Smithsonian Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Systematic Ichthyology

The Sara E. and Bruce B. Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship in Systematic Ichthyology 2027 is offering an exceptional research opportunity for qualified early-career researchers seeking to undertake advanced, collections-based research on fish systematics at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in the United States.

Supported through an endowed fellowship established by Bruce B. Collette and his wife, Sara, the programme is designed to support the next generation of researchers working in systematic ichthyology, particularly research involving comparative morphology and the study of fish collections.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to conduct full-time, resident and independent research using the Smithsonian’s extensive fish collections, scientific facilities, library resources and expertise. The award is for one year, with the possibility of renewal.

Applications are open to both US and non-US citizens, making this a significant international postdoctoral opportunity for qualified researchers from around the world.

Sara E. and Bruce B. Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 at the Smithsonian

The fellowship was established in 2017 through the generous support of Bruce B. Collette, whose scientific career has focused extensively on collections-based systematic studies of marine fishes.

Dr. Collette began his career in 1960 and spent nearly six decades within the National Museum of Natural History community through his work with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and NOAA, as well as through his affiliation with the Smithsonian.

His longstanding connection to the museum’s collections, library and scientific community inspired the creation of this fellowship.

The fellowship is intended to provide emerging researchers with an opportunity to experience and use the Smithsonian’s scientific collections and resources while contributing to the field of collections-based ichthyology.

The fellowship therefore combines advanced independent research, access to world-class scientific collections, mentorship and participation in a broader international research community.

Purpose of the Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship

The central purpose of the fellowship is to support full-time, resident, independent postdoctoral research in systematics, including comparative morphology, with a particular emphasis on using the fish collections held by the National Museum of Natural History.

The fellowship is particularly suited to researchers whose work can benefit substantially from the Smithsonian’s extensive collections and specialized research infrastructure.

Awardees are expected to become actively involved in the scholarly activities of the Division of Fishes and contribute to the broader field of collections-based systematic ichthyology at both national and international levels.

This means that the fellowship is not simply intended to provide financial support for independent research. It is designed to integrate fellows into a major scientific research environment where they can interact with researchers, collections specialists, curators and other members of the scientific community.

What Does the Fellowship Focus On?

The fellowship focuses on systematic ichthyology, the scientific study of fish diversity, classification, evolutionary relationships and related areas.

Research may involve areas such as:

• Fish systematics
• Comparative morphology
• Taxonomic revisions
• Phylogeny
• Higher classification
• Biogeography
• Fish evolution
• Osteology
• Myology
• Reproductive morphology
• Larval fish studies
• Ontogeny
• Collections-based research
• Comparative studies of fish specimens

Priority is given to proposals that clearly demonstrate how the researcher will use the Smithsonian’s fish collection and other resources to advance their research.

Research Opportunities at the Division of Fishes

The Smithsonian’s Division of Fishes provides an extensive scientific environment for researchers interested in fish systematics and related disciplines.

Current research activities include systematic revisions of species, genera and families, as well as research into higher classification and biogeography.

Research efforts have included work on:

• Caribbean marine shorefish
• Indo-Pacific marine shorefish
• Beloniform fishes
• Scombroid fishes
• Pleuronectiform fishes
• Tetraodontiform fishes
• Larval fishes
• Fish ontogeny
• Reproductive morphology
• Southeast Asian freshwater fishes
• Phylogeny and higher classification

Researchers also have access to osteological, myological and other comparative studies that support the investigation of evolutionary relationships across a broad range of fish taxa.

Access to One of the World’s Largest Fish Collections

One of the major advantages of the Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship is access to the Smithsonian’s extensive Division of Fishes collection.

The collection contains more than 975,000 lots, representing more than 6 million individual fish specimens.

A “lot” refers to specimens of the same species collected at the same time and place.

The collection is organized phylogenetically by family and alphabetically by genus and species within each family. More than half of the collection has been computer catalogued and is available through an online searchable database.

The collection has particularly strong holdings of:

• North American fishes
• Neotropical fishes
• Caribbean fishes
• West Pacific fishes

This makes the fellowship particularly valuable for researchers whose projects require extensive comparative specimen-based research.

