COBRA Early Career Deep-Sea Expedition Leadership Master Class and Fellowship

Overview

The Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Accelerator (COBRA) is offering its 2027 Early Career Deep-Sea Expedition Leadership Master Class and Fellowship. This international training and professional development initiative prepares early career researchers and emerging professionals to plan and lead deep-sea research expeditions from beginning to end. The 12-week programme combines synchronous online training with a mandatory in-person final week in Maine, United States. Selected participants will also become COBRA Fellows for the 2027 calendar year, granting eligibility for additional leadership training opportunities.

Benefits

Comprehensive instruction covering research concepts, proposal writing, cruise preparation, at-sea operations, telepresence, permitting, reporting, data management, ocean law, and stakeholder engagement.
Fellowship status for the 2027 calendar year with access to further COBRA leadership development opportunities.
Travel funding support for eligible costs associated with the in-person week in Maine, including economy air travel, accommodation, permitted meal per diems, and visa fees.
Networking and collaborative learning guided by international subject matter experts.

Eligibility

The program is targeted at early career professionals and researchers whose work is relevant to marine science, exploration, and governance. Previous hands-on experience in deep-sea research, outreach, or policy is not required. Eligible individuals include:

Senior graduate students.
Postdoctoral scientists.
Junior faculty members less than 10 years from their terminal degree.
Early career employees of government institutions, non-governmental organizations, nonprofits, companies, and related research organizations.
Participants must be able to communicate in English, meet basic technology requirements, and fully commit to both the virtual weekly sessions and the in-person conclusion in Maine.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review all attendance, technology, and language requirements before submitting their applications. Applicants must ensure they are available for the weekly Tuesday Zoom sessions and the in-person final week scheduled for April 2027. Submissions must be completed online through the official application link.

Deadline

The application period closes on October 1, 2026. Prospective applicants must submit their materials before this date.

Overview

Benefits

Comprehensive instruction covering research concepts, proposal writing, cruise preparation, at-sea operations, telepresence, permitting, reporting, data management, ocean law, and stakeholder engagement.

Fellowship status for the 2027 calendar year with access to further COBRA leadership development opportunities.

Travel funding support for eligible costs associated with the in-person week in Maine, including economy air travel, accommodation, permitted meal per diems, and visa fees.

Networking and collaborative learning guided by international subject matter experts.

Eligibility

Senior graduate students.

Postdoctoral scientists.

Junior faculty members less than 10 years from their terminal degree.

Early career employees of government institutions, non-governmental organizations, nonprofits, companies, and related research organizations.

Participants must be able to communicate in English, meet basic technology requirements, and fully commit to both the virtual weekly sessions and the in-person conclusion in Maine.

How to Apply