The University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (UC PPFP) 2027–2028 offers an opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers to pursue postdoctoral research at the University of California (UC) while preparing for academic careers.
The program provides a salary of approximately $69,073 annually, $5,000 in research and professional development funding, employee benefits, and mentorship from experienced faculty members.
The fellowship is open to qualified scholars across academic disciplines who want to conduct research under the sponsorship of a tenured UC faculty member. Applicants can propose research at one of the University of California’s ten campuses, subject to the program’s application and selection requirements.
Applications for the current 2026–2027 award cycle opened on September 1, 2026, and close on November 1, 2026. Recommendation letters are due by December 1, 2026, and selection decisions are scheduled to be announced by March 31, 2027.
The program is especially relevant to researchers seeking to develop independent research programs, strengthen their academic careers, and contribute to the University of California’s research excellence and public service mission.
UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program: Summary
| Fellowship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Program name | UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program |
| Host institution | University of California |
| Fellowship location | California, United States |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 recruitment cycle |
| Annual salary | Approximately $69,073 |
| Research and professional development funding | $5,000 |
| Additional benefits | Health, vision and dental coverage, paid leave and paid time off |
| Fellowship duration | 12 months, with possible renewal |
| Eligible qualifications | PhD or another qualifying terminal degree |
| Research fields | All academic disciplines |
| Application opening date | September 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | November 1, 2026 |
| Recommendation letter deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Expected decision date | March 31, 2027 |
| Official application website | Apply through the UC PPFP portal |
| Official program website | UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program |
What Is the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program?
The UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is a University of California initiative that supports outstanding scholars pursuing postdoctoral research and academic careers.
The program provides research funding, faculty mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to participate in the academic community at a UC campus.
It was established to encourage talented scholars to pursue academic careers and to strengthen the diversity of perspectives represented in higher education and research.
The fellowship welcomes applicants across disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, education, and other academic fields.
Applicants should demonstrate strong research potential, academic achievement, and the ability to develop an impactful research program.
According to the official program, approximately 30 postdoctoral fellowships are awarded annually across the University of California system.
Official source: UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
Benefits of the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
1. Annual Salary of Approximately $69,073
The fellowship provides an annual salary of approximately $69,073, according to the published award terms for the current recruitment cycle.
The salary supports fellows while they focus on research, work with faculty mentors, and develop their academic careers.
The precise salary and appointment conditions should be confirmed with the program before accepting an award.
2. $5,000 for Research and Professional Development
Fellows receive an additional $5,000 for research expenses and professional development.
This funding can support eligible activities and expenses associated with the fellow’s research and academic development. Applicants should consult the program’s award terms for any spending restrictions.
3. Health, Vision and Dental Benefits
The award includes employee benefits covering health, vision, and dental care, subject to the applicable appointment terms.
4. Paid Leave and Time Off
The published fellowship terms include paid sick leave, applicable family and medical leave, and four weeks of paid time off during the fellowship term.
Applicants should confirm the exact leave arrangements and eligibility conditions with the administering UC campus.
5. Faculty Mentorship
Each fellow works under the sponsorship of a tenured UC faculty member who serves as the primary mentor.
Mentors are expected to support the fellow’s research, help establish connections within the academic department, and provide guidance toward future faculty opportunities.
6. Opportunities Across UC Campuses
The program supports research at any of the University of California’s ten campuses, subject to the application and placement requirements.
Applicants must select one UC campus for their proposed fellowship application and secure an appropriate faculty sponsor.
7. Professional Development and Academic Networking
Fellows are expected to participate in program activities, including professional development meetings and an academic retreat.
These activities provide opportunities to connect with other scholars, discuss research, and prepare for long-term academic careers.
Source: Official PPFP terms of award.
UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the academic and application requirements established by the University of California.
1. PhD or Other Qualifying Terminal Degree
Applicants must hold, or receive before the start of the fellowship, a PhD or another qualifying terminal degree in their discipline from an accredited university.
Depending on the field, qualifying degrees may include a JD, MD, MFA, DVM, EdD, or another recognized terminal degree.
Candidates should confirm that their particular qualification meets the official requirements.
2. Strong Research Background
Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement, research ability, and the potential to develop an impactful research program.
The selection committee considers the quality of the proposed research, the applicant’s accomplishments, and their potential for a successful academic career.
3. Faculty Sponsorship
Applicants must secure the sponsorship of a tenured UC faculty member who is willing to serve as their primary mentor.
The faculty sponsor must be someone other than the applicant’s PhD dissertation advisor.
Candidates should contact prospective mentors early to discuss their research plans and determine whether the proposed work fits the faculty member’s expertise.
