University of Calgary Opens Applications for Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science – Apply By 1 November 2026. The University of Calgary is inviting qualified early-career academics to apply for the Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science that will commence in 2027. Based in the university’s Faculty of Arts, the fellowship provides a two-year research appointment for scholars seeking to advance their own research while engaging with the academic and research activities of the Department of Political Science.
The successful candidate will be based at the university’s main campus in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The fellowship is expected to commence at a date between 1 May and 1 September 2027 and will continue for two years. The appointment is non-renewable and cannot be deferred.
Applicants are required to prepare and submit their applications in PDF format no later than 1 November 2026.
Therefore, are you an early-career political scientist looking for a competitive two-year postdoctoral research opportunity in Canada? The University of Calgary has announced a call for applications for the Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science, hosted within the Faculty of Arts.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the fellowship coverage, eligibility criteria, research expectations, application requirements, and step-by-step process you need to prepare a strong application.
Mark Grosjean Application Fast Facts & Quick Verification Tracker
- Target Audience: Early-career scholars who completed a PhD in Political Science within the last four years
- Host Institution: University of Calgary, Department of Political Science (Faculty of Arts)
- Location: Main campus, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Duration: Two years (non-renewable, non-deferrable)
- Start Window: Between 1 May and 1 September 2027
- Annual Salary: 70,000 CAD
- Research Funding: 6,000 CAD
- Health Benefits: University of Calgary Plan C
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Submission Format: PDF documents only
- Information Verified On: August 2026
- Status: 🟢 OPEN
University of Calgary Postdoctoral Fellowship Coverage & Requirements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial Support | 70,000 CAD annual salary + 6,000 CAD research funding + health benefits |
| Duration & Type | Full-time, two-year, non-renewable, non-deferrable appointment |
| Eligibility Window | PhD in Political Science completed within four years prior to start date |
| Citizenship | Unrestricted (open to all nationalities) |
| Concurrent Positions | Cannot hold another postdoctoral fellowship or full-time position |
| Core Expectation | Independent research agenda + active departmental engagement |
Official Source & Portal Verification
Always submit through the official University of Calgary application process and use the correct portal.
Caption: Confirm you are on the official University of Calgary recruitment page and prepare all documents as separate or combined PDFs as required.
The Step-by-Step Roadmap to Apply (Proof of Process)
Terms and Conditions of Application
This step-by-step process will walk you through the sections required to submit a job application, including uploading a cover letter/resume. Please fill in all information carefully and review before submitting.
Before beginning the application, please read the agreements on the https://careers.ucalgary.ca page carefully. By selecting I agree you acknowledge that you accept their terms of application. If you do not agree, select the Cancel button.
Are you a current employee?
If you are an active University of Calgary employee, please do NOT use this application process. Instead you should apply via the Internal Careers website (from the myUofC portal > All about me > Careers on campus).
How to Apply:
Please use the options provided here to upload a single document with your cover letter and resume/cv.
You also have the option of uploading your LinkedIn profile, however it is recommended you ensure you have a detailed profile including all relevant education and experience so hiring managers have the information they need to properly consider you for the role.
Allowed formats include: .doc .docx .pdf (converted text files, not scanned files*) .txt .rtf .html
Maximum file size: 10 MB
*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 our Application FAQs for assistance.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You must have completed a PhD in Political Science within four years prior to the fellowship start date. You cannot hold another postdoctoral fellowship or full-time position at the same time. Proof of PhD completion must be available before the start date if applicable.
Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal
Prepare a clear, original research project proposal (maximum 4 pages plus bibliography) in any field of political science.
Step 3: Prepare the Full Application Package
Required documents include:
- Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae (no page limit)
- Research project proposal (maximum 4 pages + bibliography)
- Statement outlining departmental fit at the University of Calgary
- Names and contact details of three referees (letters requested only for shortlisted candidates)
- List of up to three potential faculty mentors from the Department of Political Science
- Optional statement (maximum 1 page) addressing special circumstances, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, or Indigenization
Step 4: Submit by the Deadline
All materials must be submitted in PDF format by 1 November 2026.
Step 5: Prepare for the Start Window
Successful candidates will begin the fellowship between 1 May and 1 September 2027.
Fellowship Overview and Academic Purpose
The Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious early-career academic appointment designed to strengthen research capacity in political science. It honours the legacy of Mark Grosjean, a distinguished student whose academic promise and engagement with political philosophy continue to inspire the department’s commitment to supporting emerging scholars.
The fellowship provides both financial support and institutional integration, enabling recipients to focus on independent research while contributing to the academic life of the Department of Political Science.
Key Features of the Fellowship
- Two-year full-time postdoctoral research appointment
- Annual salary of 70,000 CAD
- Health benefits under the University of Calgary Plan C
- Research funding allocation of 6,000 CAD
- Active participation in departmental academic activities and events
- Public dissemination of research conducted during the fellowship period
Research Expectations and Academic Responsibilities
The selected fellow will undertake a structured programme of independent research in political science while remaining actively engaged with the academic community. Core responsibilities include:
- Developing and advancing an original research agenda
- Participating in in-person departmental seminars, events, and academic functions
- Contributing to the intellectual life of the department
- Presenting research findings in public forums within Calgary
- Engaging with faculty mentors and contributing to collaborative academic discourse
The fellowship balances scholarly independence with meaningful institutional participation.
Institutional Context and Academic Environment
The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian research university known for innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary scholarship. The Faculty of Arts offers a collaborative environment where postdoctoral researchers can engage with faculty, students, and research initiatives across political science and related fields. The Department of Political Science encourages active participation in seminars, research discussions, and institutional events.
Strategic Importance of the Fellowship
By providing structured research support and institutional integration, the Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship contributes to:
- Advancement of original political science research
- Development of early-career academic scholars
- Strengthening of departmental research output and collaboration
- Promotion of academic discourse within Canadian and international contexts
- Public engagement through research dissemination in Calgary
Institutional Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Calgary emphasises equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in its recruitment processes. Applications from underrepresented groups are encouraged, and accommodation options are available for applicants who require support. The fellowship also operates within the university’s broader framework of respect for Indigenous communities and territorial acknowledgements.
What This Opportunity Offers (The Human Advantage)
- On Research Freedom: Fellows have the space and resources to develop an independent research agenda while benefiting from mentorship and departmental engagement.
- On Professional Integration: Active participation in seminars and events helps build networks and visibility within a strong Canadian political science community.
- On Public Engagement: The requirement to present research in Calgary connects academic work with wider audiences.
- On Career Development: The combination of salary, research funding, health benefits, and institutional support provides a solid platform for the next stage of an academic career.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: When is the application deadline?
A: 1 November 2026. All materials must be submitted in PDF format. - Q: When does the fellowship start?
A: Between 1 May and 1 September 2027. - Q: Is the fellowship renewable?
A: No. It is non-renewable and non-deferrable. - Q: Are there citizenship restrictions?
A: No. The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities. - Q: Can I hold another position at the same time?
A: No. You cannot hold another postdoctoral fellowship or full-time position concurrently. - Q: Who should I list as potential mentors?
A: Up to three faculty members from the Department of Political Science at the University of Calgary.
Concluding Remarks
The Mark Grosjean Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Science offers early-career researchers a valuable opportunity to advance independent research within a supportive and dynamic Canadian university environment. With competitive financial support, research freedom, and active institutional engagement, the fellowship provides a strong pathway for emerging scholars to develop impactful contributions in political science.
Interested applicants should prepare their materials carefully and submit their complete PDF application package by 1 November 2026. Visit the Official Website to Apply.