Additional Scientific Resources

Beyond the fish specimens themselves, fellows will have access to additional scientific resources that can support sophisticated research projects.

These resources include:

• Illustrations and photographs of fishes
• Radiographs
• MicroCT facilities
• Molecular laboratory facilities
• Scanning electron microscopes
• Digital imaging facilities
• Radiographic systems
• Light photography systems
• Specialized research equipment
• A dedicated fish research library
• Extensive scientific reprints
• Archives containing original illustrations, maps and photographs

The fish collection includes approximately 25,000 units of illustrations and photographs and approximately 25,000 radiographs.

The Division of Fishes library contains more than 8,000 volumes, together with an extensive collection of reprints and archives.

These resources can provide researchers with opportunities to conduct research that may not be possible using their home institution’s resources alone.

Fellowship Duration

The Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship is a one-year award.

The fellowship may be renewed, subject to the applicable conditions and review processes.

For the 2027 fellowship cycle, the eligible start-date window is:

• Earliest start date: February 2, 2027
• Latest start date: June 7, 2027

All formal requirements for the PhD must have been completed before the fellowship begins.

Fellowship Location

The fellowship is an in-person residential research opportunity.

The primary locations are:

National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC

and

Museum Support Center, Suitland, Maryland

Because the fellowship is designed around direct access to the Smithsonian’s collections, laboratories, library and research community, applicants should be prepared to undertake their fellowship in person.

Financial Benefits and Award Package

The Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a substantial financial package to support the fellow throughout the one-year research period.

The standard one-year award package includes:

$65,000 Annual Stipend

The fellow will receive a $65,000 annual stipend.

This provides the principal financial support for the one-year fellowship period.

$5,000 Research and Travel Allowance

The fellowship provides an additional $5,000 research/travel allowance.

This can support eligible research-related expenses and travel associated with the fellowship.

Applicants are encouraged to consider scientific meetings and opportunities to promote collections-based research when developing their research plans and budgets.

$5,000 Health Insurance Allowance

The fellowship includes a $5,000 health insurance allowance.

This contributes to eligible health insurance costs during the fellowship.

$1,000 Relocation Allowance

The award also includes a one-time $1,000 relocation allowance.

This is particularly relevant to fellows who need to relocate to the Washington, DC, or Suitland, Maryland, area for the fellowship.

Total Fellowship Package

The stated one-year award package totals $75,000, with an additional $1,000 in the first year for relocation, meaning the first-year financial package can amount to $76,000 when the relocation allowance is included.

Applicants should review the official fellowship terms carefully when preparing their financial plans.

Who Is Eligible for the Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship?

The fellowship is open to both US and non-US citizens.

Applicants should have a demonstrated record of research achievement and knowledge of the systematics of one or more groups of fishes.

In addition, applicants must have completed all formal requirements for their PhD before the start of the fellowship tenure.

The fellowship is therefore aimed at researchers who have already completed doctoral-level training and are ready to undertake independent postdoctoral research.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be a US or non-US citizen.
• Hold a PhD or have completed all formal PhD requirements before the fellowship begins.
• Have a demonstrated record of research accomplishment.
• Have knowledge of the systematics of one or more groups of fishes.
• Be prepared to conduct full-time, resident research.
• Have a research project appropriate for the fellowship.
• Be able to make meaningful use of the Smithsonian’s fish collections and associated research resources.

Priority Will Be Given to Strong Research Proposals

Although the fellowship is open to eligible applicants internationally, the Smithsonian has identified particular characteristics that will receive priority during consideration.

Priority will be given to proposals that:

1. Focus on systematic ichthyology

   Research should have a strong connection to systematic ichthyology and related areas of fish systematics.

2. Demonstrate high research productivity and creativity

   Applicants should demonstrate their ability to conduct high-quality research and contribute innovative ideas to their field.

3. Demonstrate strong potential for interaction

   The proposed work should show potential for scholarly interaction and engagement within the Division of Fishes and the broader research community.

4. Make meaningful use of Smithsonian collections

   Applicants should clearly explain why the Smithsonian’s fish collections and other NMNH resources are important to their research.

