Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Scripps Postdoctoral Award Program?
Each year, Scripps provides one or more twelve-month Postdoctoral Scholar awards with an additional twelve months of support, totaling 24 months (continuation into second year is contingent on performance and adequate progress). The Awards are highly competitive with a major emphasis on the potential for independent, creative research.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for this award you are required to have a PhD degree in ocean, earth or atmospheric sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, environmental policy or a related field conferred by November 30, 2024. Candidates are required to have no more than 3 years postdoctoral experience at the time of appointment. The intention of this program is to expose early career postdocs to new research opportunities and the facilities available at SIO/UCSD.
Are postdoctoral positions available outside of the Scripps Postdoctoral Award Program?
Postdoctoral positions outside of the Institutional Postdoc Program are arranged with individual faculty members. Sometimes the positions are advertised, but often not. We recommend that you search the All Academics web page and then contact the individuals you're interested in working with to see if they have positions available. The length of the Postdoc position varies by individual investigator.
How long can I be appointed as a Postdoctoral Scholar at Scripps?
Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are temporary and have fixed end dates. Appointments are typically made for two years at a time but may be extended subject to satisfactory performance. The maximum time served in a postdoctoral position is 5 years (including appointments at any other institution).
What are the salary ranges for Postdoctoral Scholars?
The Scripps Postdoctoral Award minimum salary/stipend is $69,000 and a one-time research allowance of $6,000. Each research division establishes a salary scale and policy appropriate for its area.
Are health, dental and other benefits offered to Scripps Postdocs?
As a condition of appointment, UCSD requires that all Postdoctoral Scholar appointees have adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their appointments. For specific information on benefits, eligibility and rates can be found at the Office of Postdoctoral Scholar Affairs.
Where can I find information on San Diego?
San Diego is the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the United States. Home to 70 miles of beaches and a mild Mediterranean climate, San Diego offers an expansive variety of things to see and do. Scripps is located in the community of La Jolla, a favorite vacation destination since the 1880's. For more information on San Diego contact the San Diego Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Is there a Postdoc listserve? How do I join?
You can subscribe or unsubscribe to the general postdoc list or any of the research group postdoc lists at public lists at Scripps.
Is there a listserv for job opportunities outside of Scripps? How do I join?
The jobannounce listserv is available to all Scripps faculty, students and postdocs. Job opportunities are posted on a regular basis.
What are my responsibilities as a Referee? (Letters due 11/6/23)
If you are providing a confidential reference letter, please give a careful and thorough analysis of the candidate's strengths and weaknesses and include the following information:
1) Under what circumstances you have known the applicant
2) The adequacy of the candidate's training, previous accomplishments and potential for conducting innovative research
3) An overall evaluation of performance relative to other students at a comparable stage in their careers.
What are my responsibilities as an SIO Mentor?
Applicant will procure your letter which should address your willingness to serve as a mentor and also provide an assessment of the candidate's training, former work, and suitability for the proposed postdoctoral project. It will also include information on access to any facilities which will be especially important to the planned research.