COBRA Deep-Sea Expedition Leadership Fellowship

The Crustal Ocean Biosphere Research Accelerator (COBRA), an international research network hosted at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and funded by the US National Science Foundation, runs a 12-week master class that trains early career researchers to plan and lead deep-sea expeditions from start to finish. The 2027 edition is sponsored by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and runs online from January, ending with three days in person in Maine, USA. Everyone selected becomes a COBRA Fellow for 2027, and no previous deep-sea experience is needed.

What you get:

• Free 12-week training in deep-sea expedition planning, taught by international subject experts
• Travel, accommodation, meals per diem and visa costs covered for the in-person final week in Maine, reimbursed against receipts (economy fares)
• COBRA Fellow status for the 2027 calendar year, with eligibility for further COBRA leadership training
• Preparation geared to the future cruise track and priorities of the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor (too)
• Hardware and connectivity support if you need it to join the virtual sessions

What you'll do:

• Join a live two-hour Zoom session every Tuesday, 12:00 to 2:00 PM US Eastern time, for 11 weeks
• Spend about 30 minutes a week on preparation work and take part in the programme's Slack channel
• Learn about research vessels and other assets, proposal writing, cruise preparation, at-sea operations, telepresence, permitting, data management and ocean law
• Design your own independent expedition project
• Attend the in-person conclusion at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in Maine, April 12 to 14, 2027

Key dates:

• Applications opened August 27, 2026
• Applications close October 1, 2026
• Candidates notified November 16, 2026
• Virtual master class runs January 12 to March 23, 2027
• In-person conclusion in Maine, April 12 to 14, 2027 (travel days April 11 and 15)

More information:

• Selection is random from the pool of eligible candidates; COBRA does not rank applicants
• Selected candidates have 14 days to accept, and must show supervisor approval where applicable
• The application asks for a 2-page CV and two short answers of up to 300 words each
• The course is taught in English with live transcription available

• Be an advanced graduate (PhD) student, postdoctoral scientist or researcher, untenured faculty member, or an early career employee of a government, NGO or industry
• Open to applicants from around the world
• Have enough academic, industry or other experience to benefit from and contribute to the master class
• Show a strong interest in deep-sea exploration and research, at sea or from shore
• Be able to attend every Tuesday session live, 12:00 to 2:00 PM US Eastern time, January 12 to March 23, 2027
• Be able to attend the in-person final week in Maine, April 12 to 14, 2027
• Previous hands-on deep-sea research, outreach or policy experience is not required
• Agree to COBRA's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct