EAPS Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships

About this position

MIT Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships in Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences

The Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences (EAPS) supports exceptional early-career scientists with interests in the broad range of disciplines represented in the department. Fellows are expected to pursue independent research, but also encouraged to collaborate with at least one faculty member in the department. Applicants should contact prospective faculty hosts whose primary affiliation is in EAPS.

MIT postdoctoral researchers receive mentoring and opportunities for career development throughout the postdoctoral period.

The program typically appoints three new fellows each year through a competitive process. Appointments are for two years. Each fellow receives an annual stipend of $85,000 and an allowance of $5,000 per year for research and $5,000 relocation expenses. Fellows will be eligible for MIT health benefits.

Each selected fellow is appointed to a named fellowship. Named fellowships include the William O. Crosby (1876) Fellowship, the Henry G. Houghton (1927) Fellowship, and the Mario J. and Luisa T. Molina Fellowship. Houghton fellows are invited to contribute to educational activities in the department, at a level to be determined in consultation with the faculty mentor.

Crosby fellows give a William O. Crosby Lecture once per year. The Molina Fellowship supports the training of scientists in global change research, who are citizens or residents of developing countries or Latin American countries. All candidates will be considered for the Crosby and Houghton Fellowships, and candidates will have an opportunity in the application to indicate their eligibility for the Molina Fellowship.

Applications are due by November 15, 2026, and must include the following:

• A single PDF file containing: (i) a cover letter; (ii) a curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications; and (iii) a two-page plan (including figures but excluding references) of research to be conducted during the fellowship
• Three reference letters to be provided separately by referees

The application form will generate emails instructing referees how to upload their letters. The form also asks candidates whether they meet the eligibility criteria for the Molina Fellowship and would like to be considered for it.

The start date is flexible, but should ideally fall between June 1, 2027, and January 31, 2028. Applicants must have obtained a Ph.D. by the start date, but not more than three years before the start date. Applicants not selected for one of the named fellowships will automatically be considered for open postdoctoral positions in their area of expertise at MIT.

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check.

Questions about the fellowship and eligibility may be directed to eapsdpf@mit.edu.