Deadline: January 2, 2026
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 is now open for applications, offering early-career researchers the opportunity to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary environmental science research at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado Boulder, in collaboration with NOAA Laboratories. This two-year fellowship supports outstanding scholars committed to advancing earth-system and environmental research while engaging with a world-class scientific community. Applications close on 2 January 2026.
About the Opportunity
The fellowship provides a two-year postdoctoral appointment designed to advance independent research while fostering collaboration between the fellow and CIRES/NOAA scientists. The programme has supported more than 350 visiting scientists over the past 50+ years, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia, research institutions, and government agencies. The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 offers competitive financial support, professional development, research infrastructure, and access to internationally recognised environmental science experts.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a PhD in a field relevant to CIRES research areas. The PhD defence and all revisions must be fully completed prior to the fellowship start date.
- Be no more than four years beyond completion of the PhD at the time of application. Reasonable exceptions exist for career breaks such as caregiving.
- Must not be a current or former CIRES Visiting Fellow.
- Must not be a current or former graduate student or postdoctoral researcher at the University of Colorado Boulder.
- International applicants are eligible, and visa sponsorship is available.
Benefits
- Two-year full-time postdoctoral appointment
- Annual salary of US $70,000 in year one, with a merit-based increase in year two
- Research budget of up to US $8,000
- Laptop provided for research use (remains CIRES property at programme end)
- Relocation allowance for the selected fellow (family relocation not covered)
- Access to world-leading facilities, mentorship, collaboration networks and interdisciplinary research support
- Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in scientific research
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- 2-page CV in NSF format
- Official or unofficial transcripts
- Cover letter (1–2 pages), including:
- Expected start date
- Name(s) of sponsoring CIRES and/or NOAA researchers
- Nature of proposed collaboration
- Contribution to CIRES’s scientific community, aligned with its strategic plan
- A short description of a pivotal research growth experience
- Research proposal (maximum 3 pages including figures, excluding references). The proposal must:
- Demonstrate clear motivation, novelty, and scientific relevance
- Include research questions, methods, expected outcomes and timeline
- Justify why the proposed work should be conducted at CIRES
- Be written for a broad, interdisciplinary scientific audience
- Names and contact information of three referees (sponsors cannot serve as referees)
- Referees must submit their letters by the stated deadline
Timeline
- Call for applications opens: 20 October 2025
- Information session: 3 November 2025
- Application deadline: 2 January 2026 (11:59 p.m. MST)
- Recommendation letter deadline: 8 January 2026
- Selection notifications: Spring 2026
- Start date: Within 10 months of offer acceptance (no deferrals permitted)
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a CIRES committee and assessed based on:
- Quality and originality of previous research
- Strength, clarity and feasibility of the proposed project
- Relevance and benefit of collaboration with CIRES and/or NOAA researchers
- Potential research impact within environmental and earth-system sciences
- Ability to communicate research to an interdisciplinary panel
- Evidence of independence, innovation and scientific maturity
Additional Notes
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact potential sponsoring CIRES researchers well before applying.
- Incomplete applications (including missing reference letters) will not be considered.
- The programme encourages applications from individuals under-represented in environmental sciences.
- Google Chrome is recommended for submitting the online application.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online portal. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline will be reviewed.
[Read More About the Programme]
(contact us for proposal drafting, refinning and review)
