Applications are currently accepting applications for its Harvard University MCZ Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Harvard University - MCZ Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship
Postdoctoral scholars at Harvard University‘s Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) are supported by the Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship program to investigate the identification and formal taxonomic classification of Earth’s animal species. Fellows will report to one or more academic curators at MCZ, who will also provide them with access to lab space, office space, and research assistance. The initiative is not restricted to any one taxon; instead, it aims to achieve broad taxonomic coverage. This program was started with significant seed funding from the late Faculty-Curator Emeritus and University Research Professor Emeritus, as well as assistance from additional contributors. It was previously known as the Edward O. Wilson Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019–2022). Our commitment to promoting diversity, fairness, and inclusion initiatives as essential principles is demonstrated by the name change. Memorial recognition awards disproportionately favor a small number of scholars, usually those from affluent backgrounds, and individuals whose personal opinions may eventually conflict with the MCZ’s mission to support an active, diverse community of zoologists who feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
Benefits of Harvard University - MCZ Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship
This fellowship program offers the following advantages:
- $67,600 stipend each year
- $10,000 per year for travel and research expenses.
- Allowance for relocation
- Any additional perks that qualify
Harvard University - MCZ Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship Requirements
- A Ph.D. with relevant research experience in taxonomy and/or systematics is required.
- All formal requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed before the start of the fellowship, though degree receipt may be forthcoming.
- Open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
- Applicants need to identify at least one faculty-curator who has agreed to supervise the fellowship.
Application Date and Process
- A cover letter no longer than one page.
- A research proposal, no longer than four pages and single-spaced, should describe:
- the nature and scope of the proposed research project;
- the approach and methods to be employed;
- how existing MCZ collections would be utilized and augmented with new specimens;
- laboratory and equipment requirements;
- the proposed MCZ faculty-curator sponsor, and
- likely products (publications, etc.) to be completed by the end of the fellowship period.
- Research budget: Include a simple, one-page budget that itemizes anticipated research and travel costs, not to exceed the fellowship allowance.
- A curriculum vitae no longer than three pages.
- Up to five pertinent publications.
- Three letters of recommendation from non-Harvard scientists. Include names and contact information of the three referees with the application. The letters will be submitted separately from the application through an online system (see below). Letters are due within two weeks following the application deadline. The application is complete only when all three letters are received.
- Interview: A subset of applicants may be asked to further discuss their proposals with the selection committee via videoconference.
Application Deadline
30 September, 2026
Opportunity Application
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Harvard University - MCZ Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship
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