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Application

Applications are now open until 11:59 PM on December 1, 2025 for scholarships beginning in 2026

Applications will be accepted from doctoral recipients from all fields of ocean sciences and engineering. This year, we also plan to award scholarships to those whose academic record and stated interests demonstrate the potential to build institutional momentum in research areas in data and computational sciences, defense-adjacent fields of ocean science and engineering, and with connections to potentially commercializable applications. Finally, an award will be given to an individual interested in working with The National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (NOSAMS) facility on either or both (i) studies of radiocarbon in oceanic systems and (ii) developments in accelerator mass spectrometry and related techniques.

Criteria for awards include demonstrated research independence, productivity and novelty, and contributions to institutional research areas. Communication with potential WHOI advisors prior to submitting an application is highly recommended and sponsor support for research activities will be considered in the award selection. We will make certain that any staff member you mention as a potential sponsor has an opportunity to review your application. Information about the research interests of the WHOI Scientific Staff, as well as research specific awards for this year, can be found under the Research Areas link to the left.

Requirements

In addition to the formal application form, the following are required:

  • a current CV or resume that shows educational background, work, and community services experiences;
  • three non-WHOI recommendation letters (All reference letters should be submitted online by the referee. Reference writers should submit letters using the reference link that will be emailed once the applicant has initiated the process within their application);
  • a brief (no longer than one page) plain-language summary of your research experience to date, with emphasis on your PhD training. Summarize what you have accomplished, the skills and techniques learned and developed, obstacles overcome, and the significance of your research and results, written for a non-expert audience. The aim of this document is to assess your ability to conduct independent research at WHOI; and
  • a statement (no longer than four pages) that addresses your research interests you wish to pursue at WHOI. Address why WHOI is an appropriate venue to carry out this research. Describe your anticipated career plans, with an explanation of how postdoctoral research at WHOI would add to your existing experience and preparation.

All Documents other than the CV are required to be double spaced with one-inch margins and a font size of 11 or greater.  Citations may extend beyond the page limit.

Applications should be completed using the apply button found on this page. Applicants completing this form will be considered for all of this year’s scholarship awards. Applicants with a particular interest in one of the specific award categories mentioned in the Research Areas section should indicate their interest in the relevant section of the application form.

 

Application Status

As part of the completion of an online application, applicants will be prompted to create an account to submit any remaining application materials and to monitor application status.  Please note that applications cannot be edited after submission. You may login to your account to monitor progress. Awards will be announced beginning in February.

 

Further information may also be obtained by contacting The Postdoctoral Coordinator: Phone: (508) 289-2950; Email:postdoc@whoi.edu

 

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