How it Works
Canada’s Best brings together two groups: supervisors who want to host a fellow, and postdoctoral candidates looking for the right project and mentorship environment.
Pairing happens before application submission: postdoctoral candidates first connect with an eligible supervisor, and the application is then developed jointly.
Supervisors first submit a short EOI to confirm eligibility, funding readiness (cost-share requirement) and project information for public posting.
As they are approved, supervisors and project summaries are added to the Supervisors and Projects list for applicants to browse.
Candidates browse the Supervisors and Projects list and reach out directly to supervisors to discuss:
- Fit
- Timing
- Feasibility
- Expected role and contribution
- Start date and onboarding considerations
If there is a mutual fit, the supervisor and postdoc work together to prepare and submit a co-application.
Complete applications are screened, peer reviewed, and decisions are communicated after each review cycle.
Review and committee decision
Eligible applications are assessed by a Review Committee of five senior Principal Investigators, chaired by Dr. Indra Gupta.
The committee uses a standardized rubric and meets after each review cycle to finalize decisions.
What the committee looks for (selection criteria)
Applications are evaluated using a standardized rubric across three weighted criteria:
Research Excellence and Achievements (40%)
Publication record, track record, working in partnership, contribution to policy or improvements in practice, and competitive recognition.
Proposal Quality and 2030 Vision Alignment (30%)
Innovation, significance, feasibility, and fit with The Institute’s 2030 Vision priorities.
Supervisor Fit and Training Environment (30%)
Fit with the host environment and strength of the mentorship/training plan.
Decisions and timelines
Co-applications are reviewed in two cycles throughout the year. Each cycle has a submission deadline, followed by an evaluation period, with decisions communicated shortly after.
Start dates and onboarding
Start dates are coordinated with the supervisor and candidate and may depend on onboarding requirements and, where applicable, work authorization processes.
Once an offer is accepted, appointment and onboarding steps begin to support a smooth start.
