David H. Smith Postdoctoral Conservation Research Fellowship Program
A two-year postdoctoral fellowship supporting original, applied conservation research and leadership development for early-career scientists focused on urgent U.S. conservation challenges.
Funder: Society for Conservation Biology
Due Dates: September 30, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: Two-year postdoc: $74,263 (2027) and $76,490 (2028) annual salary + $45,000 total research/travel funds + benefits
Summary: Supports early-career scientists in applied conservation research and leadership development focused on U.S. and its territories.
Description
This prestigious two-year postdoctoral fellowship empowers early-career conservation scientists to pursue innovative, solutions-oriented research addressing urgent conservation challenges in the United States and its five permanently inhabited territories. Fellows design and lead original applied research projects in close collaboration with both academic and practitioner mentors, ensuring real-world relevance and impact. The program emphasizes leadership development, professional networking, and community building through structured retreats, mentorship, and engagement with a vibrant alumni network. In addition to research support, fellows receive intensive training in science communication, policy engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with the goal of preparing the next generation of conservation leaders.