4. Research Proposal
Applicants must submit a research proposal explaining the project they intend to pursue during the fellowship.
The proposal should clearly explain the research question, its significance, and the contribution it could make to the applicant’s field.
The official instructions specify a proposal of 700–1,000 words. Applicants should follow this limit carefully.
5. Commitment to an Academic Career
The fellowship is designed for scholars who want to prepare for careers in academia.
Applicants should demonstrate the potential to develop independent research, collaborate with faculty, and contribute to the research and public service mission of the University of California.
6. Work Authorization
Successful applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
The official program states that visa sponsorship and work authorization may be possible through a process coordinated by the relevant UC International Students and Scholars Office, with support from the faculty mentor.
International applicants should contact the program and prospective mentor to clarify the process applicable to their circumstances.
Source: Official PPFP application requirements and selection information.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following materials before completing their online application.
1. Curriculum vitae (CV)
Prepare an up-to-date academic CV showing your education, research experience, publications, presentations, awards, and other relevant accomplishments.
2. PhD thesis abstract
Submit a one-page abstract of your PhD thesis. The official instructions specify that it should be included in the Education and Background Statement document with the required identification header.
3. Research proposal
Write a 700–1,000-word proposal describing your planned research and its significance within your discipline.
The proposal should explain what you intend to investigate, why the work matters, and how it could contribute to your field.
4. Faculty mentor support
Secure a tenured UC faculty sponsor who is not your PhD dissertation advisor.
Discuss the project with your prospective mentor and follow the application system’s instructions for the mentor’s supporting materials.
5. Letters of recommendation
Arrange the required recommendation letters through the online application process. Check the application portal for the exact number of letters and submission instructions applicable to your application.
The program’s stated deadline for recommendation letters is December 1, 2026.
6. Other application information
Applicants should be ready to provide details about their degree, institution, academic discipline, proposed research, and intended UC faculty mentor.
Prepare the required documents in PDF format, as specified by the official application instructions.
Official source: PPFP application instructions.
How to Apply for the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2027–2028
Applications are submitted through the official University of California online application portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Read the current application instructions on the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship website.
Step 2: Identify a UC Faculty Mentor
Find a tenured faculty member whose research interests align with your proposed project.
Your primary mentor must be someone other than your PhD dissertation advisor.
Contact the prospective mentor early to discuss your research proposal and the possibility of sponsorship.
Step 3: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Develop a clear 700–1,000-word proposal that describes your research question, methodology or approach, and the significance of the work.
Explain how the proposed research could advance knowledge in your discipline.
Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
Gather your CV, thesis abstract, research proposal, academic information, and any other required materials.
Make sure the documents meet the format and word-count requirements stated in the official application instructions.
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Create an account or sign in to the official application portal:
UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Portal
Complete the application and follow the instructions for submitting mentor support and recommendation letters.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
The application deadline is November 1, 2026.
Make sure your application is complete by the deadline and remind your referees that their letters must be submitted by December 1, 2026.
More details, click here: https://ppfp.ucop.edu/info/
UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Deadline 2026–2027
The key dates for the current recruitment cycle are:
| Application milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | September 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | November 1, 2026 |
| Recommendation letters due | December 1, 2026 |
| Selection decisions announced | March 31, 2027 |
As of October 15, 2026, the application period is open.
Applicants should submit their materials early enough to resolve any issues with faculty sponsorship, references, or document uploads.
Dates for partner fellowship programs may differ. Applicants interested in a partner university should check that institution’s separate instructions.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes. The UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is open to qualified scholars from different countries, provided they meet the academic and other program requirements.
International applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The official program indicates that visa sponsorship and work authorization may be possible for successful candidates through the appropriate university process.
Applicants outside the United States should discuss immigration and appointment requirements with their prospective faculty mentor and the relevant UC office.
FAQs
How much does the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship pay?
The published award terms list an annual salary of approximately $69,073 and an additional $5,000 for research and professional development.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The award includes a salary, research and professional development funding, health, vision and dental benefits, and specified paid leave. Applicants should review the official terms to understand the full appointment conditions.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Qualified international scholars may apply, subject to the program’s requirements and U.S. work authorization rules. Visa sponsorship may be possible through the appropriate UC process.
Do I need a faculty mentor before applying?
Yes. Applicants must secure a tenured UC faculty sponsor who is not their PhD dissertation advisor.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the current cycle is November 1, 2026. Recommendation letters are due by December 1, 2026.
How long is the fellowship?
Each award covers a 12-month period. Renewal for an additional term may be granted based on academic productivity and participation in program activities, subject to the official conditions.
Where can I apply?
Submit your application through the official UC PPFP application portal.
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