Postdoctoral Scholarships
The Green Foundation for Earth Sciences manages two kinds of postdoctoral appointments, Green Foundation Postdoctoral Scholarships and the Miles Postdoctoral Fellowship. Both are intended to support Earth scientists who have recently obtained their PhD (or expect to soon) and are interested in coming to La Jolla to collaborate with IGPP researchers as postdocs.
Both appointments are awarded through a competitive process, and candidates will be considered for both positions with a single application. The appointments are for one year, renewable for a second year subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
There are THREE openings starting in 2026: two Green Foundation Postdoctoral Scholars and one Miles Postdoctoral Fellow.
Application Deadline: Sunday, Nov 9, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply here: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04363
Green Postdoctoral Scholarship
Up to two postdoctoral Green Scholarships are offered annually, usually in the fall. They provide 50% support, the other 50% coming from a mentor at IGPP. Part of the application and selection process is establishing that a mentor is available who can provide such support.
Miles Postdoctoral Fellowship
A single Miles Postdoctoral Fellowship is awarded in alternate years, usually in the fall. It provides 100% support of a postdoctoral scientist whose expertise lies within the broad areas of computational and theoretical geophysics.
The Fellowship was endowed by the late John W. Miles. Dr. Miles spent over 40 years conducting research in applied mechanics and geophysics at UCSD and Scripps. He applied mathematical methodology to many aspects of fluid dynamics, including supersonic flow, ocean tides, the stability of currents and water waves, and their nonlinear interactions.
Position description
The PhD awarded to the applicant must have a date no earlier than 4 years before the application deadline, and no later than 6 months after it, though the 4-year limit may be extended up to one year to allow for parental leaves. The appointment cannot start until after the award of the PhD.
This is an in-person position with primary work location on the UC San Diego Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus.
We seek individuals who show evidence of producing, and continuing to produce, research in geophysics that is of the highest quality.
Green Foundation scholars will be 50% supported from the Green Foundation for Earth Sciences, matched with extramural funds for specific research projects. Miles Postdoctoral Fellows are 100% supported by the Green Foundation and do not require matching funds. Before submitting an application, applicants should contact potential IGPP mentors to find out if they have a suitable project and matching funds. Green scholars are encouraged to broaden their experience through interaction with other researchers at IGPP; individual research goals may be pursued if project progress can be maintained. Information on recent IGPP research is available at https://igpp.ucsd.edu/about
Starting salary is $75,000/yr plus benefits, along with $3,000/yr of discretionary research funds.
Applications are due by November 9th, 2025 and should be submitted online here. You should initiate contact with prospective mentor(s) well before this date, to establish if a mentor will be able to provide you with 50% support, and is interested in doing so.
All positions are subject to availability of funding.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Must currently be enrolled in a PhD program or have completed a PhD program.
Must have research experience in any area of geophysics.
Must have experience working in collaboration with other scientists.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Ph.D. in the field of geophysics
Application Requirements
Document requirements
- Dissertation Abstract - 1 page
- Statement of Research Plans - Up to 2 pages on standard letter paper 8.5" x 11" not including references; 12 pt font size, 1 inch margins on all sides
- Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. (1-2 pages, 12 point) including a list of publications
Reference requirements
- 2 letters of reference required
If referee contact names are provided by deadline, application is noted as complete. There will be one week's grace period to receive letters after the application deadline. In order for reviewers to view all portions of the application, we are requesting that reference writers submit their letters electronically using the link that will be emailed to them once the applicant enters their information on their application. Reference requests are generated automatically by Recruit. Thank you for your assistance in making this electronic review process successful.
Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04363
Help contact: greenfound@ucsd.edu