Life Sciences Research Foundation Funding for Postdoctoral Research in Basic Biology

The LSRF award supports postdoctoral researchers conducting basic biological research in all areas of life science at a non-profit university or research institution.

Eligibility requirements:

U.S. citizens are eligible to work in any geographic location. Non-U.S. citizens must work in a U.S. laboratory to be eligible for an award.
Applicants must apply within 5 years of receiving their PhD (or MD/DVM whichever was awarded later) as of October 1, 2026. If you received your PhD (or MD/DVM) before October 1, 2021, you are not eligible to apply. You may apply before defending your thesis, but must have your PhD (or MD/DVM) degree by the time the award is activated on August 1, 2027.
You must have begun (or will begin) working in your proposed postdoc lab between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027.
The application requires a letter of acceptance from your proposed postdoctoral supervisor (the PI of the lab where you will conduct your postdoctoral training).
You must complete your postdoctoral training in a lab different from that of your graduate (thesis) lab. Applicants planning to remain in their thesis labs for the duration of their postdoctoral training period are NOT eligible. Remaining in your thesis lab for a few weeks or months after receiving your degree, before moving to your postdoc lab, is acceptable.

Awards are $255,000 ($85,000 per year for three years). Indirect costs are not covered. Submit completed application (applicant information, 7-page research proposal, 3 reference letters, 1 proposed supervisor letter, and demographics).

Deadline: October 31, 2026 at 8 pm ET

Award begins: August 1, 2027