Career Center

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University invites early career scientists to apply for a unique opportunity to start a research career as independent postdoctoral fellow while gaining training and connections within the framework of a top-tier academic environment. The Katharine H. Putnam Fellowship in Plant Science supports scientists focused on utilizing the Arnold Arboretum’s living collections of woody plants to study any area of plant science.  The Global Change Postdoctoral Fellowship supports researchers that tackle any area of global change science utilizing the myriad resources of the Arnold Arboretum.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University and its urban landscape in Boston are particularly well-suited for global change and plant science research. It is both an outdoor museum of the world’s temperate trees and other woody plants grown in a public open space, all within sight of the Arboretum’s state-of-the art research facilities.

Applications are sought from early-career individuals with a PhD in life sciences, plant biology, evolution, plant genetics, plant ecology, horticulture, or related discipline. Applicants must have their PhD when they initiate their term at the Arboretum. We strongly encourage applications from groups under-represented in the sciences. Foreign nationals are eligible to apply, but applicants are expected to be fluent in English.

Arboretum Fellows are full-time employees of Harvard University with a salary of $83,000 per year, employee health insurance eligibility, and annual support of up to $10,000 for research, travel, initial relocation, and other professional expenses. Fellows are expected to be in full-time residence at the Arboretum during their 2-year tenure and are provided office and research space. Fellows can start as early as July 1 or as late as the beginning of September.

An Arboretum Fellowship is an independent post-doctoral position. As an independent scholar, Putnam Fellows have access to shared laboratories, resources, and interactions with fellow scientists, students and staff. It is not necessary to have a specific faculty host. 

Application Information

Fellowships are awarded through a competitive review process. To be considered for an award, online applications should include the following:

• Cover letter.
• Research statement.
• Research budget.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Three letters of recommendation. Each referee must upload his/her letter of recommendation via the link by January 18 at 5:00 p.m. ET.
  

Additional Information:

For questions about the award, Arboretum resources, research proposal or submission process, contact the selection committee at arbscholars@fas.harvard.edu.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University and the Arnold Arboretum view equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University achieves excellence in scholarship and contributes to the advancement of society as an international center for the study of plants. Integrating eminent living and archival collections for discovery and dissemination of knowledge to the students of Harvard University, local educational institutions, and the public, the Arnold Arboretum is a premier destination for deepening understanding and appreciation of plants, horticulture, and biodiversity.Occupying 281 acres, the Arboretum’s living collection of trees, shrubs, and woody vines is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and best documented of its kind in the world. The living collection is supported by comprehensive curatorial documentation, herbaria containing more than 1.3 million specimens, extensive library and archival holdings, and a 43,000-square-foot state-of-the-art research center. These facilities and holdings, along with 75 full-time staff, provide the basis for research and education by Harvard faculty and students, Arboretum scholars, and visiting scientists from around the world. Investigations focus on examining plant diversity from genomic, developmental, organismic, evolutionary, and ecosystem perspectives.

Connections working at Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University