Summary
The Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science at the University of California, Berkeley invites nominations for the prestigious Miller Research Fellowship (2027–2030). This three-year postdoctoral fellowship aims to discover and support exceptional young scientists who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, scientific promise, interdisciplinary curiosity, and a desire to conduct independent basic research at UC Berkeley.
Designation
Miller Research Postdoctoral Fellow
Overview & Key Details
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Title | Miller Research Fellow |
| Host Institution | Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science, UC Berkeley |
| Duration | 3 Years (July 1 / August 1, 2027 – July 31, 2030) |
| Annual Stipend | $95,000 (with 3% annual increases; approx. $95,000–$106,000 over 3 years) |
| Research Allowance | $10,000 per annum ($30,000 total) |
| Relocation Allowance | Up to $3,000 for transport of personal belongings + travel allowance |
| Total Estimated Value | ~$378,000 (stipend, research funds, benefits, relocation) |
| Nomination Deadline | September 10, 2026 (11:59 PM, GMT-7) |
| Application Deadline | October 9, 2026 (11:59 PM, GMT-7) |
Research Area
Basic Sciences
Fellows are hosted within UC Berkeley basic science academic departments, including (but not limited to):
- Astronomy
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Molecular & Cell Biology
- Computer Science
- Other eligible UC Berkeley basic science departments
Location
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California, United States
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Ph.D. Requirement: Candidates must have recently received or be about to receive their Ph.D. degree. The Ph.D. cannot be awarded before January 1, 2025, and must be completed by August 31, 2027.
- Postdoctoral Experience: Candidates must not have completed more than two years of postdoctoral experience at other institutions at the time of their proposed fellowship start date.
- Faculty Status: Candidates who have held positions as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor are ineligible.
- UC Berkeley Affiliation Restriction: Nominees cannot hold a paid or unpaid position on the UC Berkeley campus at the time of nomination or throughout the competition and award cycle (through February 2027).
- Visa / Citizenship: Open to all nationalities. Non-U.S. citizens must be eligible for J-1 Scholar visa status and demonstrate English language proficiency (H-1B visa status is not supported). Direct applications or self-nominations are not accepted.
Job Description
As a Miller Research Fellow, you will pursue independent research hosted within a UC Berkeley academic department under the mentorship of an active full-time Berkeley faculty host.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Independent Research: Conduct self-directed basic research with full access to host department facilities.
- Competitive Compensation: Starting annual stipend of $95,000 with annual 3% increases and $10,000 per year in dedicated research funding.
- Benefits Package: Full University medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance coverage (with small fellow premium contribution), plus childcare reimbursement ($2,700/year for qualified dependents).
- Paid Time Off: 24 days of personal time off annually and 12 days of annual sick leave.
- Interdisciplinary Community: Engage with a broader network of fellows and faculty across all basic science disciplines.
How to Apply
- Online Nomination (Required First Step):
- Direct applications and self-nominations are not accepted.
- Candidates must be nominated online by a department chair, faculty advisor, professor, or research scientist from an institution anywhere in the world.
- Nominators must submit a detailed recommendation letter on official letterhead by September 10, 2026.
- Application Process (Invited Nominees):
- Upon acceptance of the nomination, invited nominees will receive an email link to complete the online application.
- Nominees must submit all required application materials by October 9, 2026.
- Required Application Components:
- Biographical & Contact Information
- 1-Page Research Statement: Describing the proposed research at Berkeley (PDF format, minimum 11pt font, 0.5-inch margins, including references/figures).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) & Publications List (published or in-press only).
- Three (3) Reference Letters: Required from references other than the nominator.
- Proposed UC Berkeley Faculty Host Support Letter: Applicants must identify and contact a potential active full-time UC Berkeley faculty host who agrees to submit a formal letter of support confirming willingness and facility capacity to host the applicant.
Last Date to Apply
- Nomination Deadline: September 10, 2026 (11:59 PM GMT-7)
- Final Application & Materials Deadline: October 9, 2026 (11:59 PM GMT-7)
