University of Calgary Opens Applications for the Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science, Faculty of Arts and Culture. The University of Calgary is inviting applications for the Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science. This competitive two-year research position is hosted by the Faculty of Arts and is designed for early-career scholars who wish to build independent research programmes while taking an active part in the academic life of the Department of Political Science.
The fellowship begins between 1 May and 1 September 2027 and lasts for a fixed, non-renewable, non-deferrable period of two years at the university’s main campus in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. All application materials must be submitted in PDF format by 1 November 2026.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious early-career appointment intended to strengthen research capacity in political science. It honours the memory of Mark Grosjean, a promising student whose engagement with political philosophy continues to inspire the department’s support for emerging scholars.
The fellowship combines financial support with full institutional membership, giving recipients the freedom to pursue original research while contributing to the intellectual community of the department.
Key features of the position include:
- A full-time, two-year postdoctoral research appointment that allows scholars to concentrate on their own work without teaching obligations.
- An annual salary of CAD 70,000.
- Health coverage under the University of Calgary’s Plan C benefits package.
- A research allowance of CAD 6,000 to support project-related costs such as travel, data collection, or materials.
- Opportunities to take part in departmental seminars, workshops, and events.
- An expectation that research findings will be shared publicly within Calgary during the fellowship period.
Research Expectations and Responsibilities
The selected fellow will pursue an independent research agenda in political science while remaining actively engaged with the University of Calgary’s academic community. Core responsibilities include:
- Designing and advancing an original research project within any subfield of political science.
- Attending in-person departmental seminars, events, and academic functions.
- Contributing to the intellectual life of the department through discussion, feedback, and collaboration.
- Presenting research results in public forums in Calgary so that scholarly work reaches audiences beyond the university.
- Working with faculty mentors and participating in scholarly exchange within the department.
The fellowship balances scholarly independence with meaningful institutional participation, ensuring that the fellow both advances their own research and enriches the department’s academic environment.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The fellowship is open to researchers working in any area of political science. Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a PhD in political science completed no more than four years before the fellowship start date.
- Not hold another postdoctoral fellowship or full-time academic position at the same time.
- Provide proof of PhD completion (where relevant) before the start date.
- There are no citizenship restrictions.
Application Details:
A complete application must include the following documents, all submitted as PDFs:
- A cover letter of no more than two pages.
- A full curriculum vitae (no page limit).
- A research project proposal of up to four pages, plus a bibliography.
- A statement explaining how the applicant’s work fits with the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary.
- The names and contact details of three referees (letters will be requested only for shortlisted candidates).
- A list of up to three potential faculty mentors from the Department of Political Science.
- An optional one-page statement addressing special circumstances, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, or Indigenization.
Academic Environment
The University of Calgary is a major Canadian research university known for its emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary work. Within the Faculty of Arts, the Department of Political Science offers a collaborative setting in which postdoctoral researchers can interact with faculty, students, and ongoing research initiatives across the discipline and related fields. Fellows are encouraged to take part fully in seminars, research discussions, and departmental events.
Why the Fellowship Matters
The Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship supports the next generation of political science scholars by providing structured research time, financial resources, and institutional integration. In doing so, it helps to:
- Advance original research in political science.
- Develop the careers of early-stage academics.
- Strengthen the department’s research output and collaborative culture.
- Promote scholarly exchange within both Canadian and international academic communities.
By requiring public dissemination of research in Calgary, the fellowship also connects academic work with wider audiences beyond the university.
Key Application Dates and Deadline
- Application deadline: 1 November 2026
- Fellowship start window: 1 May – 1 September 2027
- Duration: Two years (non-renewable and non-deferrable)
Applicants are advised to prepare their materials well in advance to meet all formatting and submission requirements.
Equity and Inclusion
The University of Calgary is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in its hiring practices. Applications from underrepresented groups are actively encouraged, and accommodation is available for candidates who require support during the recruitment process. The fellowship operates within an institutional framework that values inclusive participation and respect for Indigenous communities and territorial acknowledgements.
How to Apply for Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science Department, Faculty of Arts (Application and Document Submission)
Step 1 | Find the job you are interested in applying for
You can search for opportunities using none, one, or all of the following:
- keyword search
- job type filter (academic, management and staff, or postdoc)
- faculty/unit filter.
Once you’ve found the posting you are interested in applying to, click the “Apply Now” button to open the application window.
