Three-year NOMIS–STRI Postdoctoral Fellowships in Animal Behavior

Deadline 

April 15, 2026

Duration 

Three years

Program dates 

The start date is flexible but should begin within six months of notification of the award.

Description 

The NOMIS Foundation, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), headquartered in the Republic of Panama, are seeking outstanding behavioral biologists for three-year postdoctoral fellowships to study animal behavior in the tropics (see: NOMIS and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute launch new fellowship program). Successful candidates will explore fundamental questions addressing animal behavior and its proximate and ultimate causes. Areas of specialty may include, but are not limited to, evolution and maintenance of social behavior, sensory ecology, neuroethology, cognitive ecology, socioecology, neurogenetics, and the genetic or physiological bases of behavior. Research should be rooted in natural history with a strong field component. Candidates working on any animal taxa, marine or terrestrial, will be considered. NOMIS–STRI fellows must be resident in Panama and should conduct the bulk of their research in Panama. They will have the opportunity to conduct comparative research throughout the tropics. Awards are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, or disability. STRI is an equal opportunity employer.

About the NOMIS Foundation 

The NOMIS Foundation supports and enables insight-driven science across all disciplines, focusing on researchers who put forth bold new ideas, exhibit a pioneering spirit, and seek to inspire the world around them. NOMIS’ vision is to “create a spark” in the world of science by enabling and supporting pioneering research in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities that benefits humankind and our planet. Through its partnership with STRI, NOMIS supports exceptional postdoctoral scholars through the NOMIS–STRI Fellowship Program for Animal Behavior Research in the Tropics.

Eligibility 

• PhD studies must be completed before the fellowship begins. Preference will be given to candidates who are more advanced in their scientific careers, and who have already acquired their first postdoctoral experience. However, the Selection Panel will consider exceptionally promising candidates who fall outside the above criteria.
• NOMIS–STRI Fellows are expected to commit a significant portion of their research at STRI’s field locations in Panama.
• As part of the application process, the top candidates will give a presentation on their past and their proposed research to the fellowship selection committee on June 4, 2026. Awards will be made June 5, 2026.

Award 

A yearly stipend of $US 62,000 and a research and travel budget of up to $13,000 per year.