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Putnam Fellows conduct basic and applied research in the plant sciences. The goal of the program is to facilitate the research use of the Arboretum's living collections, thereby stimulating their use within the larger scientific community. The research topics of past Putnam Fellows have included evolutionary biology, taxonomy and systematics, molecular and developmental biology, physiological ecology, propagation, and plant-insect and/or -pathogen interactions. The Putnam Fellowship Program has attracted a diverse array of scholars, and many have gone on to be leaders in academia and public horticulture.
The Arnold Arboretum provides exceptional resources for woody plant research. The living collection, numbering some 15,000 plants, in over 2,200 species, is distinguished as one of the most thoroughly documented collections of temperate woody plants in the world. Taxonomic diversity and breadth within the collection are noteworthy, and the floras of China, Japan, and Korea are particularly well represented.
Applications are sought from early-career individuals with a PhD in plant biology, evolution, plant genetics, plant ecology, horticulture, or related discipline. Applicants must have their PhD when they initiate their term at the Arboretum. Applicants should be well positioned to conduct original, independent research and to publish their findings in peer-reviewed publications. Applicants are expected to be fluent in English. We encourage applications from those under-represented in the sciences.
The Putnam Fellowship award provides stipends of up to $83,000 per year, depending on the duration. In addition, modest support is available for research and travel costs. Putnam Fellows are full-time employees of Harvard University during their tenure and are eligible for health insurance benefits. Putnam Fellows are expected to be in full-time residence at the Arboretum during their tenure and are provided office and research space.
Note: The Arnold Arboretum will be switching between two fellowships each year. The deadline for the Putnam Fellowship will be EVEN years and the deadline for the new Global Change Fellowship will be on ODD years. Please visit the website to learn more about both programs!