FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowships in Brazil - Highest Paying Postdoc in Brazil

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Are you a recent PhD graduate eager to join a vibrant research community? The FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship, offered by the São Paulo Research Foundation, is a prestigious opportunity to conduct high-impact research in São Paulo, Brazil. This fellowship supports talented scientists from Brazil and abroad to work with leading research groups at top institutions. Below, we’ve simplified the key details to help you apply with confidence.

What is the FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship enables promising researchers to join active research groups in São Paulo, Brazil. It’s designed for scientists who completed their PhD within the last 7 years (with exceptions per PR Ordinance no. 171/2024) and want to contribute to cutting-edge research in fields like natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and more.

The fellowship is supervised by an experienced researcher at a São Paulo-based institution, ensuring you have the mentorship and resources needed to excel. Applications are open year-round, making it flexible for researchers worldwide.

Why Apply for This Fellowship?

This fellowship offers robust support to help you focus on your research and career growth. Here’s what you’ll get:

Monthly Stipend: Approximately R$1,2000 (tax-free)
Research Funding: A technical reserve (15% of the annual fellowship amount) for research-related expenses like equipment, travel, or materials.
Relocation Support: Moving cost allowance for those relocating over 350 km to the host institution (details at fapesp.br/7771).
Maternity/Paternity Leave: Paid leave without fellowship interruption (guidelines at fapesp.br/8484).
Social Security Contribution: Reimbursement for INSS contributions (see fapesp.br/16951 and fapesp.br/16953).
Research Internship Abroad (RIA): Opportunity to conduct part of your research at a prestigious international institution (details at fapesp.br/bolsas/bepe).

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must meet these criteria:

Candidate Requirements

Hold a PhD obtained within the last 7 years (exceptions apply per PR Ordinance no. 171/2024).
Demonstrate an excellent academic record and research potential through publications, patents, or other achievements.
Have no pending responsibilities with FAPESP (e.g., overdue reports).
For international applicants, secure necessary visas and provide proof of English proficiency (or Portuguese/Spanish, if required).
Not receive funding from other sources for the same research project unless approved by FAPESP.

Supervisor Requirements

Be a researcher at a São Paulo-based higher education or research institution.
Hold a PhD or equivalent and have experience leading internationally competitive research projects.
Show international research experience or active participation in global research networks.
Provide a justification linking the candidate’s project to the research group’s ongoing work.
Be a formal employee of the host institution (exceptions may apply; consult FAPESP via “Converse com a FAPESP” at fapesp.br).

Fellowship Duration

Initial Duration: Up to 36 months, starting on the first day of the month.
Extensions: Fellowships linked to specific FAPESP grants (e.g., Thematic Project, Young Investigator) may be extended up to 48 months total.
Interruptions for Research Abroad: Up to 12 months for a research internship abroad (RIA or other funding), with reactivation required via the SAGe system.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through FAPESP’s SAGe system (fapesp.br/sage) at any time during the year. Follow these steps:

Find a Supervisor: Contact a researcher at a São Paulo institution (e.g., University of São Paulo, UNICAMP) to secure their support and a conditional acceptance letter.
Prepare Your Documents:
- Research project (up to 10 pages, Times New Roman 12, 1.5 spacing).
- Curricular summaries for both candidate and supervisor (Lattes CV for Brazilians; standard CV for others).
- Complete PhD transcript (official, with grades and criteria).
- Data Management Plan (up to 2 pages, per fapesp.br/gestaodedados).
- Post-Doctoral program development plan (SAGe template).
- Letter from the host institution head and infrastructure details (SAGe templates).
- For linked grants, a signed statement from the Principal Investigator.
- Proof of PhD completion (can be submitted upon acceptance).
- Proof of leave or resignation if employed (or a statement if not employed).
Submit via SAGe: Ensure both candidate and supervisor are registered in SAGe with updated IDs.
Include Legal Authorizations: If required, ensure compliance with research-related regulations (e.g., ethics approvals).

Linked Grant Applications

Fellowships can be linked to ongoing FAPESP grants (e.g., Thematic Project, Young Investigator) or requested as a budget item. Include the grant process number in the “Processo Vinculado” field and a signed statement from the Principal Investigator.

Application Review Process

FAPESP uses a rigorous peer-review process, with an average review time of 75 days. The process involves:

Eligibility Check: Area Coordinators verify requirements.
Ad Hoc Review: Specialists evaluate the research project, candidate’s background, and supervisor’s expertise.
Panel Review: Area and Associate Coordinators ensure consistency and excellence.
Final Decision: Made by the Scientific Director, Executive Board, and Board of Trustees.

Review Criteria

Research Project: Originality, relevance, feasibility, and Data Management Plan quality.
Candidate’s Background: Academic record, publications, and international experience.
Supervisor’s Background: Research productivity, leadership, and mentoring ability.

If denied, you can request reconsideration per fapesp.br/reconsideracao.

Obligations of Fellowship Recipients

As a fellowship recipient, you must:

Dedicate exclusively to the research project (exceptions per PR Ordinance no. 05/2012).
Participate in FAPESP’s Mentoring Program (mentoriapd.fapesp.br).
Submit scientific and financial reports on time (partial at 18 months, final post-fellowship).
Acknowledge FAPESP in all publications and ensure open access to research outputs (fapesp.br/12632).
Notify FAPESP of any additional funding or changes to the project plan.
Comply with FAPESP’s Code of Good Scientific Practices (fapesp.br/boaspraticas).

Obligations of Supervisors

Supervisors must:

Oversee the project and ensure its success.
Communicate with FAPESP on behalf of the recipient.
Provide reviews for FAPESP when requested.
Acknowledge FAPESP in publications and manage data per the Data Management Plan.

Tips for a Strong Application

Choose the Right Supervisor: Ensure their expertise aligns with your project.
Craft a Clear Proposal: Highlight originality, feasibility, and alignment with the host group’s research.
Showcase Your Achievements: Emphasize publications, patents, and international experience.
Plan for RIA: Including a research internship abroad can strengthen your application.
Check Deadlines and Details: Use updated forms and guidelines at fapesp.br and fapesp.br/sage.

Why Choose São Paulo, Brazil?

World-Class Institutions: Collaborate with top universities like USP, UNICAMP, or UNIFESP.
Dynamic Research Environment: Join a global hub for innovation and discovery.
Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Brazil’s vibrant culture and academic community.

Ready to Apply?

The FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship is your chance to advance your research career in one of the world’s most exciting research destinations. Visit fapesp.br/en/postdoc for full guidelines and apply through the SAGe system at fapesp.br/sage. For questions, contact FAPESP via “Converse com a FAPESP” or your host institution.

Source: Guidelines valid until May 31th, 2025 are available at https://fapesp.br/17582/.