Call for Nominations
2026/27 Cohort
The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholars Program attracts high-achieving postdoctoral scholars from premier universities in the United States and Canada to do research at one of eight Israeli universities. Once they complete their research, many Zuckerman postdocs are expected to accept faculty positions at top North American universities, weaving a network of academic collaboration and goodwill that will greatly benefit US-Israeli scientific cooperation.
The program enriches scholars with high-quality workshops and world-class speakers. Zuckerman Scholars enjoy programming and activities organized especially for them by the program and their host universities in Israel, including touring, educational experiences, and social programs. These activities are designed to strengthen the scholars’ knowledge of and connection to Israel, as well as to foster new relationships cultivating an esprit de corps and encouraging the exchange of ideas.
Candidates for the Zuckerman STEM Leadership Program are assessed based on their academic and research achievements, as well as on personal merit and leadership qualities, without regard to race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or age.
Recipients may not accept other scholarships concurrently with the Zuckerman STEM scholarship.
Participating Israeli universities are Ariel University, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, University of Haifa, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, and Weizmann Institute of Science.
Candidates may apply to more than one of the above universities.
12 postdoctoral scholarships will be given out for the 2026-2027 academic year in two tracks. Candidates may apply to more than one of the eight participating Israeli universities. Israeli citizens are not eligible for this program.
A two-year postdoctoral scholarship where scholars conduct research exclusively at one of eight participating Israeli universities.
Joint Postdoc Track: A two-year joint postdoctoral scholarship where scholars spend half of their time at one of eight participating Israeli universities, and the other half at a US or Canadian university.
The starting date of the Scholarship in 2026-2027 academic year is October 2026. Candidates may start their scholarship as early as June 2026, and no later than March 2027 for up to maximum 24 months from the date of start.
Postdoctoral scholars receive a scholarship of $63,000 per year for up to two years.
Research and travel funds are subject to Israeli academic institution regulations.
Postdoctoral scholars receive a scholarship of $63,000 per year for up to two years on the condition that the scholar be present and conducting research at the Israeli university for at least six months per year.
Research and travel funds are subject to Israeli academic institution regulations.
US or Canadian university may provide other supplemental funding for living expenses.
Joint postdoctoral candidates must be citizens of the United States or Canada or have a documented status that allows them to study and work in the US.
Candidates must hold a PhD degree from a leading American or Canadian university, or if still studying for a PhD, must submit their PhD thesis before October 1, 2025.
Joint postdoctoral candidates must obtain consent from potential hosting supervisors at both the Israeli university and the American or Canadian university to which they are applying.
The Zuckerman Postdoctoral Scholarship is paid by the host academic Israeli institution in Israeli Shekels (ILS).
To apply for the Postdoc Program, candidates will be required to secure written consent from a potential supervisor at one or more of the Universities and to submit such consent with its application which must include the following:
Additional Supporting Documents for the Joint IsraelI-North America Postdoc Track:
Zuckerman Scholars are required to participate in sponsored events and activities during the academic year. These events include but are not limited to:
Shlomit Appel Academic Secretariat Foundations and Scholarships Department
