Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports postdoctoral researchers conducting innovative biodiversity research using comparative genomics, bioinformatics, and related genomic approaches. Fellows receive $62,000 per year for 12–24 months, along with up to $5,000 in research funding and possible relocation support for research conducted in residence at Smithsonian facilities.

About the Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship

The fellowship is designed for researchers working at the intersection of biodiversity science, genomics, comparative genomics, and computational biology.

It provides an opportunity for postdoctoral scientists to work collaboratively with researchers at Smithsonian museums and research institutes while using the Institution’s scientific collections, facilities, and expertise.

The program encourages research that can generate new insights into biodiversity through advanced genomic and bioinformatics methods.

Research Areas Supported

Proposed research should use substantial genomic and computational approaches to investigate biodiversity-related questions.

Relevant approaches may include:

• Phylogenomics – using genome-scale data to investigate evolutionary relationships.
• Population genomics – studying genetic variation within and among populations.
• Metagenomics – analyzing genetic material from environmental or mixed biological samples.
• Transcriptomics – examining RNA and gene-expression patterns.
• Comparative genomic analysis.
• Biodiversity genomics.
• Bioinformatics and computational analysis.

Applicants are encouraged to develop collaborative projects involving multiple Smithsonian facilities where appropriate.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive financial and institutional support for their research.

Key benefits include:

• $62,000 annual stipend.
• Fellowship duration of 12 to 24 months.
• Up to $5,000 research allowance.
• Potential support for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian.
• Access to relevant Smithsonian research facilities and scientific resources.
• Opportunities to collaborate with Smithsonian researchers and institutions.
• In-residence research experience within Smithsonian facilities.

The stipend and other fellowship funds are subject to applicable taxation.

Fellowship Duration and Funding

The fellowship normally supports research for 12 to 24 months.

The annual financial package includes:

• Stipend: $62,000 per year.
• Research allowance: Up to $5,000.
• Relocation support: May be available separately for eligible temporary relocation expenses.

Research allowances are determined according to the proposed research budget and the justification provided by the applicant.

Who Is Eligible?

The fellowship is intended for researchers at the postdoctoral level with expertise relevant to biodiversity genomics.

Applicants must:

• Have completed a Ph.D. or be close to completing one.
• Be able to conduct the proposed research in residence at one or more Smithsonian facilities.
• Propose a research project involving biodiversity genomics and significant comparative genomic or bioinformatics analysis.
• Be prepared to undertake the fellowship for 12 to 24 months.
• Demonstrate the scientific expertise necessary to successfully complete the proposed research.

Applicants who have not completed their Ph.D. by the application deadline must provide evidence that the degree has been completed before the fellowship begins.

Research Proposal Requirements

A strong proposal should clearly explain the scientific problem, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to biodiversity genomics.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A clearly defined biodiversity research question.
• Appropriate genomic or computational methodology.
• Strong justification for the proposed comparative genomic approach.
• A realistic research plan for the fellowship period.
• The need for Smithsonian facilities, collections, expertise, or research infrastructure.
• Potential for collaboration with Smithsonian researchers.
• Expected scientific contribution and broader significance.

The proposal should also explain why the Smithsonian is an appropriate environment for conducting the research.

Collaboration With Smithsonian Researchers

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential Smithsonian advisors or hosts before preparing their applications.

This is particularly important because the fellowship is designed around research conducted in residence at Smithsonian facilities.

Potential hosts may be based at Smithsonian museums or research institutes whose collections, laboratories, genomic resources, or scientific expertise align with the proposed project.

Early communication can help applicants:

1. Identify an appropriate Smithsonian host.
2. Determine whether relevant facilities and resources are available.
3. Refine the research question.
4. Develop potential collaborative activities.
5. Ensure that the proposed methodology is feasible at the host institution.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare their fellowship proposal around a clearly defined biodiversity genomics research project.

