – LAST NAME First name

Formatting Guidelines

• Use single line spacing.
• Times New Roman, 12-point font.
• 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins on all sides.
• Applications may be written in English or French.

Evaluation Criteria: How Applications Are Assessed

The selection committee evaluates applications based on three main categories:

Excellence of the Candidate

• Academic achievements.
• Quality and impact of scientific publications and presentations.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership and potential.

Excellence of the Research Project

• Originality and innovative nature of the proposed work.
• Feasibility and methodological rigor.
• Potential added value to the mentor’s research program.

Integration within Institut Courtois

• Alignment with the institute’s research axes.
• Opportunities for collaboration with other members.
• Planned use of the institute’s unique infrastructure and resources.

Because the committee includes experts from multiple disciplines, clarity and accessibility matter greatly.

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Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

Institut Courtois strongly encourages applications from talented researchers from traditionally underrepresented groups. The institute values diversity in all its forms — including ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background — as a driver of scientific excellence. Inclusive excellence is a core principle of the program.

Why Apply to the Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship?

This fellowship offers far more than funding. You will join a thriving intellectual community at the Université de Montréal, gain access to advanced laboratories and computational resources, and benefit from mentorship that can shape your future career. The three-year duration provides enough time to produce significant results, publish high-impact papers, and build an international network.

The interdisciplinary focus is particularly valuable in today’s research landscape, where breakthroughs often occur at the boundaries between fields. Whether your interests lie in quantum materials, sustainable energy solutions, environmental technologies, or AI-driven discovery, the Institut Courtois provides an ideal setting to pursue ambitious projects with real societal impact.

Final Tips for a Strong Application:

• Start early and contact potential mentors as soon as possible. A good mentor match is crucial.
• Ensure your research project is ambitious yet realistic.
• Tailor every section to show clear alignment with the institute’s priorities.
• Proofread thoroughly and respect all formatting and page limits.
• Highlight any unique perspectives or experiences you bring to the program.

The Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 represents a remarkable opportunity for emerging researchers ready to make their mark in materials science. With generous funding, strong institutional support, and a focus on transformative research, it is an ideal launchpad for an outstanding academic or industry career.

Take the time to prepare a thoughtful, well-organized application. The rewards can be transformative for your professional journey.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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