WHOI Postdoctoral Scholar Program Grant

The WHOI Postdoctoral Scholar Program offers 18-month scholarships aimed at advancing research careers in ocean science and engineering. Candidates must hold a doctoral degree obtained within three years prior to the start date. WHOI emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Awardees receive a minimum annual stipend of $71,000, along with relocation and health benefits.

We invite applications for eighteen-month Postdoctoral Scholarships that are designed to extend the education and training of the applicants and to advance their research careers. WHOI is the largest private, non-profit oceanographic institution in the world. Awards are granted to recent doctorates in oceanography, chemistry, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, meteorology, physics, biology, economics, marine policy, and any field that may contribute to WHOI’s core mission.
WHOI’s Postdoctoral Scholars conduct independent research in association with one or more members of the Resident Scientific or Senior Technical Staff. Communication with potential WHOI advisors prior to submitting an application is highly recommended and sponsor support for research activities will be considered in the award selection. More information about ongoing WHOI research is available through individual Department, Center, and Institute web pages found on the Research Areas page. Assistance identifying potential sponsors will be provided on request.
WHOI maintains a two-tiered mentoring system for postdoctoral researchers, with resources at the Departmental and Institutional levels. Postdoctoral researchers meet with departmental Postdoctoral Research Mentorship Committees. Numerous institutional career development events, including proposal writing workshops, an annual Postdoctoral Science Symposium, networking opportunities with federal agency program managers and others, and forums on academic and non-academic careers, are well-attended by WHOI postdoctoral researchers. Social and research events are held to convene postdoctoral researchers, their sponsors, and WHOI’s leadership to discuss issues of potential importance to postdoctoral scientists.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to WHOI’s academic excellence and leadership in the global scientific community. WHOI stands committed to a sustained effort to advance inclusion and belonging throughout all levels of the Institution. A goal of the Postdoctoral Scholar Program is the long-term broadening of participation in ocean science and engineering, and we particularly encourage women, minorities, veterans, those with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply.
Award Timing
Applications are required by December 1, 2025. Awardees can initiate their study and research period at the Institution any time after March 1 and before December 1st of the year following the award notification. December 1st is a firm deadline.  It is expected that awardees will physically reside at WHOI for at least two-thirds of their total postdoctoral award period. Recipients of the 2026-2027 awards will receive an annual stipend of at least $71,000 for an 18-month appointment, plus relocation and health and welfare allowances. Limited support is also available for travel expenses, equipment, supplies, and special services. Although extensions to this fellowship are rare, WHOI Postdoctoral Scholars are able to submit proposals to extend their stay as a Postdoctoral Investigator. Sponsors are committed to supporting Scholars in their career development.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible for one of these awards, applicants must have received their doctoral degree no more than 3 years before their start date. A doctoral degree is required at the time of appointment, but not at the time of application. It is also expected that candidates will have a command of the English language.

Ineligibility

The following groups are not eligible for the Scholar competition: MIT-WHOI Joint Program Students; those holding any type of WHOI appointment at the post-doctorate level during the 12 months prior to December 31st of the Scholar application year; and those with more than 12 total months as a WHOI guest student, or who have a formal doctoral (co)advisor who is a WHOI employee.