Independent Investigator Fellowship Program

National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing (NIBS)

The National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing (NIBS) also known as the Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical Research (TIMBR) within Tsinghua University.

The National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing (NIBS) invites applications from outstanding early-career scientists for the Independent Investigator Fellowship Program.

A Different Path to Scientific Independence

Many of the most transformative discoveries in biology were made by scientists at an early stage of their careers, when they were free to pursue bold ideas and challenge established paradigms. Yet in today's biomedical research ecosystem, the path to independence has become increasingly prolonged. Talented young scientists often spend many years in postdoctoral positions before having the opportunity to establish their own research programs.

NIBS believes that exceptional scientists should have the opportunity to pursue independence earlier.

The Independent Investigator Fellowship Program was established to accelerate the transition from doctoral training to scientific leadership. Rather than serving as another postdoctoral position, this program provides outstanding young scientists with the resources, mentorship, and intellectual freedom necessary to develop their own research vision and establish an independent scientific identity.

Our goal is to identify future leaders in biomedical research and provide them with the opportunity to begin leading independent research programs at an earlier stage of their careers.

Eligibility

Applicants should have received their Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent doctoral degree within the past three years and should demonstrate exceptional scientific achievement, creativity, and potential for independent research leadership.

Applicants from all areas of modern biomedical research are encouraged to apply.

Fellowship Support

Successful fellows will receive:

• Three years of internationally competitive salary and research support
• Flexible funding of RMB 1.5 million per year, to be used at the fellow's discretion in support of their independent research program
• Access to 16 state-of-the-art technology core facilities spanning transgenic animal resources, proteomics, imaging, biophysics, chemical biology, bioengineering, bioinformatics, AI-enabled research capabilities, and other advanced biomedical research technologies
• Mentorship from senior faculty members selected by the fellow
• Full scientific independence and ownership of their research accomplishments
• The opportunity to recruit and supervise up to two graduate students
• Subsidized housing
• Comprehensive administrative and operational support for establishing and managing an independent research program

An Environment Designed for Discovery

NIBS provides a uniquely supportive environment for young investigators. Our centralized research infrastructure allows fellows to pursue ambitious scientific questions without first building extensive technical capabilities. Fellows are encouraged to tackle important and challenging problems, develop original research directions, and establish collaborations across disciplines.

Faculty mentors are committed to helping fellows succeed while fully respecting their scientific independence. Fellows will receive guidance, advice, and access to institutional resources while retaining ownership of their ideas, discoveries, publications, and scientific achievements.

Importantly, the fellowship is not intended as an extension of postdoctoral training. Fellows are expected to pursue original research directions and will be evaluated as independent investigators rather than as trainees.

The program is designed as an accelerated pathway for exceptional young scientists to establish themselves as independent investigators and future leaders of the biomedical research community.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Research Proposal
3. Three Letters of Reference

Applications will be evaluated based on scientific accomplishment, originality, creativity, and potential for future leadership in biomedical research.

Commitment to Diversity

NIBS is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and intellectually vibrant scientific community. We welcome applications from outstanding scientists of all genders, nationalities, and ethnic backgrounds.

Shape the Future of Biomedical Research

If you are an ambitious young scientist with a bold idea and the determination to pursue it, we encourage you to apply.

NIBS is committed to creating an environment where exceptional talent can achieve scientific independence earlier, pursue transformative discoveries, and help define the future of biomedical research.

For application instructions and inquiries, please contact:

Email: fellowrecruit@nibs.ac.cn

Application Deadline: 31 August, 2026

Website: http://nibs.ac.cn