Henry Izuu 
Apply now for the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026
Are you an early-career researcher ready to tackle global environmental challenges? The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 at the University of Colorado Boulder is now accepting applications. This fellowship is considered one of the most competitive and respected environmental science opportunities in the United States.
What is the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026?
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 offers exceptional researchers a two-year term to pursue cutting-edge, independent research. You’ll collaborate directly with CIRES scientists and researchers at Boulder’s NOAA laboratories. For over 50 years, CIRES has hosted more than 350 scientists who have built distinguished careers in environmental science.
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 focuses on critical areas including climate change, oceanography, atmospheric science, hydrology, and earth system processes, making it ideal for researchers passionate about advancing environmental science and influencing global scientific understanding.
CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026: Financial Benefits
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 provides robust financial and research support:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Term | Two years |
| Annual Salary (Year 1) | $70,000 |
| Salary Increase | Merit increase in Year 2, aligned with campus policy |
| Research Budget | Up to $8,000 for research expenses |
| Equipment Provided | A laptop (separate from research budget) |
| Relocation Support | Modest relocation support for individual applicants |
Beyond the $70,000 first-year salary, the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 includes a dedicated $8,000 research budget and a laptop. Fellows also receive modest relocation assistance and the opportunity to present at the CIRES Rendezvous Science Symposium or CIRES-hosted seminars.
CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026, you must meet these requirements:
- PhD Required: You must hold a PhD in a field related to CIRES’ work. The degree must be officially granted before your appointment starts, with defense completed and all thesis revisions approved.
- Four-Year Rule: You must be no more than four years out from completing your PhD when applying to the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026. Exceptions may be granted for caretaking responsibilities or exceptional circumstances—contact Becca Edwards for clarification.
- No Local Ties: Former or current CU Boulder graduate students or postdocs are not eligible for the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026. Current or former CIRES Visiting Fellows are also ineligible.
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 especially encourages applications from individuals belonging to groups currently under-represented in environmental sciences.
How to Apply: CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 Application Process
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 application process is entirely online. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026: Key Deadlines
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Competition Opens | October 20, 2025 |
| Info Session | November 3, 2025 (10 AM MST) |
| Application Deadline | January 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST |
| Recommendation Letters Due | January 8, 2026 |
| Results Announced | Spring 2026 |
Step 1: Secure Your CIRES Sponsor
For the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026, securing a sponsor is crucial. Your application must be sponsored by a CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist. Applications lacking sponsor support are unlikely to succeed.
Strong endorsement and active engagement from your sponsor significantly enhances your competitiveness for the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026, as collaboration is central to the program.
Step 2: Submit Your CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 Application Online
Submit everything via the official CIRES Visiting Fellows portal. Use Google Chrome for the best experience. Complete Steps 1 & 2 and click “Save and Continue” to receive an email link allowing you to return and upload documents until the deadline.
Step 3: Required Materials for the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026
Follow formatting rules carefully. An interdisciplinary scientific team will review your application.
1. CV and Transcripts:
- Your CV must be limited to 2 pages in NSF format
- Transcripts are required
2. Cover Letter (1–2 pages):
Your CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 cover letter must include:
- Your expected start date
- Names of your CIRES Fellow sponsor(s) and other collaborating researchers
- Detailed description of collaboration nature with each scientist
- Strong justification of how you’d benefit the CIRES community and alignment with the CIRES Strategic Plan
- Explanation of your research growth goals
- Description of a pivotal research experience and what you learned
3. Research Proposal (Maximum 3 pages):
Your CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 research proposal should include:
- Page Limit: 3 pages maximum (including figures; figure captions can be 10 pt font, main text must be 12 pt)
- Content: Motivation, novelty, research question, methods, and expected outcomes
- Timeline: Include an appropriate timeline for achieving outcomes (higher priority given)
- CIRES Link: Scientific rationale for conducting research at CIRES, showing strong linkages with your sponsor’s research
- Audience: Write for a broad scientific audience
4. Three Letters of Recommendation:
For the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026:
- Provide contact information for three recommenders
- Important: Your CIRES sponsors cannot write recommendation letters
- Letters should highlight: completing tasks on time, independent thinking, creative problem-solving, passion, perseverance, and collaborative teamwork
- Your responsibility: Ensure letters are submitted by January 8, 2026
CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026: Selection Criteria
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 review panel evaluates candidates on four key factors:
- Impact of Past Work: Evidence of scientific rigor, innovation, and productivity
- Future Potential: Ability to advance environmental science through publications or awards
- Collaboration Potential: Projects that foster meaningful collaborations, especially strengthening CIRES-NOAA partnerships
- Sponsor Support: Strong, active endorsement from your CIRES sponsor significantly increases competitiveness
Apply Now for the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 is a career-transforming opportunity for early-career environmental scientists. With a $70,000 first-year salary, $8,000 research budget, and two years of collaborative research at one of the nation’s premier environmental institutes, this fellowship can launch your career in environmental science.
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program 2026 application deadline is January 1, 2026. Submit your materials online via the official CIRES Visiting Fellows portal.
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