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Posted July 29, 2026

Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship

Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States 02163 Full Time
Reference: 286130618
Harvard University



Position
Details

Title Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship
School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Position Description
The Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship program supports postdoctoral researchers at the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) at Harvard University to pursue the discovery and formal taxonomic description of Earth’s animal species. Fellows will work under the supervision of one or more MCZ faculty-curators, who will provide office space, access to lab facilities and necessary research support. The program aims to achieve broad taxonomic coverage and is not restricted to any particular taxon. Applications from botanists working on plant-animal interactions are also welcome.

Terms & Conditions:
-Stipend of $67,600/year
-Benefits-eligible
-Research and travel allowance of $10,000/year
-Start date flexible, but within 12 months of extended fellowship offer
-Maximum two-year appointment, with funding for year 2 contingent upon successful performance during year 1
-Residence in the Cambridge area is required
-Relocation allowance
Basic Qualifications
-A Ph.D. (completed within the previous three years) 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 MCZ faculty-curator who has agreed to supervise the fellowship.
Additional Qualifications
-Preference will be given to applicants not currently affiliated with Harvard University
-In order to encourage a diversity of expertise within the MCZ, preference will be given to individuals studying taxonomic groups not currently under investigation by an active Biodiversity Fellow.
Special Instructions
The application must include:
1) a cover letter no longer than one page
2) a research proposal, no longer than four pages (including bibliography) 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
  • likely products (publications, etc.) to be completed by the end of the fellowship period

3) research budget: include a simple, one-page budget that itemizes anticipated research and travel costs, not to exceed the fellowship allowance
4) curriculum vitae no longer than three pages
5) up to five pertinent publications
6) 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 this system. Letters are due within two weeks following the application deadline. The application is complete only when all three letters are received.
7) interview: A subset of applicants may be asked to further discuss their proposals with the selection committee via video conference.
Contact Information
Melissa Aja
Harvard University
Museum of Comparative Zoology
26 Oxford Street
Cambridge MA 02138
Contact Email [email protected]
Salary Range
$67,600
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Allowed 3
Keywords
biodiversity, taxonomy, plant-animal interactions, systematics
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Please enter the title of your proposed research.

    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Statement of Research
  3. Budget
  4. Curriculum Vitae
  5. Publication
Optional Documents
  1. Publication 2
  2. Publication 3
  3. Publication 4
  4. Publication 5




Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286130618

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