The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is a premier interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. IGB exemplifies team science research using cutting-edge genomic practices to tackle grand challenges in science and society. IGB is organized into three large programmatic areas: Health & Wellness, Technology & Society, and Agriculture & Energy. The thematic structure of the IGB enables cross-disciplinary research and training. IGB invites applications for its prestigious post-doctoral fellowship program, designed for exceptional emerging scholars who have earned their PhD within the past ten years. This program offers a stimulating and collaborative interdisciplinary environment for conducting independent and team-based research in the field of genomic biology.
Fellowships are awarded for an initial two-year term, with the possibility of a one-year extension based on performance. IGB Fellows are appointed by the institute and work within a thematic research area under the guidance of a theme leader and/or faculty mentor. Fellows are also expected to engage in professional development activities throughout their tenure, which may include fieldwork and/or community engagement. The fellowship provides an annual salary of $63,000 and includes a yearly research stipend of $7,500 to support scholarly activities.
Please submit your application by March 23, 2026.
Submission materials: Please submit materials in a PDF format.
A. Curriculum Vitae
B. Summary of research interests. Applicants must provide a summary of research interests that reflects alignment with the selected theme(s) of choice.
The statement should include:
1. Prior research experience – please describe your graduate research training.
2. Goals for the postdoctoral fellowship, outlining what you aim to accomplish during your tenure at IGB and preference for working with the theme of choice. Applicants are encouraged to propose specific areas of research or projects of interest that they would like to pursue within the thematic environment. Fellowship projects will be co-created with the theme leader and mentors.
3. Long-term career objectives, demonstrating how this fellowship will support your professional trajectory.
(Limit your summary to maximum of two pages (Letter 8.5X11)Line spacing: single space; Font size: 11 or higher: Margins: Narrow (0.5” or higher)
C. Interest in team science approach to research (200- 300 words)
IGB Fellows are part of a highly collaborative environment where researchers from diverse disciplines work together in shared laboratory spaces. This structure fosters innovation through the exchange of ideas and expertise. Fellows are also expected to engage in professional development activities offered by the institute to enhance their skills and broaden their perspectives.
Please describe your interest in contributing to and thriving within a team science environment. In your response, consider how collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and shared resources align with your research goals and professional development.
Applicants will be evaluated based on: Education (Degree – field of study and GPA ), research experience, fellowship goals and career goals, scientific productivity: publications and/or conference proceedings (for non-life science applicants), reference letters, and interest in team science.
Uploaded materials are accessed by search engines and should not contain confidential information.
The review committee will evaluate applications and make the selection by end of May 2026.
Please reach out to us if you have questions by emailing info-igb@illinois.edu.