Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Research 2025

David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship is offered to create opportunities for leading conservation scientists to strengthen their skills through two years of applied post-doctoral research, supplemented by training programs, peer networking, and field learning experiences.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have completed their doctorate within the past five years or by the time the award is made in 2025.
• Applicants who are yet to obtain their doctorate must indicate on the application the date the degree is expected.
• Applicants can be of any nationality.
• Applicants' research studies need to directly relate to the practical application of conservation management or policy within the U.S. and its five permanently inhabited territories.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates must apply online for the fellowship along with the following documents:
  • Cover letter,
  • An eight-page research plan,
  • Most recent CV,
  • Personal statement,
  • Two letters of reference addressing the merits of the candidate and the candidate’s proposal.
  • Letters from two mentors expressing their commitment to supporting the Fellow.
  • Academic and practitioner mentors' abbreviated CV.

Benefits:

• Selected candidates are awarded the following benefits:
  • An annual salary of USD 70,000.
  • A travel and research budget of USD 40,000.
  • Program-sponsored professional development retreats.
  • Other benefits.

Note: The candidates can find the informational webinar with the application/selection process overview as well as the FAQ on the website.