Grantsmanship for Postdoctoral Scholars

Postdoctoral scholars face a range of challenges when preparing and submitting proposals. To help postdocs navigate the grantsmanship landscape in their time at UC Davis, we have curated resources that will address:

For suggestions on approaching specific sections of a proposal as a postdoc and much more, visit the Navigating Grantsmanship for Postdoctoral Scholars module in our Grantsmanship Learning Lab on Canvas. The learning lab is open to all UC Davis affiliates using SSO login.

Funding for postdoctoral scholars

A variety of funding types are available to postdoctoral scholars. While the most common are fellowships and research grants, post doctoral scholars may also be interested in applying for early career awards, travel grants, and workshop/conference grants. To learn more about the different types of funding available to postdocs visit the Types of funding for different needs page in the Navigating Grantsmanship for Postdoctoral Scholars on our Canvas-based Grantsmanship Learning Lab. 

Visiting sponsor websites, state and federal databases, and resources from relevant offices on campus are all ways to find available funding opportunties. Another tool available to UC Davis affiliates is Pivot-RP, the largest academic funding database. Through Pivot, you can set-up curated funding searches for your particular field and needs. For help using Pivot, visit the Strategic Initiatives and Research Funding (SIRF) webpage and reach out to them about their periodic trainings at [email protected]. You can also sign up for the SIRF team's weekly funding newsletters to keep up with new opportunities as they arise.

Where to get help with submitting applications

There is often a bit of confusion about where UC Davis postdoctoral scholars can get help submitting their applications. The general rules are:

To confirm the appropriate submission office for your proposal, email external fellowships in Grad Studies or the SPO proposal team to clarify which office you should work with to submit your proposal.

Important things to know about working with these offices:

  • It’s never too early to contact these offices – they can guide you and prevent unnecessary detours.
  • These offices need all application materials ready at least five business days before the sponsor’s deadline. You should contact them for the first time well in advance of that 5-day deadline just to get a clear understanding of the process.
  • If you are applying to an agency that requires an eRA Commons account, the office helping you submit your application (Grad Studies or Sponsored Programs) will also be the one to contact for help creating an account.

Grantsmanship resources available for postdocs

There are several offices on campus with resources that postdoctoral scholars can use when preparing proposals. 

Proposal Development Services (PDS)

The Proposal Development Services (PDS) team can provide direct assistance to postdoctoral scholars only if they are the PI on a non-fellowship proposal that must be submitted through the UC Davis Sponsored Programs Office (SPO). We do, however, have some helpful proposal development resources that are available to all UC Davis affiliates using their SSO login.

  • Research Development Toolbox - Our website houses templates and samples for a variety of funders and opportunities. Postdocs may find the Early Career Resources tab at the top to be of particular help. 
  • Grantsmanship Learning Lab - Our Canvas-based learning lab contains modules on all aspects of grantsmanship, including information about campus offices, best practices for developing your proposed idea and pitch, preparing proposal components, communicating your idea, developing effective figures, and much more. 

School of Medicine Office of Research

The UC Davis SOM Office of Research offers career development classes and programs for NIH grants. These programs are typically only available for those in the School of Medicine and the College of Biological Sciences.

  • KOHORT- A 6-month program for postdocs and early-stage investigators that provides a solid foundation in creating, submitting, and receiving a career development award (K01, K08, K23, K99/R00, etc.) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • Fellowship Award Writing course - A hands-on experience for pre- and postdoctoral scholars wanting to apply to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for an individual National Research Service Award (NRSA). This program is open to all UC Davis pre- and postdoctoral scholars, with priority given to cancer-focus scholars and translational researchers. This program will prepare post-docs to apply for the F32.  

Foundation and Corporate Engagement (FCE)

Foundations and Corporate Engagement oversees funding opportunities through corporate partnerships and public and private foundations. Work with your PI/mentor to receive assistance and guidance from the FCE.

Writing Center for editing support   

The UC Davis Writing Center is not specific to grant writing, but can provide helpful writing support, especially for non-native English speakers. You can schedule one-on-one consultations and they offer events that may be useful for early career researchers as well.

Postdoctoral Scholars Association (PSA)

The UC Davis PSA holds and shares grant writing workshops and retreats (Workshops and Events). They also publish a magazine, called Beast 2.0, that can contain tips for preparing research proposals.  

Graduate Pathways Institute for Professional Development (GPI)

GPI for Professional Development has resources on a variety of topics for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, including those related to writing.