Sara E. and Bruce B. Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

Applications are open for the Sara E. and Bruce B. Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship. The National Museum of Natural History hosts this systematic ichthyology fellowship. Bruce and Sara Collette endowed it in 2017 to train future researchers. Fellows conduct collections-based research using NMNH’s fish specimens.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)
• Funding: $75,000 total, including stipend and allowances
• Duration: One year, with possibility of renewal
• Location: Washington, DC, and Suitland, Maryland
• Eligibility: PhD holders in systematic ichthyology, any nationality
• Application Deadline: November 20, 2026, 11:59 PM EST

Focus Areas

• Systematics and comparative morphology of fishes
• Collections-based ichthyology research methods
• Caribbean and Indo-Pacific marine fish studies
• Osteological and phylogenetic classification research

About the Fellowship

This fellowship supports full-time, resident research using NMNH’s extensive fish collection. The collection holds over 975,000 lots and six million specimens. Fellows access specialized facilities, including microCT and molecular laboratories. They also join the Division of Fishes’ active scholarly community.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows receive a $65,000 annual stipend for their one-year tenure. A $5,000 research and travel allowance supports fieldwork and conferences. An additional $5,000 covers health insurance throughout the fellowship year. Fellows also receive a one-time $1,000 relocation allowance.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must hold a PhD before their fellowship begins. Both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Candidates should show strong research experience in fish systematics. Priority goes to proposals using NMNH’s collection resources directly.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a CV, research proposal, and recent publications. Two letters of reference and an identified NMNH advisor are required. A detailed budget and research timetable must accompany the proposal.

How to Apply

Submit your application through SOLAA before November 20, 2026.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers rare access to the world’s largest comparative fish collection. Its strong funding package supports serious, sustained systematic ichthyology research. Given the detailed proposal requirements, applicants should begin preparing materials well ahead. Confirm full application guidelines through the Smithsonian’s official fellowship portal.

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