The last point is particularly important. Applicants should not simply propose a project that could be conducted anywhere. The proposal should demonstrate why conducting the research at the Smithsonian is scientifically valuable.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit their applications through the Smithsonian’s Online Application System (SOLAA).

The application must include several important components.

1. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit a CV containing relevant information such as:

• Education
• Areas of expertise
• Research achievements
• Honors
• Publications
• Research interests

The CV should provide a clear picture of the applicant’s research background and academic accomplishments.

2. Recent Publications

Applicants may submit a maximum of three PDF publications.

These publications should help demonstrate the applicant’s research productivity, expertise and ability to contribute to the proposed area of study.

3. Research Proposal

Applicants must provide a research proposal consisting of:

• Abstract
• Research statement
• Timetable
• Budget

The research proposal is one of the most important components of the application because it enables reviewers to assess the scientific value, feasibility and relevance of the proposed research.

4. Two Letters of Reference

Applicants must arrange for two letters of reference.

The referees should be individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s work.

The referees are expected to submit their letters separately through the online application system.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the letters are submitted by the deadline.

Research Proposal Requirements

The research proposal must be carefully structured and address the specific requirements outlined by the Smithsonian.

Abstract

The proposal must include an abstract of the proposed research.

The abstract is limited to 250 words.

Applicants should use the abstract to clearly communicate the research question, approach and significance of the proposed project.

Full Research Proposal

The full research statement should describe the research planned for the one-year fellowship.

It should address:

• Research methodology
• Importance of the research
• Relevance to the broader discipline
• Importance of the research to the applicant’s scholarly development
• Reasons for conducting the research at the Smithsonian
• How the applicant will use resources in the Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Division of Fishes

The research proposal is limited to three double-spaced pages, including figures, using 11-point type.

Timetable

Applicants must provide a detailed timetable showing how they intend to accomplish their research objectives during the one-year fellowship.

The timetable should include:

• Major research milestones
• Expected stages of the project
• Estimated travel dates
• Important activities required to complete the research

A realistic timetable can demonstrate that the proposed project is achievable within the fellowship period.

Budget and Justification

Applicants must provide a detailed budget and justification covering items such as:

• Equipment
• Supplies
• Research-related travel
• Other research support

The budget should exclude the stipend and relocation costs.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider including travel to scientific meetings and activities that promote collections-based research.

Where possible, applicants are also encouraged to discuss anticipated research expenses with NMNH staff before submitting their application.

If the proposed research requires funding beyond the $5,000 annual research allowance, applicants should explain where the additional funding would come from.

Bibliography

Applicants should provide a bibliography of literature relevant to their proposed research where necessary.

The bibliography is limited to two pages.

References

Applicants must provide the names and email addresses of the two individuals who will submit letters of reference.

Applicants are encouraged to provide their referees with a copy of the research proposal so that the references can be prepared appropriately.

Applicants should also follow up with referees to ensure that their letters are submitted before the application deadline.

Identifying an Advisor

A particularly important component of the application is identifying an appropriate fellowship advisor.

Applicants must identify:

• One member of the NMNH Fish Division staff or affiliated staff, including retirees, to serve as their principal fellowship advisor.
• A second person to serve as an alternate or co-advisor.

This means prospective applicants should carefully examine the research interests and expertise of Smithsonian Fish Division personnel and identify researchers whose expertise aligns with their proposed project.

Establishing this alignment can help applicants demonstrate that their project fits within the scientific environment and resources of the Smithsonian.

How to Apply for the Smithsonian Collette Fellowship

Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian’s SOLAA online application system.

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Create an Account or Log In

Applicants should create a SOLAA account or log into an existing account.

Step 2: Start the Application

After logging in, select the option to Start Application.

Step 3: Select the Institution

Select:

NMNH – National Museum of Natural History

as the Office/Museum/Research Center.

Step 4: Search for the Fellowship

Search for:

Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship in Systematic Ichthyology

Step 5: Select “Apply Now”

Once the programme is located, select Apply Now and proceed with the application.

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are uploaded and that reference letters are submitted before the closing deadline.

APPLY HERE

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Sara E. and Bruce B. Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship in Systematic Ichthyology is:

November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications because they need to allow sufficient time for uploading documents and ensuring that their two referees submit their recommendation letters.

