CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2026 offer an incredible opportunity for recent PhD graduates to advance their research careers in environmental sciences, climate studies, and Earth systems research. Hosted by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) — a world-renowned institute dedicated to understanding the dynamic Earth system, including the atmosphere, oceans, land, and cryosphere — this fellowship program welcomes passionate researchers eager to contribute innovative ideas and scientific insights. It aims to foster collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge discoveries in the field of environmental science.
Each year, CIRES selects a limited number of exceptional Postdoctoral Visiting Fellows to carry out independent yet collaborative research under the guidance of a CIRES Fellow or Senior Research Scientist. The fellowship duration extends up to two years, offering an excellent platform to engage in advanced research projects that align with CIRES and NOAA’s shared mission of monitoring and understanding the Earth’s changing climate. This fully funded fellowship empowers emerging scientists to make a lasting impact on global environmental research and sustainability efforts.
Benefits of the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2026
- The CIRES Visiting Fellowship Program will provide an annual salary of approximately USD 70,000.
- Fellows will also get a research budget of $8,000 to cover research-related expenses.
- They will also get a separate laptop allowance of $8,000.
- The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship is an amazing opportunity to pursue research at one of the top platforms.
- Chance to visit the USA and learn from international mentors or professors.
Eligibility Criteria for CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2026
- At the time of application, the applicant should be no more than 4 years out from completion of a PhD.
- Past or current postdocs and graduate students at CU Boulder are ineligible.
- Current or former CIRES Visiting Fellows are also not eligible.
- Applicants must have earned a PhD in a relevant field such as environmental science, geosciences, climate science, hydrology, remote sensing, etc.
- Applicants should have interest in pursuing their research in a relevnt field.
Required Documents
Following documents are required for the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowship Program, make sure to comlete these documents before starting your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Transcripts
- Cover letter (1-2 pages)
- Research proposal (max 3 pages)
- Names and contact details for three referees
- Other required documents
How to Apply for CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2026
- Apply online through the CIRES official portal.
- Complete the online application form carefully.
- Enter all required personal and academic details accurately.
- Upload necessary documents as mentioned in the guidelines.
- Ensure letters of recommendation are submitted before the deadline.
- Review your entire application and submit before the CIRES Fellowship 2026 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2026 offer early-career researchers a two-year funded opportunity in Boulder to collaborate with CIRES and NOAA scientists. With eligibility criteria, a clearly defined application package, a Jan 2 2026 deadline, and generous benefits including salary, research budget and support, this program is competitive and demands strong sponsor connections and high-quality interdisciplinary research proposals.
What is the purpose of the CIRES Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships 2026?
The fellowship invites outstanding early-career researchers to join a vibrant research community in Boulder, Colorado at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES). It is designed to foster interdisciplinary work with CIRES scientists and affiliated NOAA laboratories, supporting two‐year terms of independent but collaborative environmental research.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must hold a PhD in a field aligned with CIRES research and have completed all thesis revisions before the fellowship start date. For postdoctoral applicants, they should be no more than four years from PhD completion (with possible exceptions for caregiving or other circumstances). Past or current CIRES Visiting Fellows and those who were graduate students or postdocs at the University of Colorado Boulder are not eligible.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
For postdoctoral Visiting Fellows, the term is two years. Senior scientists may apply for up to 12 months (in the sabbatical category).
What financial support and benefits are provided?
In the first year of the postdoctoral award you receive an annual salary of approximately US $70,000, with a second-year increase based on campus merit. You also get a research budget of up to US $8,000, a modest relocation stipend (individual only), and a laptop (which is separate from the research budget).
What are the key application materials?
Applicants must submit: a 2-page CV (NSF format), transcripts, a 1-2 page cover letter specifying expected start date, sponsoring CIRES/NOAA scientists and description of collaboration, and a research proposal (max 3 pages including figures). They also need to provide contact information for three referees whose letters will be required.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. MST on January 2, 2026. Letters of recommendation can be submitted through January 8, 2026.
How are applications reviewed?
A committee of CIRES Fellows evaluates candidates based on previous research quality, the novelty and feasibility of the proposed project, potential for collaboration with CIRES/NOAA scientists, and strength of sponsor support.
Is international applicants eligible and what about visa support?
Yes, international applicants are eligible. The institute’s HR team will assist with visa and immigration support as needed.
What are tips for working with a sponsor?
Applicants should contact potential CIRES Fellows or Senior Research Scientists well in advance of application submission. Without an identified and supportive sponsor, applications are unlikely to succeed.
What happens after selection and what start date flexibility exists?
Fellowships must begin within ten months of acceptance of the offer; deferrals are not permitted. Fellows are expected to present their work in person at the CIRES annual science symposium in May or through a seminar for the broader CIRES audience prior to completing the fellowship.
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