Myotonic Dystrophy Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements: Applications are limited to those from academic institutions and/or non-profit research institutes. For-profit organizations are not eligible for this RFA. Applications from non-U.S. academic institutions or non-profit organizations are permitted, as long as they are accredited academic medical centers or research institutes.

1. Degree requirements - Postdoctoral applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D., D.O., or other doctoral degree in their profession from an accredited domestic or foreign institution before an MDF Fellowship award can be activated. The degree must be received within no more than three years before the fellowship period. Documentation of successful completion of a doctoral degree must be submitted prior to the start of the award. The sponsor of the applicant must focus a major portion of his or her lab’s activities on DM.

2. Commitment to myotonic dystrophy research - The MDF supports doctoral and postdoctoral scholars with outstanding potential to make contributions to myotonic dystrophy research. Previous work in this area is strongly encouraged but not required. However, the applicant should document how previous experiences and interests will enhance the proposed research to address important questions related to myotonic dystrophy. The applicant and sponsor must demonstrate a strong and enduring commitment to current and future research in this area

3. Sponsor - The applicant must identify a qualified sponsor to directly oversee and supervise the research activities. That sponsor must have background experience in myotonic dystrophy or a field of study relevant to the candidate’s application and be willing to actively support the applicant. The sponsor must document the availability of space, facilities, and research support to provide an outstanding training experience. For applicants who propose continued work at an institution where they have been engaged for more than one year, it is important that the sponsor document how the MDF award will enhance the opportunity for new research experiences and broaden the scientific and/or clinical background of the applicant. It is expected that the sponsor will encourage and assist the prospective Doctoral or Postdoctoral Fellow with the application. Co-sponsors are encouraged when projects utilize a multidisciplinary approach (e.g., two co-sponsors, one in a biotechnology company and the other in academia, for an early-stage drug discovery and development project.

Summary

MDF is committed to improving the future of DM research through our impactful Research Fellows Program. This signature initiative has empowered 52 talented individuals, achieving a remarkable 96% retention rate in the DM field. Over $5 million has been invested since 2009, fostering a lasting impact on the field.

Duration of Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Awarded fellowships are for two years, with second-year funding dependent on the successful completion of the first year’s stated objectives. Prior to the actual awarding of the grant, the applicant must have fully met all the requirements of her/his institutional country for residency, where applicable. Applicants may apply once per calendar year. Once receiving an award, grant recipients are not eligible to apply for three calendar years. Applicants may only apply for one type of MDF grant at a time and may only receive one grant during the duration of their award. The Small Grants Program is an exception to this rule (please see the specific RFA for more information).

Number of Awards: To be determined based on applicant mix and available funds.

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

Application deadlines

Proposals Due

Selection Notification

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at fellowships@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Period of Award: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

Submission Process and Requirements: Proposals must be submitted in 12-point font. Proposals must be submitted via the Proposal Central application system by September 12, 2025, at 5 PM Pacific Time.

Travel Funds: Travel funds of $5,000 are included to fund attendance by the MDF Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Fellows at the biennial International Myotonic Dystrophy Consortium meeting (IDMC) and the MDF Conferences. Travel funds not used for these purposes must be returned to the MDF at the end of each year of the funding period. The MDF awards may not be used to fund institutional capital cost recovery, overhead, or other indirect costs. Second-year funding of an MDF Doctoral or Postdoctoral Research Fellowship award is contingent upon documentation of satisfactory progress. A progress report satisfactory to the MDF is required four weeks after the end of each award year. The Foundation can cancel the award for non-compliance with any of the eligibility rules herein or due to nonperformance.