The Postdoctoral Fellow Program provides internal University funding for postdoctoral researcher positions to support specific high-impact research agendas proposed by Bilkent University faculty members. The program is open to all academic disciplines and to all academic-promotion-track faculty members. Collaborative proposals may include researchers from within Bilkent University or other institutions.
Each selected proposal is awarded institutional funding for one postdoctoral fellow position for a period of two years, extendable to three. The principal faculty member is responsible for identifying and nominating a suitable candidate, whose appointment remains subject to formal University approval.
Faculty members submit research proposals in response to calls issued by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). Each call for proposals details the specific submission requirements, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for the cycle. Interdisciplinary proposals and collaborative initiatives across departments or other institutions are encouraged.
Proposals must describe the research agenda, its broader scientific significance, specific objectives, methodology, work packages, and execution timetable. Additionally, faculty members must outline the required qualifications and expertise expected of the fellow, supervision arrangements, and the institutional resources or facilities available to support the project.
Each proposal must identify concrete target outcomes, including published research results and/or planned submissions for external research grants. Publication plans should describe the anticipated research contributions and intended forms of publication. Grant application plans should identify the intended funding agencies or programs and the proposed scope of the applications. A timetable must be provided for the stated outcomes.
Proposals undergo competitive evaluation by an evaluation panel appointed by the Rector. Selection criteria include the academic merit and feasibility of the research agenda, the contribution expected from the postdoctoral fellow, the clarity and significance of the proposed outcomes, and the adequacy of the supervision and research environment.
The selection of a proposal authorizes institutional funding for a postdoctoral fellow position. Appointment of an individual to that position requires separate University approval.
The faculty member whose proposal is accepted is responsible for conducting a search, recruiting a suitable candidate, and submitting a formal nomination to the University. The nomination must include the candidate’s curriculum vitae, evidence of research qualifications, letters of reference, and a justification detailing the alignment between the candidate’s expertise and the approved project goals.
The University reviews the nominee’s qualifications and suitability before approving the appointment. The candidate must have completed the doctoral degree before the appointment begins.
The initial appointment is granted for two years. An extension of one additional year may be approved, subject to a satisfactory performance review and available funding, capping the total appointment to three years under the program. The faculty member must request an extension four months before the initial appointment ends. The request must summarize progress toward the approved outcomes, explain the work remaining, and specify the activities and outcomes targeted for the extension period. Extensions are subject to University approval.
The University funds the approved postdoctoral position. Salary and benefits are determined by the University in accordance with the fellow’s qualifications and experience and the applicable employment terms. The approved compensation and benefits package is specified in the official appointment offer.
The principal faculty member is responsible for supervising the fellow and monitoring progress toward the approved research objectives and outcomes. The faculty member and postdoctoral fellow jointly submit a biannual Progress Report describing the project achievements, completed work, publications, grant applications arising from the research, and adherence to the project timetable. Any material changes to the research agenda or expected outcomes must be explained and justified in the report.
A final report at the end of the appointment summarizes the research conducted and the outcomes achieved. Progress reports inform the University’s review of the appointment and any request for an extension.
The program is coordinated and overseen by the Office of the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation, with operational and administrative support provided by the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). Submission formats and procedural details are provided with each call for proposals. Inquiries regarding the program may be directed to ayry@bilkent.edu.tr.