Weizmann School of Science
Outstanding International Postdoctoral Program
Application deadline: January 31, 2026
The Weizmann Institute of Science invites outstanding international postdoctoral candidates to apply to a highly selective excellence program designed for researchers with the potential to lead independent, high-impact scientific research.
This program represents one of the most competitive postdoctoral opportunities at the Institute, which is open exclusively to candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, originality, and research promise.
Admission to the program follows a rigorous merit-based process. Only the most outstanding applicants will be selected for a fully funded scientific visit to the Weizmann Institute of Science, which serves as the first stage and the gateway to eligibility for a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship offering 120% excellence funding.
About the Weizmann Institute of Science
Located in Rehovot, Israel, the Weizmann Institute of Science is a world-leading center for fundamental research and higher education. Founded in 1934 and named after Dr. Chaim Weizmann, a distinguished chemist and Israel’s first president, the Institute has earned a global reputation for pioneering discoveries that have shaped modern science. Weizmann scientists have contributed to transformative advances across disciplines, including cancer immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, long-lasting influenza vaccines, alternative energy solutions, and the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN.
Ranked among the world’s leading research institutes, the Weizmann Institute fosters a uniquely interdisciplinary research culture and has supported more than 4,900 postdoctoral alumni since 1971, many of whom now hold leadership positions in academia, industry, and research organizations worldwide.
Research across scientific domains
Biology · Medicine · Physics
Chemistry · Mathematics · Computer Science
Earth Science · Science Education
Program Highlights
The program is intended for exceptional international PhD graduates who demonstrate clear potential for scientific independence and leadership.
Eligible candidates include:
- PhD students nearing graduation at research institutes abroad, or those who completed doctorate studies no more than two years ago.
- Candidates must have at least one article in peer-reviewed scientific journals or equivalently prestigious peer-reviewed conferences as the first author, or equivalent.
Selection is strictly merit-based and highly competitive.
Acceptance to the program follows a two-stage process design to ensure scientific excellence, mutual fit, and informed decision-making.
Stage 1 – Scientific visit to the Weizmann Institute
March 8–13, 2026
The visit includes:
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Accommodation for the entire stay
During the week, participants will engage in an immersive scientific program that includes:
- Interview with the head of the postdoctoral program
- One-on-one meetings with potential host Principal Investigators
- Tours of state-of-the-art laboratories and core research facilities
- Scientific presentations and interviews
- In-depth discussions with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and research groups
- Informal networking and guided social and cultural activities
The visit allows candidates to evaluate research environments, mentorship opportunities, and institutional culture in person, while providing the Institute with a comprehensive scientific assessment of each participant.
Acceptance to, and participation in, the fully funded scientific visit is a prerequisite for eligibility to apply for the postdoctoral fellowship.
Only the most outstanding participants, as determined by scientific merit and evaluation during the visit, will be invited to proceed.
Stage 2 – Invitation-Only Postdoctoral Fellowship
Following the visit, a select group of top candidates will receive offers to apply for a postdoctoral position at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
The fellowship package includes:
- 3-year appointment, with the possibility of extension up to 5 years
- 120% Excellence Fellowship (tax-free, above the standard postdoctoral rate)
- Free family medical insurance
- Daycare care subsidy
- Paid vacation days
- Relocation reimbursement and initial settlement support
- Subsidized housing options for international postdoctoral researchers
- Meal subsidies at campus restaurants and cafés
This comprehensive package is designed to remove practical and financial barriers, allowing fellows to focus entirely on research excellence and long-term scientific development.
Choosing a postdoctoral position is one of the most consequential decisions in an academic career.
This program enables candidates to:
- Evaluate potential mentors and laboratories in person
- Present their research to leading scientists in their field
- Build meaningful scientific connections beyond remote communication
- Gain a realistic understanding of what it means to work and live at Weizmann and in Israel
Submit the online application form.
Please note that at the bottom of the application form, you will be asked to select which funded visit you are applying for.
Please choose the first option: Outstanding Postdoc Program (Funded visit: March 8–13, 2026)
Sent to the postdoc@weizmann.ac.il the following documents:
- Single PDF containing a CV and a complete publication list
- Two letters of recommendation to be sent directly from the referee to postdoc@weizmann.ac.il (One of the letters must be from your PhD advisor.)
Please note:
- Applications will be reviewed only after both letters are received.
- There are no application fees.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the breadth of research at the Weizmann Institute of Science using the WIS scientists by keywords search tool, which allows prospective candidates to identify potential mentors and research areas of interest.
Apply now and join a global community of future scientific leaders
Timeline
Visit application deadline
(Stage 1)
Selection for Scientific Visit
On-Site Visit
Final answers
Postdoc application
-Stage 2-
Postdoc start date
Do you have any questions or need help?
Ms. Livnat Moses
Head of Postdoctoral Training Program
postdoc@weizmann.ac.il
+972-8-934-3842
