Overview
The Leon Levy Scholarships in Neuroscience (LLSN) program supports innovative young researchers at the postdoctoral level to conduct groundbreaking neuroscience research within the five boroughs of New York City, USA. The program aims to help scholars develop new ideas and directions to establish themselves as independent neuroscientists.
Coverage
This is a three-year award. Scholars will receive an annual stipend equivalent to 125% of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) postdoctoral rate, adjusted according to their postdoctoral year. Benefits include fringe benefits at the host institution's rate, a one-time US$2,000 flexible technology and travel allowance, and an annual supplement of up to US$10,000 to support care costs (e.g., dependent care). Indirect support to the host institution is allowed at the standard published rate, capped at 20%. Scholars also receive a 3-year membership to The New York Academy of Sciences, participation in a structured Mentorship Program, access to leadership and skills-building workshops, access to a community of past and present Leon Levy Scholars and Fellows, and grant writing support.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, DPhil, MD, DDS, DVM) and a full-time postdoctoral position at an eligible institution located within one of New York City's five boroughs by the appointment date (September 1, 2027). Applicants must have no more than three years of cumulative postdoctoral experience; their doctoral degree cannot be dated before September 1, 2024. Research must be conducted in Neuroscience or one of its sub-disciplines. Crucially, applicants must meet one of the following criteria by the time of appointment: be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, holder of J-1 Research Scholar status, holder of an H-1B Temporary Employee Status visa valid for the full tenure of the Scholarship, an individual granted deferred action status under DACA, an Indigenous individual exercising rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794, an individual granted Temporary Protected Status, an Asylee, or a Refugee. Conditional Visas will be considered. Eligible institutions are accredited non-profit academic institutions in New York City conducting original neuroscience research.
Requirements
Applicants must have the support of their proposed Research Advisor at the time of application. Selected Scholars must dedicate 100% of their time to the funded research proposal, though up to 20% may be spent on clinical obligations if applicable. Participation in a structured Mentorship Program is mandatory for the duration of the Scholarship.
How to apply
The application period opens on August 21, 2026. All application materials must be submitted by October 16, 2026. Interested candidates should apply through the official application portal. Information sessions are scheduled for September 15 and September 18, 2026, and registration is available to learn more about the program.
Notes
Scholarships for the 2027 cohort will run from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2030. Previous recipients of a Leon Levy Fellowship are not eligible. There is no upper limit on the number of applicants per institution or laboratory.
