Co-application Guidelines
What you submit (co-application)
Canada’s Best applications are developed jointly by the postdoc applicant and the supervisor.
Postdoc applicant provides
Degree documentation (proof of completion or expected completion)
CV (max 3 pages)
Research and Training Plan (co-developed with the supervisor, using the program template)
The postdoc contacts referees and asks them to send three reference letters directly to the Review Committee at ri_canadasbest@muhc.mcgill.ca
Supervisor provides / coordinates
Confirms the co-application with the selected postdoc
Contributes to the Research and Training Plan, including mentorship and training environment content
Research and Training Plan (joint co-application)
The postdoctoral candidate and supervisor must prepare a joint Research and Training Plan using the program template. This is the core document used to assess the proposed project, the fit between candidate and host environment, and the quality of the training plan.
Format and length
Use the Research and Training Plan template (download file below)
Recommended total length: ~1,000-1,500 words
Download the Research and Training Plan template
Use the Research and Training Plan template to prepare your joint co-application document.
What the Research and Training Plan should include
Please use the template and address the following sections clearly.
What is the core research question or problem?
Why does it matter?
Why is this the right time to pursue it?
What is the proposed approach/methods (high level)?
What key resources, platforms, or collaborations support the work?
Why is the project feasible within the fellowship term?
What strengths/skills does the postdoc bring?
Why is this pairing a strong fit?
How does the project support the fellow’s development?
What is novel, ambitious, or distinct?
How is it aligned with—but meaningfully distinct from—the supervisor’s current program?
Which 2030 Vision priority area(s) does the project support?
What is the intended impact (scientific, clinical, translational, and/or patient-centred)?
Please include:
Recent mentorship experience (approximate number of postdocs and graduate students mentored in the past 5 years)
Brief success examples (if any) (e.g., recent trainees and outcomes; success may include academic and non-academic paths such as faculty, industry, clinical research leadership, public sector, policy, or other research-related roles)
Supervision structure (meeting frequency and day-to-day support)
Feedback practices (how progress is reviewed and adjusted)
Mentorship committee (if applicable)
Supervisor’s commitment to provide professional development opportunities and inclusive work environments adapted to the needs of the candidate in an equitable manner
Ready to submit?
Once you’ve completed the Research and Training Plan template and gathered the other required documents, click Apply Now to open the submission form, then select “Postdoctoral Fellow (Co-application)” to begin your application.
