Summary
The Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science at the University of California, Berkeley invites nominations for the 2027–2030 Miller Research Postdoctoral Fellowship. This highly competitive, 3-year fellowship is designed for exceptional early-career scientists of outstanding promise in the basic sciences. Fellows receive funding, independent research support, and the opportunity to pursue their scientific inquiries while hosted in academic departments across the UC Berkeley campus within a vibrant, interdisciplinary community.
Postdoctoral Fellowship (2027–2030) Miller at UC Berkeley, University of California, USA
Designation
Miller Research Fellow (Postdoctoral Research Fellow)
Key Information at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Host Institution | Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science, UC Berkeley |
| Duration | 3 Years (commencing between July 1 and September 1, 2027) |
| Annual Stipend | $95,000 (with 3% annual increases; approx. $95,000 – $106,000 total range) |
| Research Fund | $10,000 per annum |
| Relocation Allowance | $3,000 allowance for personal belongings + travel expenses to Berkeley |
| Estimated Total Value | ~$378,000 (including stipend, research funds, benefits, and travel/relocation) |
| Nomination Deadline | September 10, 2026 (11:59 PM, GMT-7) |
| Application Deadline | October 9, 2026 (11:59 PM, GMT-7) |
Research Area
All fundamental branches of the Basic Sciences, including astronomy, physics, chemistry, molecular & cell biology, and computer science.
Basic Sciences, including (but not limited to):
- Astronomy
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Molecular & Cell Biology
- Computer Science
- Other approved UC Berkeley basic science departments
Location
University of California, Berkeley campus, Berkeley, California, USA.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Degree Requirements: Candidates must hold or be about to receive a Ph.D. degree. The Ph.D. cannot have been awarded before January 1, 2025, and must be completed by August 31, 2027.
- Postdoctoral Experience: Applicants cannot have had more than two years of prior postdoctoral experience from other institutions at the time of the proposed fellowship start date.
- Academic Rank Restrictions: Candidates cannot have been employed as an assistant professor, associate professor, or professor.
- Campus Status Restrictions: Candidates cannot hold any paid or unpaid position on the UC Berkeley campus at the time of nomination or throughout the competition and award cycle (through late February 2027).
- Visa Requirements: Non-U.S. citizens must be eligible to obtain J-1 Scholar visa status (or utilize F-1 OPT/STEM extension status if applicable) and demonstrate English language proficiency. Note: H-1B visas are not supported.
- Nomination Mandatory: Direct applications and self-nominations are not accepted. All applicants must first be nominated by an eligible sponsor.
Job Description & Benefits
- Independent Scientific Research: Conduct cutting-edge research in facilities provided by the host UC Berkeley academic department(s), with sponsorship and administrative support from the Miller Institute.
- Interdisciplinary Engagement: Participate actively in the scientific and community life of the Miller Institute alongside fellows and faculty from diverse disciplines.
- Financial Support & Funding:
- Base stipend starting at $95,000/year with 3% annual increases.
- $10,000 annual research allowance to support research activities.
- Relocation & Travel Support: Provision for travel to Berkeley for the Fellow and immediate family, plus a $3,000 allowance for transport of personal belongings.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Full health coverage (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, short-term disability, 24 days of annual personal time off, 12 days of annual sick leave, and childcare reimbursement ($2,700/year for qualified dependents).
- Optional Award Recognition: Applicants may opt-in for consideration for the Kathryn A. Day Miller Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, recognizing community building and scientific outreach efforts.
How to Apply
The application process consists of two mandatory stages:
Stage 1: Online Nomination (Required)
- Who Nominates: Department chairs, faculty advisors, professors, or research scientists from academic/research institutions worldwide (not limited to UC Berkeley). Candidates cannot nominate themselves.
- Process: The nominator submits candidate contact details, Ph.D. dates, and a formal recommendation letter on institutional letterhead online.
Stage 2: Nominee Application (Invited)
Upon accepting the nomination, eligible candidates will receive an invitation email from millerfellows@millerfellows.com to complete their application, which requires:
- Biographical & Visa Information Form
- Research Statement: A 1-page PDF detailing proposed research at Berkeley (maximum 1 page including figures/references, minimum 0.5″ margins, minimum 11 pt font).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including university education, employment history, awards, and a list of published or in-press publications.
- Proposed UC Berkeley Faculty Host: Identify at least one eligible, full-time UC Berkeley faculty member willing to host and mentor you (a host support letter is required).
- Reference Letters: Contact details for three (3) references (excluding the nominator) who will upload evaluation letters via the portal.
Last Date for Apply
- Nomination Deadline: September 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM (GMT-7 / PDT)
- Final Application & References Deadline: October 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM (GMT-7 / PDT)