Fellowship Start Dates

Successful applicants should be prepared to begin the fellowship within the designated start-date window.

The fellowship may begin as early as:

February 2, 2027

and no later than:

June 7, 2027.

All formal PhD requirements must be completed before the start of the fellowship.

Previous Fellowship Awardees

The programme has already supported researchers who have gone on to develop careers in ichthyology and museum-based research.

The first fellowship was awarded in 2018 to William B. Ludt, PhD, of Louisiana State University.

In September 2019, Ludt began serving as an Assistant Curator of Ichthyology at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The second fellowship was awarded in 2019 to Murilo Pastana, PhD, of the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo.

In January 2023, Pastana began serving as a Curator of Fishes at MZUSP.

These examples demonstrate the potential of the fellowship to support researchers pursuing long-term careers in ichthyology, natural history collections and museum-based scientific research.

Why This Fellowship Is a Significant Opportunity for Researchers

The Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship offers several advantages beyond its financial package.

Access to Exceptional Scientific Collections

Researchers gain access to one of the world’s largest comparative fish collections, containing millions of individual specimens.

International Research Environment

The fellowship brings researchers into the Smithsonian’s international scientific community and provides opportunities for scholarly interaction.

Advanced Research Infrastructure

Access to specialized equipment and facilities can support sophisticated research methodologies.

Professional Development

Participation in the Division of Fishes can help fellows expand their professional networks and develop relationships with researchers in their field.

Independent Research

The programme is designed around independent postdoctoral research, allowing fellows to develop and execute a substantial research project.

Potential Career Development

The careers of previous fellows demonstrate how specialized postdoctoral training and access to major natural history collections can contribute to future academic and museum-based careers.

Visit HERE for more information about the Smithsonian Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027.

How Applicants Can Strengthen Their Applications

Because this is a specialized postdoctoral fellowship, applicants should ensure that their applications demonstrate a strong connection between their research and the programme’s priorities.

Make the Smithsonian Connection Clear

Do not simply describe a research project in general terms. Explain specifically why the NMNH Division of Fishes collection is necessary or particularly valuable for the proposed work.

Demonstrate Research Productivity

Use the CV and publications to demonstrate your research achievements, scholarly expertise and contributions to systematic ichthyology.

Develop a Focused Research Question

The research proposal should have a clear scientific question and demonstrate a logical methodology for addressing it.

Explain the Broader Importance

Applicants should explain why the research matters to systematic ichthyology and the broader scientific community.

Identify Appropriate Advisors

Research the expertise of Fish Division staff and affiliated researchers before identifying a principal advisor and alternate or co-advisor.

Build a Realistic Budget

Ensure that the proposed research expenses are realistic and clearly justified. If costs are expected to exceed the $5,000 research allowance, explain the anticipated source of additional funding.

Start Early

Because two external reference letters are required, applicants should contact potential referees well before the deadline and give them sufficient time to prepare and submit their letters.

Conclusion

The Sara E. and Bruce B. Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship in Systematic Ichthyology 2027 is a highly specialized opportunity for researchers seeking to advance their careers in fish systematics, taxonomy, comparative morphology and collections-based ichthyological research.

With a $65,000 annual stipend, $5,000 research and travel allowance, $5,000 health insurance allowance and a $1,000 relocation allowance, the fellowship provides substantial support for a one-year period of full-time research at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

More importantly, fellows gain access to an exceptional scientific environment, including a fish collection containing more than 6 million individual specimens, specialized laboratories and imaging facilities, extensive scientific literature and the expertise of researchers within the Smithsonian’s Division of Fishes.

The fellowship is open to US and international applicants, making it a valuable opportunity for qualified researchers around the world. However, applicants should ensure that their proposed research strongly aligns with systematic ichthyology and demonstrates a clear reason for using the Smithsonian’s collections and research infrastructure.

With the application deadline set for November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST, eligible researchers should begin preparing their CV, publications, research proposal, budget, timetable and reference letters well in advance. A strong application should clearly demonstrate research excellence, originality, scientific relevance and the specific value of conducting the proposed research at the Smithsonian.

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