Call for Applications – Postdoctoral Fellows
Overview | Timeline | How to Apply | Chapter-Specific Details | FAQs
The Kalaniyot Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 Call for Applications for the Kalaniyot Postdoctoral Fellows Program.
This program supports exceptional early-career researchers from Israeli institutions in conducting postdoctoral research training at selected leading U.S. academic institutions. By fostering deep academic partnerships, Kalaniyot aims to build vibrant local communities and strengthen intellectual ties while supporting cutting-edge research. Selected fellows receive funding and mentorship as part of a growing network of scholars who are shaping the future of academic research. The program offers competitive stipends, relocation support, health insurance, and professional development support.
Participating institutions: Applications are being accepted for the Kalaniyot program at: Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard Medical School, MIT, and Penn. See below for program details for each participating institution.
Eligibility: Open to all PhD, MD, and MD-PhD graduates of Israeli universities who graduated after January 1, 2023, and for whom this will be their first postdoctoral appointment outside Israel in any field or institution. MD or MD-PhD applicants who graduated prior to January 1, 2023 and conducted residency training subsequent to graduation are also eligible to apply.
Exceptional Circumstances: Applicants who do not fully meet one of the eligibility criteria may submit a brief explanation. Chapters may consider such cases on an individual basis.
Please prepare your application materials, the submission portal will open on January 15, 2026.
Timeline
- Application: Applications must be submitted via our online application system by 11:59 PM Eastern time, on February 10, 2026.
- Announcements: Applicants will be notified of the review process outcome by April 2026.
- Start date: Selected fellows can begin their term between the fellowship announcement date and December 31, 2026, subject to specific constraints listed in the chapter details below. Starting the fellowship is also contingent upon the processing of the appointment by the host institution, securing visa if needed, and completion of any other requirement put forth by the host institution and/or PI.
How to Apply
Applications are made through Interfolio and must include the following:
- Application form: Filled out online through Interfolio (personal details and prospective postdoctoral lab information).
- Curriculum vitae and publication list: Free format, PDF file.
- Statement describing applicant’s doctoral work: 1 page excluding references, PDF file.
- Doctoral status certification: If you have not yet graduated, include a signed statement from your doctoral advisor on institutional letterhead certifying your expected graduation timeline (month and year).
- Three reference letters: Obtained confidentially through Interfolio.
- Proposed research plan: Up to 2 pages excluding references, PDF. Candidates are expected to develop their research plans with their prospective research mentor at each institution.
- Host commitment letter: A letter from the identified research mentor at each institution to which you are applying, certifying that the potential host:
- Has read your research statement and is willing to serve as your advisor.
- Will be responsible for providing you with adequate lab and/or office space to conduct your research.
- Will be responsible for integrating you into their research group.
- Will be responsible for processing your appointment and visa request through the appropriate departmental channels, as well as covering any associated costs.
- Note: Applicants can only apply to work with one faculty member at each chapter they are applying for. Prospective faculty advisors can support multiple applications and will be consulted if more than one candidate reaches the final review stage.
- Chapter-Specific Requirements: Please carefully review the “Details of Participating Kalaniyot Chapters” section below as different chapters may require additional documents (e.g., Community Statements, Budgets, or Abstracts) that must be included in your application.
Common guidelines for all chapters:
- Applicants applying to multiple chapters will be reviewed independently by each chapter. If selected by more than one chapter, applicants will be asked to choose one offer.
- Kalaniyot Fellows may hold multiple funding sources and/or fellowships, provided that this is allowed by the institution to which they are applying. In such cases, Kalaniyot support will be adjusted so that the total annual stipend to the Fellow does not exceed $100,000 or the host institution’s maximum postdoctoral salary, whichever is lower. Fellows can apply for an exception under unique circumstances.
Chapter-Specific Details
Columbia-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: All disciplines within the following Columbia University schools and divisions: The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), The Natural Sciences Division of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), Columbia Business School, and Columbia Law School. In addition to broad support across all fields listed above, the program also includes a dedicated funding stream for diabetes research.
Fellowship Duration: Appointments are for one year renewable up to three years.
Financial Terms
- Annual stipend of $74,279 plus health insurance and benefits coverage.
- Housing Option: Choice of a Columbia University Postdoc Housing allocation (subject to availability) or an annual off-campus housing allowance ($7,000) to help off-set the cost of living in NYC.
- Relocation Support: $1,500 in one-time relocation support.
- IT and Research allowance: Up to $10,000 reimbursement for expenses related to computer and equipment needs and for research-related travel, publication fees, professional membership fees, conferences and seminars.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit:
- Short video: Up to 3 minutes long, summarizing your doctoral research and proposed postdoctoral research.
- Research Abstract (up to 1 page) summarizing the proposed research aims and program.
- Community Statement (up to 1 page) addressing the following:
- How have you contributed to your community in Israel during the past years?
- How do you envision contributing to the local Kalaniyot community during your appointment as a Kalaniyot Postdoc?
Contact: kalaniyot@columbia.edu
Cornell-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: Agricultural innovation, Environmental sustainability, Climate science, Food science, Food security and technology.
