Deadline: November 1, 2025
Are you a scholar looking to advance your research career within one of the world’s leading academic institutions? The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2025-2026 offers a unique opportunity for postdoctoral scholars to engage in cutting-edge research, mentorship, and professional development within the University of California (UC) system. This highly competitive fellowship is designed to prepare early-career researchers for the faculty track while promoting diversity and inclusion across UC campuses.
About the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2025-2026
Established to promote academic excellence and diversity, the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2025-2026 supports outstanding scholars from all disciplines. The programme offers mentorship by UC faculty, research collaboration, and professional growth opportunities that help fellows transition smoothly into tenure-track faculty roles within the UC system and beyond.
Fellows conduct research under the supervision of distinguished faculty mentors across any of the ten UC campuses. The programme’s goal is to enhance the representation of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and academic experiences within the university community.
Application Deadline
November 1, 2025
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin preparing early to ensure all required materials, including reference letters and mentor endorsements, are submitted before the deadline.
Fellowship Benefits and Support
Successful fellows will receive a starting salary of USD 69,073, accompanied by USD 5,000 in research and professional development funds.
Other benefits include:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage
- Paid sick leave and family/medical leave
- Four weeks of paid time off
- Access to UC’s rich academic and professional networks
This financial and institutional support ensures that fellows can focus entirely on advancing their research and professional skills during the fellowship year.
Host Institutions
Fellows will be based at one of the ten University of California campuses, working closely with an appointed faculty mentor who provides guidance and professional development support.
The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary research and the exploration of new academic directions that reflect diverse scholarly interests and life experiences.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold or be close to completing a terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) in their discipline.
- Demonstrate exceptional scholarly potential and a commitment to academic excellence.
- Be prepared to conduct research that contributes to UC’s mission of broadening faculty diversity.
- Bring innovative ideas, interdisciplinary approaches, or unique perspectives based on personal, educational, or professional experiences.
The programme particularly welcomes applications from scholars whose backgrounds and research interests will help broaden the perspectives represented among UC faculty.
Selection Priorities
The selection process values:
- Originality and depth of proposed research.
- The applicant’s potential to contribute to diversity and innovation within academia.
- Alignment between the applicant’s research interests and the expertise of the proposed UC mentor.
- Evidence of leadership, resilience, and the capacity to enrich academic communities.
Concurrent Funding
Fellows may apply for or accept other funding opportunities simultaneously, provided they comply with the respective terms of each award. This flexibility allows scholars to supplement their fellowship with additional research support if needed.
Application Process
Applicants should submit their proposals through the official University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program portal.
Strong applications may also be considered for Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowships at the UC campus where the proposed faculty mentor is located.
Applicants are advised to identify potential mentors early and collaborate with them during the application preparation process to ensure a strong, aligned proposal.
Programme Website
For comprehensive details, eligibility guidance, and application materials, visit the official programme site:
👉 Read more about the programme
How to Apply
Ready to begin your application? Submit your proposal through the official University of California portal here:
👉 Click here to Apply
Final Thoughts
The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2025-2026 stands out as one of the most prestigious postdoctoral opportunities globally. It not only fosters academic excellence but also contributes to a more inclusive and representative academic community. Scholars who aspire to become thought leaders, innovators, and educators within top-tier institutions should not miss this incredible opportunity.
📩 Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
We can help you strengthen your application materials—CV, research statement, and mentor letters—to increase your chances of success.
