University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
If you are a recent PhD (or other terminal degree) graduate with strong research potential and you are aiming to join or prepare for a faculty career, the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program applications are now open! This program offers not only a postdoc research position but also mentoring, professional development, and many benefits. It is especially interested in scholars who can bring new perspectives—through research, background, or life experience—that enrich diversity across the University of California campuses and partner institutes. Here's everything you need to know.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Any one of the ten University of California campuses; also available at UC National Laboratories; plus partner institutions/universities with selected arrangements.
Level: Postdoctoral (terminal degree holders; PhD or equivalent).
Target Group: Scholars in all disciplines who are outstanding, especially those whose research, teaching, and/or service will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity.
Fields of Focus: All fields (STEM, humanities, social sciences, etc.). Unique emphasis on innovative research (new fields, innovative approach, or perspectives not currently present in the target department) and diversity.
Funding & Coverage:
Salary starting at approximately US $69,073 per year (for 2026 cycle); may vary based on field and experience.
Plus US $5,000 for research expenses and professional development / travel.
Benefits package including health, vision, dental; paid sick leave; maternity/family medical leave; and 4 weeks paid time off during the fellowship term.
Duration: 12 months (one year), with possibility of renewal for an additional year upon satisfactory performance (productivity, participation in program events).
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025.
Start Date: Fellowship generally begins July 1, 2026.
📚 Fellowship Overview
The PPFP is designed to serve as a bridge toward a faculty career, especially within the UC system. The structure includes:
Research under faculty sponsorship: Each fellow is placed with a faculty mentor (tenured or equivalent) at a UC campus or in a partnering lab or institution. For National Lab placements, there's also a UC faculty co-mentor.
Professional development: Fellows are expected to participate in program-wide events such as a Fall Meeting, a Spring Academic Retreat, and other development activities.
Mentoring: Regular meetings with the faculty mentor and support for career goals, including preparing for faculty job applications. Departmental integration (seminars, colloquia etc.) is expected.
🎁 Benefits
Full salary plus research and travel funds.
Comprehensive health and related benefits.
Paid sick leave, maternity/family/medical leave.
Four weeks paid time off.
Support toward developing independent research profile.
Networking opportunities via retreat/meetings; exposure to faculty across UC; potentially strong pathway to tenure-track positions, especially since many fellows later secure faculty appointments.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
Hold (or obtain before the start date, ~July 1, 2026) a terminal degree in their discipline (PhD or equivalent).
Propose research that is innovative or engages new fields, or brings perspectives or scholarly work not currently represented in the host department. Or have life/educational experience contributing to diversity in the UC faculty.
Be legally authorized to work in the US by the start of the appointment. Applicants under deferred action / DACA are welcome. Visa sponsorship may be needed/supportable via mentor/institution.
Identify a faculty mentor who holds a tenured position (or in some cases equivalent for labs), in the host site.
Be available to reside/participate in residence at the host campus (or National Lab) during the fellowship (except for travel, conferences etc.).
📝 Application Procedure
Here is how to apply and what you will need:
How to Apply: Through the PPFP online application portal. Applications open around early September and close November 1.
Application Requirements / Documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV) with full academic record, publications, etc.
A research proposal (project to be done during the fellowship).
Statement of educational background / life experience—especially regarding how you will bring perspectives that contribute to diversity.
Letters of recommendation; at least one from the proposed mentor.
Proof of terminal degree (or evidence it will be completed by the start date).
Evidence of legal status/work authorization if required.
Evaluation & Selection:
Applications are evaluated on merit of the research proposal, mentor fit, academic accomplishments, and contribution to diversity and broadening perspectives.
Highly ranked applicants are automatically considered for related Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs on the campus of the proposed mentor.
Key Dates:
Online application opens: ~ September 1, 2025
Application deadline: November 1, 2025
Letters of recommendation due: December 1, 2025
Decisions announced: March 31, 2026
ℹ️ Extra Useful Information
There are about 30 fellowships awarded annually across all UC campuses.
For those interested in UC National Labs (e.g. Lawrence Berkeley, Livermore, Los Alamos), application is through the same PPFP system; in those cases, there is a technical adviser, and a UC faculty co-mentor must be identified.
Even if you apply for PPFP and are not selected, but are highly ranked, you may still be considered under Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs at your mentor’s UC campus. So applying to PPFP gives multiple chances in a sense.
