Call for Moore Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship Proposals
Postdoctoral Fellowship – Call for Proposals
Institute of Marine Sciences
University of California, Santa Cruz
AWARD: Postdoctoral Fellowship (2 years)
FOCAL AREA: Marine and Coastal Science
The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), through one time funding from the Moore Foundation, is issuing an open call to fund a postdoctoral scholar whose research focuses on any aspect of marine and coastal science. We seek applications for postdoctoral scholars whose research initiatives build capacity and collaboration across IMS. This call is open to applicants from any area of marine and coastal science and must include a letter of support from at least one prospective mentor (UCSC faculty member or professional researcher). The postdoctoral fellow will conduct impactful research and engage with the intellectual community of IMS.
AWARD AMOUNT: The award provides postdoctoral salary and benefits according to the UC academic salary scale, including funding for increases as required by union agreements. The award also provides $2,000 travel and $5,000 research supplies per year.
Appointment Start Date: The appointment can start no later than July 1, 2026.
Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026. Submit proposals by email to Rebecca Bard (rbard@ucsc.edu).
ELIGIBILITY
- Candidates must be eligible for a two-year appointment as a postdoctoral scholar.
- This opportunity is open to internal and external candidates.
- Current postdocs seeking to extend their existing appointment are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must have the support of a prospective mentor.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Interested candidates should submit the following materials:
- Cover letter
- Current CV
- Description of past research accomplishments (1-2 pages)
- Description of proposed research (3 pages, described in more detail below)
- Letter of support from prospective mentor(s) (UCSC faculty member or professional researcher)
Description of Proposed Research
- No longer than3 pages (inclusive of figures, tables, and references)
- Describe a new or continuing research project in marine and coastal science.
○ For new projects, the proposal should describe how this project will lead to innovative outcomes within the project period.
○ For continuing projects, the proposal should describe how this funding will facilitate new collaborations and lead to novel, innovative results.
- Describe the role of the mentor(s), including any resources being made available for the project.
- Describe how the project fosters collaboration and contributes to the intellectual community.
- Include a concrete timeline of planned research activities, including any deliverables (talks, workshops, manuscripts, etc.).
EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS
Proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Quality, cutting edge, or innovative nature of the project.
- Ability of the project to generate impactful research outcomes during the project period.
- Degree to which the project fosters collaboration and contributes to the intellectual community.
- Feasibility of the project given the timeline and resources available.
- Applicant’s demonstrated qualifications to perform the proposed research.
- Applicant’s demonstration of past research productivity and impact.
- Ability of the proposed mentor(s) to support the proposed project.
Award recipients will be announced no later than March 20, 2026.