A practical application process is:

1. Identify a suitable research topic involving biodiversity genomics, comparative genomics, or bioinformatics.
2. Review Smithsonian research facilities and expertise relevant to the proposed project.
3. Contact potential Smithsonian advisors or hosts before submitting the proposal.
4. Develop a detailed research plan explaining objectives, methods, timeline, and expected outcomes.
5. Prepare a realistic research budget, particularly if requesting the additional research allowance.
6. Confirm Ph.D. eligibility and provide required evidence of degree completion where applicable.
7. Complete the fellowship application and submit the required supporting materials according to the program instructions.
8. Ensure the proposed research can be completed in residence at Smithsonian facilities for 12–24 months.

What Makes a Strong Application?

A competitive application should establish a clear connection between the research question and the fellowship’s biodiversity genomics focus.

Applicants should emphasize:

• Originality of the research.
• Strong scientific rationale.
• Appropriate use of genomic technologies.
• Robust bioinformatics methodology.
• Feasibility within the fellowship period.
• Relevance of Smithsonian collections or facilities.
• Potential for collaboration.
• Clear and measurable research outcomes.

Projects that make meaningful use of Smithsonian expertise and infrastructure can demonstrate particularly strong institutional fit.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Biodiversity genomics provides powerful tools for understanding species diversity, evolution, population structure, ecological relationships, and conservation challenges.

The fellowship combines postdoctoral research funding with access to Smithsonian scientific infrastructure, creating opportunities to conduct advanced genomic research in collaboration with specialists across different research disciplines.

The program can therefore be valuable for researchers seeking to:

• Develop advanced expertise in biodiversity genomics.
• Expand their international research network.
• Work with major biological collections and research resources.
• Develop interdisciplinary genomic research.
• Produce high-quality scientific outputs.
• Build long-term collaborations in biodiversity science.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid submitting proposals that are too broad or lack a clear connection to biodiversity genomics.

Common issues to watch for include:

• Failing to identify an appropriate Smithsonian host.
• Proposing research that does not require substantial genomic or bioinformatics analysis.
• Providing an unclear research methodology.
• Underestimating the time required for genomic data collection and analysis.
• Not explaining why Smithsonian facilities are necessary.
• Providing an unrealistic research budget.
• Failing to demonstrate that the project can be completed during the proposed fellowship period.
• Waiting until the application deadline to contact potential Smithsonian advisors.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Program: Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
• Research focus: Biodiversity genomics and comparative genomic research
• Key methods: Phylogenomics, population genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics
• Fellowship duration: 12–24 months
• Annual stipend: $62,000
• Research allowance: Up to $5,000
• Relocation support: May be available
• Research location: Smithsonian facilities
• Applicant level: Postdoctoral researchers
• Degree requirement: Ph.D. completed or near completion
• Collaboration: Smithsonian collaboration strongly encouraged

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship?

It is a postdoctoral research fellowship supporting biodiversity research that uses comparative genomics, bioinformatics, and related genomic approaches. Fellows conduct their research in residence at Smithsonian facilities.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

Fellows receive a $62,000 annual stipend. They may also receive up to $5,000 for research expenses, while separate relocation support may be available.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship supports research for 12 to 24 months, with funding prorated where applicable for shorter approved periods.

Who can apply for the fellowship?

Researchers who have completed or are close to completing a Ph.D. can apply, provided they propose eligible biodiversity genomics research to be conducted in residence at Smithsonian facilities.

What types of research are supported?

The program supports projects using approaches such as phylogenomics, population genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, comparative genomics, and significant bioinformatics analysis.

Do applicants need to contact a Smithsonian researcher before applying?

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential Smithsonian advisors or hosts before preparing and submitting their proposals. This can help establish research fit and identify appropriate facilities and collaborators.

Can applicants who have not yet completed their Ph.D. apply?

Yes. Applicants who have not completed their Ph.D. by the application deadline may apply, but they must provide proof of degree completion before the fellowship begins.

Conclusion

The Smithsonian Biodiversity Genomics Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers an opportunity for emerging researchers to pursue advanced biodiversity research using genomic and computational methods. With a $62,000 annual stipend, up to $5,000 in research support, and access to Smithsonian research facilities, the fellowship is particularly suited to postdoctoral scientists whose projects require comparative genomic analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Applicants should develop a focused research proposal, identify an appropriate Smithsonian host, demonstrate strong methodological expertise, and clearly explain how the Smithsonian research environment will contribute to the success and impact of their project.