Deadline: January 11, 2026
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded postdoctoral opportunity hosted by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University in Boston, United States. The fellowship supports outstanding early‑career researchers in plant science and global change research, providing the time, resources, and academic environment needed to pursue independent, high‑impact research.
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers a competitive salary, generous research funding, and full access to one of the world’s most comprehensive living collections of woody plants.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Institution: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Fellowship Type: Fully funded postdoctoral fellowship
- Duration: Two years (full‑time, residential)
- Start Date: Between 1 July and early September 2026
- Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
Fellowship Streams
Applicants may apply to one or both of the fellowship streams using a single combined application.
1. Katharine H. Putnam Fellowship in Plant Science
This fellowship supports innovative research in any area of plant science that makes substantial use of the Arnold Arboretum’s living collections of woody plants. Relevant research areas include, but are not limited to:
- Plant biology
- Evolution and systematics
- Ecology
- Genetics and genomics
- Horticulture
- Conservation science
2. Global Change Postdoctoral Fellowship
This fellowship supports research that addresses critical global change challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental transformation. Research must meaningfully engage with the Arnold Arboretum’s collections, data, archives, or long‑term ecological records.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in life sciences, plant biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, horticulture, or a closely related field by the fellowship start date
- Be an early‑career researcher capable of conducting independent research
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential
- Be proficient in English
Applicants from groups traditionally under‑represented in the sciences are strongly encouraged to apply. International applicants and foreign nationals are fully eligible.
Fellowship Benefits
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 provides comprehensive financial and professional support, including:
- Annual salary: USD 83,000
- Employment benefits: Eligibility for Harvard University employee benefits, including health insurance
- Research and professional support: Up to USD 10,000 per year for research costs, professional development, travel, and relocation expenses
- Research facilities: Office and research space at the Arnold Arboretum
- Academic environment: Access to Harvard University resources, seminars, and scholarly networks
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package consisting of the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining research interests, fellowship stream(s) applied for, and preferred start date
- Research abstract (maximum 175 words)
- Research statement (up to four pages), clearly aligned with the selected fellowship stream(s)
- One‑page research budget
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three letters of recommendation submitted through the online application system
Letters of recommendation must be submitted no later than 18 January 2026.
Selection Criteria
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Academic excellence and professional preparation
- Originality, independence, and quality of the proposed research
- Relevance of the project to the Arnold Arboretum’s collections and mission
- Potential scientific impact of the research
- Feasibility of completing the proposed work within the two‑year fellowship period
Important Notes for Applicants
- Research proposals should clearly demonstrate how the Arnold Arboretum’s living collections, archives, data sets, or long‑term records will be used
- Applicants are encouraged to articulate how their work advances plant science or contributes to understanding global change
- Early engagement with referees is strongly recommended
Need Support With Your Application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your research statement, budget, and overall application competitiveness.
