Whitman Center Fellowships
The Marine Biological Laboratory, a hub for research and education and an affiliate of the University of Chicago, convenes biologists from around the world each year to advance the mission of biological discovery. Support is available for scientists to come to the Marine Biological Laboratory for 4 to 10 weeks to conduct research, year-round.
The 2024 Whitman Center Fellowship application deadline has closed.
We particularly encourage applications from individuals or collaborative groups focused on the following:
- Evolutionary, genetic, and genomic approaches in regenerative and developmental biology, microbiomes, and neuroscience with an emphasis on marine organisms
- Integrated imaging and computational approaches to illuminate cellular function and biology emerging from the study of marine and other organisms
- Integrated approaches to the study of microbial communities and marine organisms in coastal communities
- Research on global change and ecosystem ecology including research that leverages the MBL Long-Term Ecological Research site at Plum Island, Massachusetts as well as long-term study sites on Cape Cod and in Arctic Alaska.
The Fellowship program is open to all scientists and covers laboratory rental and housing costs. Specific funding is available for Whitman Center Early Career Fellowships, which are designated for individuals who are less than 10 years from their doctoral degree and who wish to focus on these areas of biological discovery. Additional funding is available for E.E. Just Fellows who are from groups under-represented in science or who train under-represented students at minority-serving institutions. Additional funds will be available to E. E. Just Fellows to support a student or trainee (room and board for up to ten weeks) and a lab supply budget.
A travel scholarship for applicants from Africa or South America is also available. More information will be made available on the application.
The Whitman Center offers access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, innovative imaging technology, genome sequencing, availability of model freshwater and marine organisms, and modern laboratory facilities.
The Marine Biological Laboratory hosts hundreds of researchers, postdocs, and graduate students from around the world to participate in scientific discovery courses, research, lectures, and field studies. As a convener of biology, the Marine Biological Laboratory is well known for fostering a highly collaborative environment, with scientists and students engaged in intensive research in a collegial and informal atmosphere.
Applications will be evaluated on the basis of scientific merit. Eligible applicants must hold appointments at accredited universities, colleges, or research institutions anywhere in the world. Applicants can receive up to three Fellowship awards based on a new application submitted each year of the request. The Marine Biological Laboratory is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of its research community.
