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 We are now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 cohort.

Don't miss your chance to be a part of the next PRISM cohort - APPLY NOW and take the next step in your postdoctoral career with Stanford PRISM.

Eligibility: Open to those completing their PhD or other terminal doctoral degree between May 2025 and August 2026.

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: February 25, 2025
  • Decision Notifications: Late March 2025
  • On-site Interviews: May 12-14, 2025 – Meet faculty, connect with current postdocs, and explore postdoctoral training opportunities!

The application for our Fall 2025 cohort will open on July 1, 2025. Stay Informed: Join our Interest List for updates and opportunities.

Explore and Apply

Created in 2017, Stanford PRISM connects advanced graduate students from diverse backgrounds with potential postdoctoral mentors at Stanford. Twice a year, PRISM provides a unique opportunity for graduate students—especially those who may not have considered Stanford for postdoctoral training—to visit the campus, immerse themselves in its dynamic postdoctoral community, interview with faculty and lab groups, and network with current postdocs. With one of the largest postdoc populations in the country and a strong commitment to postdoctoral success, Stanford offers a uniquely rich postdoctoral training environment.

We encourage applications from all graduate students, with particular emphasis on those from backgrounds historically underrepresented in academia. Underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to, first-generation college graduates, individuals who have faced socioeconomic or educational disadvantages, people with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, those underrepresented by gender identity, sexual orientation, or expression, and individuals who have overcome discrimination based on any aspect of their identity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and all applications will be evaluated in accordance with applicable laws.

Graphic of postdoc testimonial “PRISM was the encouragement I needed to pursue a postdoc at Stanford, and the reason I found...

The Application

Fill out our online application, including your CV, a research statement, a recommendation from your mentor, and the names of up to six Stanford faculty with whom you would be interested in working. The PRISM Application Guide provides details about the application and how to select mentors. The Propel blog also has an excellent series of posts with guidance on exploring postdoctoral training and mentors. Candidates in the biosciences should also consider relevant T32 training programs at Stanford and their associated faculty.

After the application closes, eligible applications are forwarded to faculty for review. Faculty are instructed to review applications, conduct short screening interviews via Zoom with promising candidates, and nominate any candidates they would like to interview through PRISM. These nominations are used to build the cohort, and successful applicants are invited to visit. Invitees work with their faculty matches to establish interview schedules and work with the PRISM team to arrange travel to Stanford. We also provide training to help them prepare for the visit.

Eligibility

PRISM applicants must:

  • Be traveling from within the United States and its territories. Applications from students in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc., may also be considered, pending funding availability. Travel funds are not available for those located overseas. Self-funding for internationally-located applicants is not permitted. Faculty funding may be considered.
  • Intend to complete their PhD within 15 months of their PRISM visit, though later graduation dates may be considered, at the discretion of the faculty or program.

Citizenship requirements vary by School:

  • Applications for faculty in the School of Medicine: Applicants must be eligible for NIH T-32 training grants, which are limited to US Citizens or Permanent Residents, by the time they will begin their postdoctoral appointment. Dreamers and DACA recipients are also welcome to apply.
  • Applications for faculty in the Schools of Engineering, Humanities & Sciences, and the Doerr School of Sustainability: Applicants may be of any citizenship with appropriate visa status.

NOTE: Applications deemed ineligible per the above criteria will NOT be submitted to Stanford faculty for review.

Your Visit

The goal of the PRISM visit is for recruits to meet a variety of faculty, learn about postdoctoral training at Stanford, and meet current and future Stanford postdocs. Over 3-5 days, PRISM recruits engage in interviews and research group visits as well as a number of activities with the cohort and current postdocs, including representatives of SURPAS, the postdoc association, and the postdoc affinity groups. Recruits also have access to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs staff, who can answer questions and provide coaching.

Graphic of postdoc testimonial "“PRISM was integral in connecting me to Stanford faculty and helping me envision my life as a St

For Faculty

PRISM helps faculty discover and recruit postdoctoral scholars to their research groups through broad outreach, interview travel funds, and candidate support throughout recruitment.

“I certainly wouldn't have been connected with this candidate without PRISM.” —PRISM 2023 faculty

“This program is critical for my ability to maintain the diversity of my group.” — PRISM 2021 faculty

“I think it is a great recruitment tool to make it clear that there is a real commitment to diversity.” — PRISM 2019 faculty

PRISM Resources

PRISM in the News

Connect with Stanford PRISM

The PRISM Team Robin Sugiura, Director of Postdoctoral Training