Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) invites applications for the prestigious SIO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (2027 Call). This competitive program targets exceptional early-career scientists eager to pursue cutting-edge, independent research across biological oceanography, marine biology, coastal ecosystems, marine biogeochemistry, and climate-ocean dynamics.
About Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Founded in 1903, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is internationally recognized as one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for global earth and marine science research. Operating an extensive fleet of global-class oceanographic research vessels and world-class marine laboratories on the Pacific coast in La Jolla, California, Scripps provides an unrivaled scientific environment for postdocs seeking to advance marine ecology, oceanographic observation, and aquatic environmental science.
Scientific Themes & Research Areas
Fellows pursue independent research projects developed in collaboration with one or more Scripps research mentors. Key scientific disciplines include:
- Biological Oceanography & Marine Ecology: Plankton dynamics, larval ecology, marine microbial loop, food web energetics, deep-sea benthic biology, and marine biodiversity.
- Marine Biogeochemistry & Carbon Cycling: Ocean acidification, marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), nutrient fluxes, trace metal dynamics, and hypoxia.
- Fisheries & Marine Living Resources: Pelagic fish ecology, marine protected areas (MPAs), fisheries acoustics, and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
- Physical & Coastal Oceanography: Coastal currents, estuarine circulation, wave dynamics, sea-level rise, and ocean-atmosphere coupling.
- Applied Ocean Science & Marine Technology: Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), marine genomics, bio-optics, and environmental sensor development.
Fellowship Benefits & Financial Support
- Competitive Annual Stipend: Minimum salary of $74,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
- Research & Travel Allowance: An additional discretionary fund of $6,000 per year to support research fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and international conference travel.
- Appointment Duration: 1-year initial appointment, renewable for a second year subject to satisfactory performance.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Full UC San Diego postdoctoral benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans.
- Institutional Support: Access to SIO research vessels, state-of-the-art analytical facilities, supercomputing resources, and extensive marine vertebrate/invertebrate collections.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have completed or expect to complete their Ph.D. in oceanography, marine biology, aquatic sciences, earth sciences, or a closely allied STEM field within 3 years prior to the appointment start date.
- Open to both domestic and international applicants. SIO sponsors appropriate exchange visitor visas (e.g., J-1) for international postdoctoral fellows.
- Applicants must contact potential SIO faculty sponsors prior to submitting their application to confirm mutual scientific interest and project alignment.
Application Requirements & Required Documents
Interested applicants must submit their application package online via the UC San Diego recruitment portal, including:
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailed academic CV including complete publication record, conference presentations, and awards.
- Research Proposal (3 to 5 pages): Clear statement of the proposed scientific project, research objectives, methodology, innovation, and relevance to Scripps research themes.
- Letter of Support / Sponsorship: A letter from an SIO research sponsor or mentor confirming readiness to provide laboratory space, facilities, and mentorship.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three confidential letters of reference from established scientists familiar with the candidate’s doctoral work.
Key Dates & Application Timeline
- Call Opening Date: September 4, 2026
- Application Review Begins: October 16, 2026 (Priority Consideration)
- Anticipated Start Date: Flexible starting between Winter and Summer 2027
Official Links & Application Portal
Prospective candidates can explore full fellowship guidelines, mentor directories, and submission instructions via the official institution links below:
👉 Official SIO Fellowship Announcement: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/postdoctoral-fellowships
👉 UC San Diego Academic Recruit Portal: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu