# HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships (LTF / CDF)

**Funder:** HFSP
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: Letter of Intent → Full Proposal
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://www.hfsp.org/funding/hfsp-funding/postdoctoral-fellowships
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Postdoctoral fellowships (LTF or CDF) for interdisciplinary basic life-science research. Applicants must hold a PhD and propose to work in an HFSPO member country. Cannot have previously worked/studied in the proposed host country or with the host supervisor. Projects with clinical, pharmaceutical, applied engineering, or agricultural focus are ineligible. One application per candidate per year.

## Summary

HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships (LTF and CDF) fund postdoctoral researchers to pursue interdisciplinary basic life-science projects in an HFSP member country, moving to a new country and supervisor. Applicants must hold a PhD and avoid clinical, pharmaceutical, applied engineering, and agricultural work. One application per researcher per year across a competitive two-stage process.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers holding a PhD
- Applicants proposing to relocate to an HFSP member country with a new supervisor
- Researchers with no prior study or work experience in the proposed host country
- Projects in fundamental, interdisciplinary life sciences (not clinical, pharmaceutical, or agricultural)

## Key dates

- Annual application round with Letter of Intent deadline preceding Full Proposal deadline (check HFSP website for current dates)
- Two-stage evaluation: Letter of Intent screening, then Full Proposal review
- Fellowship duration not specified in call metadata

## Tips for applicants

- The two-stage gate is strict: only Letter of Intent shortlists advance to Full Proposal, so clarity and fit in the 5-page phase matter intensely.
- HFSP prioritises cross-border mobility and genuine career transition; proposals that duplicate the applicant's PhD environment score poorly even if scientifically strong.
- One application per calendar year is the hard cap; do not submit to both LTF and CDF simultaneously.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for an HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowship?

Postdoctoral researchers holding a PhD who have not previously studied or worked in the proposed host country or with the host supervisor.

### What type of research does HFSP fund?

Interdisciplinary basic life-science research; clinical, pharmaceutical, applied engineering, and agricultural projects are ineligible.

### What is the application timeline for HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowships?

One round annually; Letter of Intent deadline precedes Full Proposal deadline (check HFSP website for exact dates).

### Can I submit multiple HFSP applications in one year?

No, applicants are limited to one application per calendar year across both LTF and CDF tracks.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/hfsp-postdoctoral-fellowships-ltf-cdf-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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