Postdoctoral Fellowships

Postdoctoral scientists at the Field Museum have a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers across the biological, geological, and anthropological sciences. The Field Museum is home to cutting-edge research across , and we enthusiastically welcome proposals in any of these areas—or at their intersections. We also encourage collaborations that connect our work to broader scientific networks beyond the Museum. Come join us in advancing science, building knowledge, and exploring big questions that matter.

Connecting with Potential Curators & Sponsors

All applicants must reach out to a Field Museum Curator or eligible Sponsor to discuss mentorship and project alignment prior to applying. A complete application must include a letter of endorsement from your chosen sponsor. To ensure a fair and focused selection process, each curator or sponsor may endorse only one applicant per funding cycle. Sponsors who submit endorsement letters for multiple applicants will render all associated applications ineligible for this round.

What We’re Looking for in Postdoctoral Proposals

We seek bold, creative, and forward-thinking proposals that demonstrate originality and strong potential to enhance the Field Museum’s research impact. Proposals should not simply extend prior work, but rather introduce a transformative vision. Competitive proposals will include clearly articulated innovative elements such as:

  • Introducing fresh perspectives to museum-based research, collections, or public engagement.
  • Establishing interdisciplinary collaborations.
  • Designing research that catalyzes broader impacts across science, education, and society.
  • Applying cutting-edge analytical methods or technologies in novel ways.

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in a relevant research discipline before the proposed start date. Candidates should demonstrate the expertise, independence, and initiative to carry out original research while actively contributing to the scholarly community at the Field Museum.

Award Acceptance & Terms of Appointment

Candidates must formally accept their award by notifying both their sponsor and the Science and Scholarship Funding Committee within two months of receiving the official offer letter.
Postdoctoral appointments are awarded for a two-year term, with continued support in the second-year contingent on satisfactory performance during the first. Appointments may begin as early as January 1, 2026, and must commence no later than June 1, 2026. 

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials as a single PDF file (items 1 to 5 only) to be considered for funding:

  • Research Proposal: (2-page maximum) (A proposal template is included to help structure your ideas).
  • Curriculum Vitae: (3-page maximum): Highlight academic achievements, research experience, publications, and outreach.
  • Three Representative Publications: PDFs of your most relevant or impactful work.
  • CAT Communication: A brief email (provided by the Curator/Sponsor) copying all CAT members to confirm they are aware of your proposed project.
  • Museum Facilities Approval Letter: If your proposal includes the use of Field Museum labs, collections, or other specialized resources, your Curator/Sponsor must work with you to contact the appropriate facility director to confirm: Feasibility of the work. Budgetary alignment. Permissions and logistics. 

Letters of Endorsement and Recommendation (please ask your sponsor for weblink for letter submission)

Candidates are responsible for contacting their letter writers directly. All letters must be received by July 14, 2025. Applications missing any required letters will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. 

  • Letter of Endorsement from a Field Museum Curator or Eligible Sponsor
    This letter must confirm the curator/sponsor’s commitment to support and collaborate on the proposed project. It should briefly describe how the project fits within the Museum’s research priorities and outline the sponsor’s role during the fellowship. Only one endorsement letter per sponsor is permitted per cycle. 
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
    Applicants must request two letters from external referees (not affiliated with the Field Museum) who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications, research potential, and readiness for an independent postdoctoral project. 

Proposal Format (please ask your sponsor for proposal template)

Proposals must use the template provided and adhere to the formatting guidelines specified in the call (limit to 2 pages, 12 pt font, 1-inch margins). Include:

  1. Project Title and Candidate Name
  2. Research Rationale
  3. Objectives & Research Questions
  4. Methodology & Feasibility
  5. Expected Scientific Outcomes
  6. Outreach Activities
  7. Sponsorship & Collaborations
  8. Timeline & Milestones
  9. Figures
  10. References
  11. Budget

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions to scholarship@fieldmuseum.org. We look forward to seeing your exciting proposals!