Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Canada

Explore the Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Canada, including funding, eligibility, research areas, deadlines and application process.

The Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a three-year research opportunity at the Université de Montréal in Canada for talented postdoctoral researchers working in areas related to materials science, quantum materials, artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary scientific research.

The fellowship is designed to support ambitious researchers who want to develop original and high-impact research projects while collaborating with leading researchers in chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics.

The programme offers a salary of CAD 63,819 per year, with an approximate total value of CAD 76,000 per year including benefits, plus up to CAD 30,000 per year in research funding when justified. The funding period is three years.

For the 2026 competition, the Notice of Intent deadline is September 10, 2026, while the full application deadline is September 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Funding is expected to begin between March and September 2027.

Scholarship Overview

The Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship is a research-focused opportunity rather than a conventional student scholarship. It provides selected postdoctoral researchers with financial support and an environment for independent, interdisciplinary research.

The Institut Courtois is part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the Université de Montréal and focuses on research at the intersection of new materials, quantum physics and artificial intelligence.

At a Glance

Information	Details
Programme	Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
Host Institution	Université de Montréal
Institute	Institut Courtois
Location	Montréal, Québec, Canada
Level	Postdoctoral Research
Duration	3 years
Salary	CAD 63,819/year
Approx. Value with Benefits	CAD 76,000/year
Research Funding	Up to CAD 30,000/year
Notice of Intent Deadline	September 10, 2026
Full Application Deadline	September 28, 2026
Results	January 2027
Funding Start	March–September 2027
Research Areas	Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, AI

University Overview

The Université de Montréal (UdeM) is a major research university in Montréal, Québec, Canada. Institut Courtois operates within its Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

The institute provides a collaborative research environment bringing together researchers from different scientific disciplines. Its work combines theoretical and experimental approaches to understand and manipulate the properties of matter.

Researchers connected with the institute include specialists from the university’s departments of chemistry, physics, computer science and operations research, and mathematics.

This interdisciplinary environment is particularly suitable for researchers interested in combining materials research with advanced computational methods and artificial intelligence.

Country Overview

Canada is one of the world’s major destinations for research and higher education, with universities and research institutions offering opportunities across science, technology, engineering and other fields.

Montréal is an important Canadian research and innovation centre. It is also known for its strong presence in artificial intelligence, scientific research and higher education.

For international postdoctoral researchers, Montréal can provide access to a multicultural academic environment and a large research community.

Applicants should nevertheless consider Canada’s cost of living, housing market, immigration requirements and taxation when evaluating a postdoctoral opportunity.

Why Conduct Research at Institut Courtois?

Interdisciplinary Research

The institute brings together researchers from chemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics. This creates opportunities to approach materials research from multiple perspectives.

Materials Science and AI

Institut Courtois specifically aims to combine expertise in materials with recent advances in artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery, development and characterization of new materials.

Independent Research

The postdoctoral fellowship is intended to allow researchers to develop an original research programme rather than simply working as part of an existing project.

International Research Environment

Researchers can work alongside established scientists and develop collaborations across disciplines and institutions.

High-Impact Research

The institute focuses on ambitious research addressing major scientific and societal challenges, including energy, quantum technologies and advanced materials.

Degree Levels

This opportunity is specifically for postdoctoral researchers.

It is not a Master’s or PhD scholarship. Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree or be able to obtain the degree before the funding begins, subject to the fellowship’s eligibility requirements.

Available Research Fields

The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers working in:

• Materials Science
• Quantum Materials
• Quantum Photonics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Molecular Materials
• Energy and Environmental Materials

The institute’s research directions also include AI for materials science and materials science for AI.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides substantial financial and research support.

Financial Support

• CAD 63,819 annual salary
• Approximately CAD 76,000/year including benefits
• Up to CAD 30,000/year in research funding, when justified
• Three years of funding

The research funding is intended to support the fellow’s research programme and is separate from the salary component.

Research Environment

Fellows can benefit from:

• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Access to Institut Courtois researchers
• Opportunities to develop original research
• Connections between materials science and AI
• An environment focused on innovative and exploratory research

Hidden Costs

Although the fellowship provides a strong salary, applicants should understand that it is not necessarily equivalent to a tax-free scholarship.

