About this position
- MIT Quantum Initiative (QMIT) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, funded by
- the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, invites applications for the
- QMIT Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- This program supports exceptional early-career scientists pursuing
- bold, interdisciplinary research in quantum science. These prestigious
- fellowships are designed to identify and empower the next generation
- of quantum leaders whose work expands the boundaries of quantum
- science and technology. This postdoctoral program is funded by a grant
- to MIT from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to support
- postdoctoral researchers working in the range of natural science
- disciplines supported by the foundation.
- Applications that involve a deep perspective in quantum science, as
- well as those emphasizing interdisciplinary exploration and broadening
- the definition of quantum science, will be supported. Proposals that
- connect quantum science to new or unexpected domains are particularly
- encouraged. For example, a proposal using neutral atoms to simulate a
- biological process, combining atomic physics, quantum algorithms, and
- biology, exemplifies the program’s interdisciplinary vision.
- Fellowship Funding Length is one year, with the possibility of
- reappointment on other research funding. Scholars selected for this
- program will be appointed as postdoctoral associates, with MIT
- employee benefits. The starting salary is available on the fellowship
- information page; the minimum MIT postdoctoral pay range for FY26 is
- $73,308.
- Note that the foundation sponsoring the fellowship requires that data
- developed under the awards be made publicly available, and that
- peer-reviewed journal articles resulting from the award follow the
- Moore Foundation’s open access policy (i.e., publicly and freely
- available within 12 months of publication).
- Eligibility and Application Requirements: Outstanding quantum
- researchers working in any of the following disciplines are encouraged
- to apply: Physics: astronomy, astrophysics, atomic physics,
- biophysics, chemical physics, condensed matter physics (including
- quantum materials, soft matter, and polymers), fluid dynamics,
- molecular physics, optical physics, plasma physics, precision
- measurements, quantum information;Green chemistry and materials
- science: green chemistry, materials science;Curiosity-driven
- biological sciences and earth sciences: systems biology, evolutionary
- biology, cellular biology, molecular biology, and microbiology; and
- Earth and planetary sciences, ecology, and biodiversity
- Note: These funds cannot be used to support disease-oriented or
- clinical research.
- Eligible applicants must have received their doctorate (PhD or
- equivalent) on or after January 1, 2025, and must be available for a
- start date between January 1, 2027, and September 1, 2027.
Applications should include:
- Cover Letter – outlining motivation and proposed MIT mentor(s)
- Curriculum Vitae – including publications
- Research Proposal – up to 3 pages describing the project and its interdisciplinary aspects
- Short Abstract - 250 words describing the proposal, suitable for public release
- Three Letters of Recommendation, including one from a proposed MIT mentor.
- All materials should be submitted by October 23, 2026.
- About QMIT The MIT Quantum Initiative (QMIT), an MIT Presidential
- Initiative, is an Institute-wide priority to advance MIT’s leadership
- in quantum by applying quantum breakthroughs to the most valuable and
- consequential challenges in science, technology, industry, and
- national security. The premise of QMIT is that realizing the full
- promise of quantum requires co-developing quantum tools and algorithms
- together with the ultimate users of integrated quantum systems across
- any domain of application. From quantum materials and sensing to
- computation and communication, QMIT will foster collaboration across
- both traditional and non-traditional disciplines, engaging a wide
- breadth of domain experts and end users in developing quantum
- solutions that are accessible, relevant, and profoundly
- transformative.
- MIT is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage
- applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All
- qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for
- employment based on their experience and qualifications and will not
- be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual
- orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age,
- genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin.
- View MIT Policy on Non Discrimination and EEOC’s Know Your Rights.
- Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory
- background check, including possible verification of any findings of
- misconduct (or pending investigations) from prior employers.
How to apply
- Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
- Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
- Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.