Harvard University 2021-2022 Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship for Researchers

Published: 10 Aug 2021

Through a generous founding gift from Edward O. Wilson, Faculty-Curator Emeritus and University Research Professor Emeritus, and with support from additional donors, the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) at Harvard University has established the E.O. Wilson Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. This program supports postdoctoral researchers at MCZ 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. 

Harvard University Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship

Benefits of Harvard University Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Stipend of $55,000/year
• Research and travel allowance of $4,000/year
• Maximum two-year appointment, with funding for year 2 contingent upon successful performance during year 1
• Relocation allowance negotiable after fellowship awarded

Requirements for Harvard University Edward O. Wilson Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship

• 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.
• The EOW fellowship program is 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 Documents

• 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 follwing the application deadline. The application is complete only when all three letters are received.

Application Deadline

How to Apply