David H. Smith Postdoctoral Conservation Research Fellowship

About the role

The 2027 David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program supports early-career scientists with innovative, solutions-oriented research linking conservation science with management and policy across the United States and its five permanently inhabited territories.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research that addresses critical conservation challenges
• Collaborate with mentors to develop research plans and connect findings to real-world applications
• Participate in professional development activities including retreats and networking events
• Engage with peers and stakeholders to ensure research impacts conservation practices

Requirements

• Early-career (3 years post-PhD)
• Based at a U.S. host institution
• Research directly informs conservation practice in the U.S.
• Research primarily takes place within the U.S. and its five permanently inhabited territories
• Not sponsored by the program for visas

Qualifications

• Strong research background
• Proven ability to translate science into real-world impact
• Passion for conservation and commitment to equitable participation

Skills

• Effective communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with interdisciplinary approaches to conservation

Benefits

• Annual salary of $74,263 in 2027 and $76,490 in 2028 (plus benefits)
• $45,000 research and travel budget disbursed over two years
• Up to 5% overhead to the host institution
• Lifetime membership in the Society for Conservation Biology

Pay

• Annual salary of $74,263 in 2027 and $76,490 in 2028 (plus benefits)

Schedule

• Typical Fellowship start window: 1 June – 30 September 2027

Contact

Questions? Contact program staff at smithinfo@conbio.org

Apply Online

Full Proposal Guidelines are available at www.smithfellows.org/proposal-guidelines. All components of the proposal package—including reference and mentor letters—must be submitted via the online application portal: apply.smithfellows.org.

Ad Classification

Ad Category: Employment
Position Level: Graduate/Postdoc
Discipline: Biology Ecology Environmental Science
Institution: Society for Conservation Biology