University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026/2027

Applications are open for the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026/2027. The programme offers postdoctoral research fellowships, professional development, faculty mentoring and academic networking opportunities to outstanding scholars across all fields whose research, teaching and service can contribute to the research excellence and public service mission of the University of California.

The fellowship is designed to give scholars focused time to establish an independent research programme while preparing for academic careers and future faculty positions. Approximately 30 postdoctoral fellowships are awarded each year across the University of California system, with research conducted under the sponsorship of faculty at one of the ten UC campuses.

The programme is open to scholars holding terminal degrees in their disciplines. Applicants are particularly encouraged where their research introduces new areas of inquiry, applies innovative approaches to existing fields, brings perspectives not currently represented within the relevant UC department, or is informed by life experiences and educational backgrounds that could broaden perspectives within the university.

About the Fellowship

The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is intended for scholars pursuing postdoctoral research under the guidance of UC faculty. The programme supports researchers across disciplines and provides an environment where fellows can develop their research agenda, strengthen their academic profile and prepare for careers in higher education.

Each fellowship award is for a 12 month period beginning July 1. A renewal for an additional term may be granted based on academic productivity and participation in programme activities. Fellows are expected to reside at their appointment campus, focus full time on research, meet regularly with their faculty mentor and participate in professional development activities such as the Fall Meeting and Spring Academic Retreat.

Applicants must secure sponsorship from a tenured faculty member who will serve as their primary mentor. The mentor is expected to support the fellow’s research development, academic integration, professional networking and preparation for future faculty opportunities.

Fellowship Benefits

• Annual salary of $69,073

• $5,000 for research expenses and professional development

• Health insurance benefits

• Vision insurance benefits

• Dental insurance benefits

• Paid sick leave

• Family and medical leave

• Four weeks of paid time off during the fellowship term

• Full time focused research opportunity

• Faculty mentorship from a tenured UC professor

• Professional development activities

• Academic networking opportunities

• Opportunity to establish an independent research programme

• Participation in the academic life of a University of California campus

Research Areas

The fellowship is open across disciplines. Proposed research may include new areas of inquiry or innovative approaches to established fields.

Applicants may propose research in areas including:

• Humanities

• Social sciences

• Natural sciences

• Engineering

• Health and medical sciences

• Education

• Arts and creative disciplines

• Interdisciplinary research

• Other academic fields with recognised terminal degrees

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must hold or receive a PhD or another recognised terminal degree in their discipline before the fellowship begins.

• Eligible terminal degrees may include PhD, JD, MD, MFA, DVM, EdD and other equivalent professional or academic degrees.

• The degree must be awarded by an accredited university.

• Applicants must be interested in conducting postdoctoral research at a University of California campus.

• Applicants should be pursuing an academic career and demonstrate potential for a future faculty career.

• Applicants must secure sponsorship from a tenured UC faculty member other than their PhD dissertation advisor.

• Successful applicants must provide documentation demonstrating legal authorization to work in the United States.

• Visa sponsorship and work authorization may be possible for successful international applicants through the appropriate UC process.

• Applicants should demonstrate strong academic accomplishments and research potential.

• Applicants should be prepared to explain how their research and experiences can contribute to the research excellence and public service mission of the University of California.

• Applicants with significant United States public service experience may address this experience in their application.

Required Application Materials

• One page PhD thesis abstract

• 700 to 1,000 word research proposal

• 300 to 700 word Education and Background Statement

• Curriculum vitae

• One publication or unpublished research paper of no more than 35 pages

• Contact information for the PhD thesis advisor reference

• Contact information for the confirmed UC faculty mentor or sponsor

• Letter of support from the confirmed faculty mentor or sponsor

• Optional second reference

• Optional secondary co mentor information

• Academic information including PhD completion date, degree institution, discipline and proposed research area

All application documents must be prepared in PDF format for submission through the online application portal.

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by faculty members in the applicant’s field and related disciplines. Reviewers consider academic accomplishments, the strength and significance of the proposed research and the applicant’s potential for an impactful faculty career.

The selection process may consider:

• Academic accomplishments

• Strength and significance of the research proposal

• Outstanding research achievements

• Development of new areas of inquiry

• Innovative approaches to existing research fields

• Potential contribution to UC research excellence and public service

• Relevant leadership and public service experience

• Individual experiences that inform the applicant’s potential contribution

• Strength of the proposed faculty mentorship

• Mentor commitment to supporting the applicant’s academic development

How to Apply

1. Review the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship requirements and confirm that you hold or will receive an eligible terminal degree before the fellowship begins.
2. Identify a suitable UC tenured faculty member whose research aligns with your proposed project.
3. Contact the potential faculty mentor and secure sponsorship for the fellowship application. The primary mentor must be a tenured faculty member other than your PhD dissertation advisor.
4. Develop a clear research proposal of 700 to 1,000 words explaining the proposed research, its significance and its contribution to the relevant discipline.
5. Prepare the one page PhD thesis abstract and the Education and Background Statement.
6. Update your curriculum vitae and select a suitable publication or research paper for the writing sample.
7. Provide the required reference and mentor information through the online application system.
8. Prepare all application documents as PDF files and submit the completed application through the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship online portal.
9. Ensure that your references and faculty mentor submit their required materials before the relevant December 1 deadline.
10. Monitor the application portal and wait for the fellowship decision scheduled for March 31, 2027.