David H. Smith Postdoctoral Conservation Research Fellowship

Smith Fellows 2027:
Call for Proposals

The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is pleased to solicit applications for the 2027 David H.Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program. These full‑time, two‑year postdoctoral fellowships support outstanding early‑career scientists who propose innovative, solutions‑oriented research that links conservation science with management and policy across the United States and its five permanently inhabited territories (Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa).

Funded by the Cedar Tree Foundation and administered by SCB, the program aims to cultivate the next generation of global leaders and innovators who are inspired and empowered to turn conservation science into effective real‑world solutions.

The Smith Fellowship funds projects and invests in people. Fellows are selected on the strength of their proposed research and their potential as future conservation leaders. The program seeks bold, innovative thinkers who can translate science into real‑world impact and are excited to grow within a supportive, peer‑based professional community.

Benefits include an annual salary of $74,263 in 2027 and $76,490 in 2028 (plus benefits), a $45,000 research and travel budget spread over two years, and up to 5% overhead to the host institution. Fellows attend three‑to‑four week‑long, program‑sponsored professional development retreats each year, participate in a vibrant alumni community, and receive lifetime membership in the Society for Conservation Biology.

• Design a research project with a team of at least two mentors—one academic and one practitioner.
• Connect the research to real‑world conservation applications and support professional growth.
• Participate in program‑sponsored professional development retreats each year.
• Engage with the alumni community and pursue lifelong learning.

• Early‑career (up to 3 years post‑PhD) applicants of any citizenship status.
• Based at a U.S. host institution willing to host the Fellow.
• Research must directly inform conservation practice in the U.S. and its five permanently inhabited territories.
• The program does not sponsor visas.

• Final date to receive applications: 30 September 2026 (11:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time)
• Status notifications: by 28 February 2027
• Typical Fellowship start window: 1 June – 30 September 2027

Full proposal guidelines are available at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). along with additional application resources. All proposal components—including reference and mentor letters—must be submitted via the online application portal: .

Questions? Contact program staff at smithinfo.