Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
The Smithsonian Institution (SI) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biodiversity Genomics promotes collaborative research in these fields involving comparative genomic approaches such as phylogenomics, population genomics, metagenomics or transcriptomics, and have a component that involves significant bioinformatics analysis.
The stipend for postdoctoral and senior fellows is $62,000 per year, prorated for shorter periods. Fellows may also receive a maximum research allowance of $5,000 to support expenses directly related to their project. Relocation support is awarded separately, but funding for dependents’ travel or living expenses is not available. All Smithsonian fellowship funds, including stipends and allowances, are subject to tax. Applicants must propose to conduct research in-residence for a period of 12 to 24 months.
Applicants must have completed or be near completion of the Ph.D. Recipients who have not completed the Ph.D. at the time of application must provide proof of completion of the degree before the fellowship begins. Applicants interested in conducting research at these facilities are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors/hosts at any of the Smithsonian’s various Museums and Research Institutes prior to proposal preparation and submission. You must identify a member of the Smithsonian’s research staff who might serve as your principal advisor/host. Also identify potential co-advisor(s) and/or consultant(s) if applicable (consultants must be Smithsonian affiliated research staff).
The publication, Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study contains the necessary information on staff research specialties and current departmental interests to help you determine which staff members are best suited to your research needs. Collaboration among SI facilities is encouraged. Research staff may be named by applicants to serve as principal advisors, co-advisors or consultants. Affiliated research staff may be named as co-advisors or consultants if they will be in residence during at least a portion of the tenure period proposed. You are strongly encouraged to correspond with your proposed advisor(s) as you prepare your proposal.
Applications will be evaluated by scholars in appropriate fields on the basis of the proposal’s merit, the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research and study, the likelihood of completing the research within the requested time, demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the extent to which the Smithsonian’s research staff and resources could contribute to the fellow’s goals. The number of appointments each year depends on available funds.
Application materials must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA). Required uploads include an abstract, a detailed research proposal not exceeding six pages, a timeline, diversity statement, budget and justification, bibliography, curriculum vitae, transcripts, and two confidential reference letters. Applicants are also required to identify and correspond with a potential Smithsonian advisor. All applications must be submitted by October 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
For more information, visit Smithsonian.