Step 2 | Accept terms and agreements
The first page of the application includes a “Terms and Agreements” section which must be read and agreed to in order to submit your application.
Click the “I Agree” button to move to the next step or, if you do not agree, you can click the “Cancel” button to exit the application.
Step 3 | Upload cover letter and resume
You will be asked to select the best option to share your qualifications – in most cases that includes a cover letter and resume.
Currently, our online application system only permits one document to be uploaded. To provide a cover letter you must include the letter as page one of your resume. The University of Calgary encourages all applicants to include a cover letter in their application.
You are provided with several options to upload your application document including via your computer (Upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV) or via cloud storage options such as Dropbox and One Drive. Select the best option for you and follow the instructions to upload your document.
When uploading your application files, please ensure that your files meet the following requirements:
Accepted File Formats:
- .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word)
- .pdf (text-based PDFs only, not scanned files*)
- .txt (plain text)
- .rtf (rich text format)
- .html (web page format)
Maximum File Size: 10 MB or smaller
*NOTE: If your document is a scanned PDF (or other image file), you will get an error when uploading it here. We recommend you upload an alternate text format (see allowed formats above). If you experience issues, please visit Calgary Application website FAQs for assistance.
Step 4 | Verify your personal information
After uploading your cover letter / resume, the system will pull your personal information and display it for you. Review and confirm that the information is correct. Your first and last name as well as your email address are required fields.
Please carefully review the contact information which has been pre-populated based on your resume/CV document. Update the details as required and/or complete any missing information.
Edit the information as required and click the “Next” button.
Step 5 | Answer the questionnaire
Depending on the job you are applying to, you may be required to answer an online questionnaire. Take the time to answer the questions carefully and truthfully, as once you submit your application you will not be able to change your answers.
Once completed, click the “Next” button.
Throughout the application process, you will notice the title of the job you are applying listed at the bottom of the application screen. You can click on the arrow to the right of the job title to view the full job posting.
Step 6 | Complete survey and submit application
On the final step of the application process, you will be asked to complete an optional Employment Equity Applicant Data Survey. The answers are not attached to your application for the position, but you can choose not to complete the survey by selecting the “Do not wish to disclose” option for each question and it will not adversely affect your application.
Once completed, click the “Submit” button and you will be directed to a confirmation page.
Once you have submitted your application, you will not be able to make changes to your application. Before submitting you can use the “Back” button to make any necessary changes.
Use the “Cancel” button to cancel the application. There will be no record of this application.
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is known as Canada’s entrepreneurial university and is located in one of the country’s most dynamic and enterprising cities. It ranks among the top research universities in Canada and stands out as one of the highest-ranked institutions of its age. Established in 1966, the university now serves approximately 36,000 students in an innovative learning environment shaped by cutting-edge research, practical hands-on experiences, and a strong emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking.
UCalgary leads the country in the creation of start-ups and consistently encourages students, faculty, and researchers to turn ideas into action. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is widely recognised as one of the cleanest cities in the world and has repeatedly been named among the most livable cities globally. It is a place defined by leadership in business, community involvement, philanthropy, and volunteerism. Residents benefit from one of the strongest economies in Canada and enjoy more hours of sunshine each year than any other major Canadian city.
Located less than an hour’s drive from the Rocky Mountains, Calgary also offers the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America, making outdoor recreation easily accessible.
The city is home to a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people. Throughout the year, numerous Indigenous organisations host events, ceremonies, and cultural activities that enrich community life.
Indigenous Strategy at the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary has adopted an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy known as ii’ taa’poh’to’p. This strategy commits the university to building a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, fosters partnerships with Indigenous communities, and integrates Indigenous perspectives across all areas of university life.
Implementation of the strategy is guided by 18 Elders who serve on the Circle of Advisors, along with several unit-based circles, including the Faculty Advisory Circle. Dedicated teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team play central roles in advancing the strategy.
These efforts are already shaping curriculum, programming, and policies across the university, ensuring that Indigenous knowledge, voices, and priorities are meaningfully included in academic and institutional practices.
Closing Note
The Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science offers early-career researchers a valuable opportunity to develop their scholarly work at a leading Canadian university. With a combination of financial support, research independence, and active departmental engagement, the position provides a strong foundation for impactful contributions to the field of political science.
Further Information:
For questions about Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship, please e-mail: Grosjean.fellowship@ucalgary.ca
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit the Postdocs website.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view the Postdoc Careers website.
Interested candidates should visit the official University of Calgary website the Application portal to Apply.