Potential Cost	What to Consider
Income tax	Salary is generally subject to applicable taxation
Housing	Montréal accommodation costs vary by neighbourhood and housing type
Utilities	Electricity, heating and internet may be additional
Health coverage	Check eligibility and applicable Canadian/Québec coverage
Immigration	Work permit-related costs may apply depending on circumstances
Airfare	Check whether relocation/travel costs are separately covered
Daily expenses	Food, transportation and personal costs
Research expenses	Research funding should be planned according to approved project needs

Applicants should prepare a realistic Montréal budget before accepting an offer.

Eligibility Criteria

According to the 2026 fellowship information, applicants must:

• Be enrolled or plan to enrol in a postdoctoral programme at the Université de Montréal.
• Have obtained their doctoral degree within the three years preceding the start of funding, or expect to obtain it before funding begins.
• Propose an original research programme connected to the expertise of Institut Courtois members.
• Be legally authorised to work in Canada for the relevant period, or commit to taking the necessary steps to obtain a work permit.

Because this is a research fellowship, applicants should have a research profile that fits the institute’s scientific priorities.

A strong match between the applicant’s doctoral research, proposed postdoctoral project and Institut Courtois expertise is therefore important.

Required Documents

The exact submission requirements should be checked against the official 2026 competition instructions before applying.

✓	Document / Requirement	Purpose
☐	Academic CV	Research and academic background
☐	Doctoral degree information	Demonstrates PhD qualification
☐	Research proposal	Explains proposed postdoctoral research
☐	Publication record	Demonstrates research experience
☐	Research plan	Describes objectives and methodology
☐	Proposed supervisor/collaborators	Establishes research environment
☐	Supporting documents	As required by the competition
☐	Notice of Intent	Required before full application
☐	Full application	Final competition submission

Applicants should also identify potential Institut Courtois researchers whose expertise closely matches their proposed project.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The fellowship has a two-stage submission structure: a Notice of Intent (NOI) followed by the full application.

Step	Action	Practical Guidance
1	Review the fellowship	Confirm that your research profile fits Institut Courtois priorities.
2	Check eligibility	Verify your PhD completion timeline and work-authorisation requirements.
3	Study research areas	Review the institute’s researchers and scientific themes.
4	Identify potential collaborators	Find at least one suitable Institut Courtois researcher whose expertise matches your project.
5	Develop your research idea	Create an original, ambitious and realistic research programme.
6	Prepare your CV	Highlight publications, awards, research projects and academic achievements.
7	Prepare the Notice of Intent	Submit the required initial information before the NOI deadline.
8	Develop the full proposal	Expand the research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes and collaboration plan.
9	Prepare supporting documents	Check that all required files are complete and in the requested format.
10	Submit the full application	Submit before September 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
11	Wait for evaluation	Applications undergo the institute’s selection process.
12	Prepare for funding	Successful applicants complete the necessary institutional and immigration arrangements.

Research Proposal Focus

A strong proposal should explain:

Research problem → Knowledge gap → Proposed innovation → Methodology → Expected results → Scientific impact → Collaboration

The proposal should demonstrate why the research is appropriate for Institut Courtois and how interdisciplinary collaboration can strengthen the project.

Application Timeline

Stage	Date
Competition Launch	May 4, 2026
Notice of Intent Deadline	September 10, 2026
Full Application Deadline	September 28, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Results Announcement	January 2027
Funding Begins	March–September 2027

These dates are taken from the official 2026 fellowship announcement.

Selection Criteria

The fellowship is designed for high-calibre researchers capable of conducting innovative and impactful postdoctoral research.

A competitive application should demonstrate:

• Strong doctoral research background
• Research excellence
• Originality of the proposed project
• Clear scientific objectives
• Strong fit with Institut Courtois
• Interdisciplinary potential
• Potential for significant research impact
• Ability to develop an independent research programme

The institute particularly encourages projects involving interdisciplinary collaboration in areas such as chemistry, physics and computer science.

Accommodation & Living Costs

Postdoctoral fellows will need to arrange accommodation in Montréal.

Possible housing options include:

• Private apartments
• Shared accommodation
• University-related housing where available
• Short-term accommodation during relocation

The cost of living will depend heavily on housing location, apartment size and personal lifestyle.