Fellowship Duration: Appointments are for one year renewable up to two or three years, contingent upon successful performance, available work and available funding.
Financial Terms: A minimum of $62,232 plus health insurance and benefits, relocation and travel allowance to be determined in discussion with selected applicants.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit:
- Short video: Up to 3 minutes long, summarizing your doctoral research and proposed postdoctoral research.
- A community statement (up to 1 page) addressing:
- How have you contributed to your community in Israel during the past years?
- How do you envision contributing to the local Kalaniyot community during your appointment as a Kalaniyot Postdoc?
- Selected candidates are expected to start their fellowship in July or August 2026, and in any case, before October 1, 2026.
- In the potential host letter, the host should also state their expected contributions in terms of funding. While not required, preference can be given to proposals where the host can contribute partial support.
- A list of available or potential funding sources. Depending on the situation, such funding can be used either instead of or in addition to the funding provided by Cornell-Kalaniyot.
Contact: kalaniyot@cornell.edu
Dartmouth-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: Any department in the Science division of Arts and Sciences as well as EEES (Ecology, Evolution, Environment and Society), the Program in Quantitative Social Sciences, the Thayer School of Engineering, and the Geisel School of Medicine. Applicants’ eligibility in subjects such as Environmental Sciences, Geography, Linguistics, Economics, and Government eligibility depends on the research topic, interested candidates are encouraged to inquire.
Fellowship Duration: Two years with the possibility of a third year depending on funding availability.
Financial Terms: $71,000 annual stipend plus health insurance and benefits coverage, up to $10,000 in one-time relocation reimbursement, and $5,000 in discretionary funds annually.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit a short video, Up to 3 minutes long, summarizing your doctoral research and proposed postdoctoral research.
Contact: Jennifer.m.thomas@dartmouth.edu
Kalaniyot at Harvard Medical School
Fields Supported: All areas of fundamental biomedical research in laboratories in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School (HMS) Departments of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Biomedical Informatics, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Neurobiology, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, or Systems Biology and in HMS-affiliated hospitals (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Joslin Diabetes Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Institute).
Fellowship Start Date: On or after July 1, 2026.
Fellowship Duration: Two years, with the possibility of a third year depending on funding availability.
Financial Terms: Postdoctoral fellows (PhD, MD, or MD-PhD) will receive salaried positions with compensation defined by the HMS postdoctoral scale found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines. The current minimum annual compensation is $72,000 per year. Fellows are also eligible to receive fringe benefits (including health insurance) at the mentor institution’s current fringe rate, one time relocation support, plus, depending on the funding source, additional funding for childcare for fellow’s children, fellow’s professional development such as publication costs or conference attendance, and/or research lab supplies. Each selected fellow will receive a total package no greater than $130,000 per year; the exact amount will vary by funding source.
Additional Terms and Application Requirements:
- Kalaniyot at HMS fellowships are generously supported by the Dorot Foundation and by the Blavatnik Family Foundation.
- Residency Requirement: Some Kalaniyot at HMS fellowships require recipients to be residents of Israel, due to the conditions of specific funding sources.
- In addition to the items requested above, application materials to HMS should also include:
- Mentor’s NIH biosketch
- One-page statement describing how this fellowship will contribute to the fellow’s academic and personal growth
- Line-item budget stating the proposed fellow compensation, fringe benefits, and other allowable costs by fellowship year
- Institutional authorization and statement of Israeli residency (if required) will be requested as a supplement to the application for final candidates
- Criteria for evaluation of fellowship applications will include 1) academic strength of candidate, 2) strength of mentor, and 3) strength of project
Contact: kalaniyot@hms.harvard.edu
MIT-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: all areas of study at MIT.
Fellowship Duration: Three years.
Financial Terms: $80,000 annual stipend plus health insurance and benefits coverage, up to $10,000 in one-time relocation reimbursement, and $5,000 in discretionary funds annually.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit:
- Short video: Up to 3 minutes long, summarizing your doctoral research and proposed postdoctoral research.
- A community statement (1 page, PDF file) addressing:
- How did you contribute to your community in Israel this past year?
- How do you envision contributing to the local Kalaniyot community during your appointment as a Kalaniyot Postdoc?
Contact: kalaniyot_apply@mit.edu
Penn-Kalaniyot
Fields Supported: All areas of interest throughout the 12 schools at the University of Pennsylvania.
Fellowship Duration: Two years with the possibility of extension for a third year depending upon available funding.
Financial Terms: $71,000 annual stipend plus health insurance and benefits, up to $10,000 in one-time relocation reimbursement, and $5,000 in discretionary funds annually.
Additional Terms / Application Materials: In addition to the application materials above, applicants should also submit:
- Short video: Up to 3 minutes long, summarizing your doctoral research and proposed postdoctoral research.
- Brief abstract summarizing the proposed aims and research program (up to 1 page)
- A statement (no more than 1 page) addressing how the applicant would contribute to the local community during the fellowship.
- Optional: A reference letter from a faculty member from an Israeli institution who could participate as a co-mentor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please consult the Chapter-specific Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages for detailed information. For any additional questions not already covered by the FAQ, please contact the Kalaniyot Chapter you are applying to using the email addresses listed in the chapter-specific details.