Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Programs
AMNH postdoctoral fellowships fund early-career scientists to conduct independent research using the Museum’s collections and expertise in disciplines like biology, paleontology, anthropology, and related fields.
Funder: American Museum of Natural History
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026: Main Postdoctoral Research Fellowship | November 2026: Annette Kade Postdoctoral Fellowship | November 2026: Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund (Ornithology)
Funding Amounts: Main postdoc: $71,181/year (2 years typical, with some variation); Kade and Chapman: short-term or 1–2 year awards; additional research and relocation support available.
Summary: Supports early-career scientists in postdoctoral research across museum-based disciplines, including biology, paleontology, anthropology, and related fields.
Key Information: All dates are anticipated; application periods typically run early-October to mid-November.
Description
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) offers several postdoctoral fellowship opportunities through the Richard Gilder Graduate School, supporting early-career scientists in conducting independent, collaborative research with museum professionals. Fellows work in one or more of the Museum's primary research areas: Anthropology, Invertebrate Zoology, Paleontology, Physical Sciences (Astrophysics and Earth & Planetary Sciences), and Vertebrate Zoology. These fellowships emphasize hands-on research utilizing the Museum’s collections, facilities, and curatorial expertise, and provide opportunities for collaboration, publication, and professional development within a vibrant scientific community.
Key postdoctoral programs include:
- Main Postdoctoral Research Fellowship: Two-year appointments for independent research across AMNH’s scientific divisions.
- Annette Kade Postdoctoral Fellowship: Three-month exchanges for postdocs affiliated with French or German institutions.
- Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund Fellowship (Ornithology): Competitive 1–2 year fellowships for avian systematics, evolution, and biogeography.
Additional co-funding opportunities are available for research in genomics, marine life, North American fauna, and related themes.
