Award Description

The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program was established in 1984 to encourage outstanding women and minority Ph.D. recipients to pursue academic careers at the University of California. The current program offers postdoctoral research fellowships, professional development and faculty mentoring to outstanding scholars in all fields whose research, teaching, and service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity at UC.

For more information, please visit the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program website.

Applications for the President’s and Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs must be submitted via the online application. The online application for the next award cycle is available each year from September through October. The application deadline is November 1.   

All applications submitted to the University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program will automatically be included in the competition for Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs on the UC campus where the proposed UC faculty mentor is located.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold or receive a Ph.D. or terminal degree in their discipline (JD, MD, MFA, DVM, EdD, etc.) from an accredited university before the start of their fellowship.

Successful applicants must present documents demonstrating that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship and work authorization is possible for successful applicants through a process which would be managed by the International Students and Scholars Office with the support of the UC faculty mentor on their home campus. Individuals granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are encouraged to apply. 

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexuality, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

1. Obtain the sponsorship of a tenured faculty member other than your PhD dissertation advisor who is willing to serve as your primary mentor. Be prepared to provide the following required documents in PDF:
   • Thesis abstract – one page
   • Research Proposal – 700-1,000 words (not including references and citations)
   • Education and Background Statement – 500-700 words describing your personal background and contributions to diversity and equal opportunity through your academic career
   • Curriculum vitae
   • Writing sample – sample publication or unpublished paper, please limit to 35 pages (not including references and citations)
2. Please review the application requirements (pdf) before beginning the online application.