Applicants should calculate monthly costs for rent, food, transportation, utilities, insurance and other personal expenses before finalising their relocation plans.

The annual salary is designed to support the fellow’s living and professional needs, but the CAD 30,000 research funding should not be treated as personal living income.

Part-time Jobs

The fellowship is a full-time postdoctoral research position. Fellows should prioritise their approved research activities.

Any additional employment should be considered only after checking the terms of the appointment, Université de Montréal policies and Canadian immigration/work-permit conditions.

Canada Work Permit Process

International postdoctoral researchers may require appropriate Canadian work authorisation.

The exact immigration pathway depends on the applicant’s nationality, employment arrangement and current Canadian immigration rules.

A typical process may involve:

Fellowship/appointment offer → Institutional documentation → Work permit application if required → Immigration approval → Travel to Canada → Begin postdoctoral research

Applicants should not rely on outdated immigration information. Canadian immigration rules can change, so successful international candidates should follow the current instructions provided by the Canadian government and Université de Montréal.

Tips for Applicants

• Start preparing your research proposal early.
• Study Institut Courtois researchers before choosing a project.
• Make the interdisciplinary connection clear.
• Explain what is genuinely new about your proposed research.
• Highlight your strongest publications and research achievements.
• Contact potential collaborators professionally.
• Make sure your PhD timeline satisfies the eligibility rule.
• Do not leave the Notice of Intent until the final day.

Common Mistakes

• Proposing research unrelated to Institut Courtois
• Writing a proposal that is too broad
• Failing to explain the research gap
• Ignoring the interdisciplinary nature of the institute
• Not identifying suitable collaborators
• Confusing research funding with personal salary
• Missing the Notice of Intent deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship?

It is a three-year postdoctoral research opportunity at the Université de Montréal focused on innovative research related to materials science, physics, chemistry, computer science and AI.

2. How much funding is provided?

The fellowship offers a salary of CAD 63,819 per year, approximately CAD 76,000 including benefits, plus up to CAD 30,000 per year in research funding when justified.

3. How long is the fellowship?

The funding duration is three years.

4. Who can apply?

Researchers who meet the postdoctoral eligibility requirements and propose an original project aligned with Institut Courtois research areas can apply.

5. Do I need a PhD?

Yes. Applicants must have obtained their doctoral degree within the specified three-year period before funding begins or expect to obtain it before funding starts.

6. Can international researchers apply?

International researchers may be considered, but they must meet the applicable Canadian work-authorisation requirements.

7. What are the main research areas?

Research includes quantum materials, quantum photonics, energy and environmental materials, molecular materials and AI for materials science.

8. When is the Notice of Intent deadline?

The 2026 Notice of Intent deadline is September 10, 2026.

9. When is the full application deadline?

The full application deadline is September 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

10. When will the results be announced?

Results are scheduled to be announced in January 2027.

11. When does the funding start?

Funding is expected to begin between March and September 2027.

12. Can the research project involve AI?

Yes. AI is an important component of Institut Courtois research, particularly the intersection of AI and materials science.

13. Is this a Master’s or PhD scholarship?

No. It is specifically a postdoctoral research fellowship.

14. Can I use the research funding as my personal stipend?

The CAD 30,000 research allocation is intended to support the research programme and should not be considered additional personal salary.

15. Where is the fellowship located?

The fellowship is based at the Université de Montréal in Montréal, Québec, Canada. The Institut Courtois is located at the university’s MIL campus.

Conclusion

The Institut Courtois Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking to develop ambitious, interdisciplinary work in materials science, quantum technologies and artificial intelligence.

Its combination of a three-year appointment, competitive salary and dedicated research funding makes it particularly attractive to researchers who already have a strong doctoral research record and a clear vision for an independent postdoctoral project.

The most important step is to establish a strong research fit. Applicants should carefully examine Institut Courtois research areas and researchers, develop an original proposal and demonstrate how their work can contribute to the institute’s interdisciplinary environment.

For the 2026 competition, the Notice of Intent deadline is September 10, 2026, followed by the full application deadline of September 28, 2026.

If your research background aligns with materials science, quantum physics, chemistry, computer science or AI, this fellowship could be a valuable opportunity to develop your research career in Canada.

Start preparing your research proposal and identify potential Institut Courtois collaborators before the Notice of Intent deadline.