The University of California (UC) President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) provides outstanding scholars with an opportunity to undertake postdoctoral research while working with UC tenured faculty and preparing for academic and research careers of distinction. The programme is open to scholars who hold terminal degrees in their respective disciplines.
The fellowship also connects applicants with Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs, UC National Laboratory opportunities and selected partner programmes, creating additional pathways for postdoctoral research, faculty mentoring, professional development and academic networking.
Fellowship Overview
The UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is designed to support scholars with strong academic and research potential. Fellows have the opportunity to work alongside UC faculty while developing their research, teaching and professional experience.
The programme is open across disciplines to scholars who have obtained the terminal degree required in their field. Applicants should identify a proposed UC faculty mentor as part of the application process.
Highly ranked applications submitted to the President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program are also considered for Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities at the UC campus where the proposed faculty mentor is based.
Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowships
Applicants to the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program may also be considered for Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs across participating UC campuses.
Applicants may apply to only one University of California campus for the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship competition. Individual campuses may have additional requirements, so applicants are encouraged to review the relevant campus information before applying.
Participating UC campuses include:
- UC Berkeley
- UC Davis
- UC Irvine
- UCLA
- UC Merced
- UC Riverside
- UC San Diego
- UCSF
- UC Santa Barbara
- UC Santa Cruz
UC National Laboratory Opportunities
The UC National Laboratories collaborate with the University of California to provide President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
These opportunities combine postdoctoral research with mentoring, professional development and networking. The laboratories seek PhD recipients whose experiences and leadership can contribute to their research excellence and public service missions.
Participating laboratories include Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Applicants interested in these opportunities must submit their applications through the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program application system.
Partner Fellowship Programs
The programme also has partnerships supporting postdoctoral research, faculty mentoring, professional development and academic networking.
Partner programmes include Cal-Bridge, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, University of Maryland, University of Michigan and Virginia Tech.
Applicants may use the same application for the University of California, University of Maryland, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Virginia Tech President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship programmes, provided they submit separate mentor letters and research proposals where required.
Because partner programmes may have different requirements and deadlines, applicants should carefully review the relevant programme information.
Eligibility and Requirements
The UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is open to:
- Scholars holding terminal degrees in their discipline.
- Outstanding degree recipients seeking postdoctoral research opportunities.
- Researchers interested in working with UC tenured faculty.
- Applicants who can meet the programme’s application and documentation requirements.
- Scholars applying through the online UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship application system.
Applicants should also carefully review the programme’s specific application requirements, proposed research expectations, mentor requirements and evaluation criteria before submitting an application.
Fellowship Benefits
The programme provides an opportunity for fellows to develop their academic and research careers within the University of California system.
Potential benefits include:
- Postdoctoral research experience with UC faculty.
- Faculty mentoring.
- Professional development.
- Academic networking.
- Opportunities to develop a career in higher education and research.
- Consideration for participating Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs.
- Access to additional UC National Laboratory opportunities for eligible STEM researchers.
Partner programmes may provide additional benefits and resources depending on their individual terms.
Application Timeline
The 2026/2027 application cycle opened on September 1, 2026.
Important dates are:
- Online application opens: September 1, 2026
- Application deadline: November 1, 2026
- Letters of recommendation deadline: December 1, 2026
- Decisions announced: March 31, 2027
Applicants should note that key dates may vary for partner universities and programmes.
How to Apply
Applications for the UC President’s and Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs must be submitted through the official online application portal.
Applicants should prepare their materials carefully, identify an appropriate UC faculty mentor and ensure that their research proposal and supporting documents meet the programme requirements. Those interested in partner programmes should also review each institution’s requirements and deadlines.
The application cycle generally runs from September through October, with the application deadline set for November 1, 2026 for the current cycle.
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
The UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers researchers an opportunity to strengthen their academic profiles through postdoctoral research, faculty mentorship and professional development within one of the world’s major public university systems.
The additional Chancellor’s, National Laboratory and partner-programme pathways may also provide opportunities for researchers to expand their professional networks and explore future academic and research careers.
How to Strengthen the Application
Applicants should begin preparation early, carefully review the official application requirements and develop a focused research proposal aligned with their academic objectives. Selecting an appropriate faculty mentor and maintaining clear communication about the proposed research can also help ensure that the application is complete and coherent.
Applicants should also confirm all recommendation-letter requirements and deadlines before submitting their application.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
