CIRM Postdoctoral Scholar Award

California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Postdoctoral Scholar Award in Translational Stem Cell Research Request for Proposals

The following RFP is considered an internal Stanford funding opportunity. Therefore you do not need to submit your proposals through your RPM/RMG or CGO/OSR for institutional approval.

PI waivers are not needed for internal Stanford funding opportunities.

Program Overview:

CIRM funds a stem cell research training grant that supports translational stem cell research at the Stanford School of Medicine. We are offering a scholar award to support postdoctoral trainees conducting research on translational applications for stem cells in disease treatment. This award is not intended to fund basic research without any direct clinical relevance. The mission of this funding mechanism is to promote and support translational research in regenerative medicine utilizing stem cell biology.

Funding Level:

Postdoctoral trainees will receive a stipend of up to $85,734, which will be commensurate with their experience and align with Stanford's current compensation guidelines for postdoctoral positions.

Additionally, trainees will be provided with up to $12,000 per year to cover research-related expenses and health insurance benefits of up to $5,000.

The award will be for a duration of one year, starting on September 1, 2026, although earlier start dates may be possible as well.

Eligibility:

• Postdoctoral scholars in year 3 or earlier of training. Individuals appointed as an employee (i.e,.Instructors/ASR’s) at Stanford are not eligible.
• A trainee may not be concurrently supported with another fellowship or similar award that provides an overlapping stipend or otherwise duplicates provisions of the training grant award.
• There are no citizenship requirements.

Areas of Interest:

Research investigating the role of stem cells in disease or therapeutic development of stem cell applications in regenerative medicine will be prioritized. Applications that feature stem cells solely as experimental tools or propose research without a clinical focus will not be competitive.

To Apply:

Submit via email to Gerald Spangrude, PhD <spangrud@stanford.edu> by Friday, May 29, 2026.

• One page summary of your research project, including figures. References may be on a separate page.
• NIH-style biosketch
• One page describing current funding sources, dollar amounts, effective dates, and any submitted or pending funding proposals with start dates and dollar amounts.
• Letter of recommendation from your PI or department chair.

Proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee comprised of Stanford faculty based on following criteria:

• stem cell and translational focus of research activity
• novelty of approach
• lack of established independent research support from other mechanisms

Requirements of Award:

• Attend the annual CIRM Scholar meeting, typically held in Los Angeles, CA in July or August
• Present your work at the Stem Cell Institute’s Annual Scientific Retreat, typically held in mid-September
• Provide a final report upon completion of appointment

Questions may be directed to Dr. Spangrude (spangrud@stanford.edu).