MIT School of Science Postdoctoral Fellowships

The application for the MIT School of Science postdoctoral fellowship program is now open. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2026. Please check back for more information. This three-year cohort-based program is expected to start September 2027.

We seek to assemble a diverse cohort of world-class scientists who are conducting research across disciplinary boundaries. In addition to their research, fellows in this cohort will participate in leadership, mentorship and professional development training. Read more about the current dean’s postdoc fellows.

Appointments may be extended with funding from the department and/or Principal Investigator (PI), subject to MIT’s policies on postdoctoral appointments and timelines.

REQUIRED: PhD in scientific field (granted by Aug 2027), scientific excellence and an exceptional ability for innovation and cross disciplinary research. Candidates must submit the following documents: i) Curriculum Vitae (CV); ii) 2-page research proposal, describing how their research crosses disciplinary boundaries; iii) Two letters of recommendation: one from a current supervisor; one from the MIT faculty who will mentor the research; iv) (Optional) one paragraph description of how their appointment aligns with the MIT Values Statement;

Applications must be submitted online and will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of School of Science faculty. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2026. Current postdocs at MIT and international candidates are eligible to apply.

This fellowship carries a stipend of $88,000, relocation allowance of $5,000, research allowance of $15,000, plus employee benefits such as health insurance.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact potential mentors as early as possible. See School of Science Research and Academics to find prospective mentors and learn more about the research conducted within the school.

Contact: sos-dean-pd-fellowship@mit.edu

Financial Coordinator

Department: Chemistry

Position: 100% effort

Pay Grade: 6

Position Overview

The primary responsibilities of the Financial Coordinator (FC) are to provide complex and detailed pre-award and post-award research administration for Department of Chemistry faculty. The FC performs various financial activities including salary distributions, management of accounts related to the daily operation of the department, and tracking and monitoring the financial performance of various accounts to ensure compliance with MIT policies.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Administers the preparation, review, and submission of budgets and/or grant proposals to federal, foundation, and other research sponsors, following appropriate policies and procedures, including activities such as: reviewing solicitations and determining necessary components; organizing Principal Investigator (PI) proposals, often including multiple PIs and/or multi-unit proposals; managing proposals with cost sharing, under-recovery, and/or sub-recipient costs; and managing renewal and submission in accordance with MIT/sponsor/donor policies.
• Supports Just-In-Time (JIT) requests, work with RAS, the Principal Investigator (PI) to ensure timely submissions.
• Manages general, fund and research accounts; provides monthly financial forecasting to faculty; oversees award set-ups, closeouts, extensions, annual financial reports; monitor and track payroll suspense and work with faculty and financial staff for timely removal; tracks and addresses account overruns, process salary changes and distributions
• Oversees and helps to solve issues with review Financial Review and Control compliance; monitors past-due travel expenses, procurement card sweeps and violations which are primarily supported and managed by the Financial Assistant.
• Administers ongoing sponsored research activity to ensure compliance with complex sponsor requirements, agency and award terms and conditions, and MIT policies. Understands and applies the Uniform Guidance and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) policies.
• Provides day-to-day assistance to the Chemistry financial and administrative staff with issues and questions related to account spending, tracking, projections, personnel appointments, travel, and general MIT policies and procedures.
• Works in partnership with Senior Financial Officer and other administrative personal to administer ongoing sponsored research activity to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, agency and award terms and conditions, and MIT policies.
• Assists principal investigators (PIs), faculty, researchers, and staff on all aspects of sponsored research administration. Escalate complex matters to Senior Financial Officer.
• Provides regular reporting/projections to PIs, faculty, researchers, and staff.
• Prepares preliminary information for allocation and/or service center rate proposals; monitoring allocation revenues and expenses; and processing service center chargebacks and billings.
• Compiles information and documents specifically needed for basic audit inquiries
• Participates in creating, implementing, and maintaining various financial tools, such as budget and proposal tracking systems for multiple accounts with tools like QuickBase.
• Develops and maintain relationships with a variety of departments and centralized offices at multiple institutions to facilitate financial activities for current and new initiatives.
• Supports the development and dissemination of training to financial and administrative staff in collaboration with the financial team
• Identifies areas of improvement in your individual portfolio of work and for the finance team and suggest process changes.
• Participates in the implementation of financial policy, procedure, and process improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Financial Officer.

Supervision Received

This position reports directly to the Senior Financial Officer (SFO). The incumbent meets with their supervisor regularly to discuss ongoing matters and to ensure proper financial review and control.

Schedule

M-F 9-5; this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule with three days remote/two days onsite each week.

Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree; two years’ accounting/finance experience, preferably in university accounting; strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills; ability to meet deadlines and oversee accounting transactions; attention to detail; strong Excel skills; ability to develop effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and other DLCs.

Preferred: experience with research accounting, relational databases, Kuali Coeus, Grants.gov. Familiarity with SAPgui or similar packages. Willingness to learn new systems/software and keep up-to-date on sponsor and MIT accounting policies. Understanding of Uniform Guidance and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).

Senior Academic Programs Assistant

Department: Chemistry

Position: 100% effort

Pay Grade: 6

Position Overview

To assist the Assistant Director of Academic Programs Administration in administration of undergraduate programs, coordinate events, provide essential office support, and work with the department’s faculty and teaching fellows/assistants and MIT administration on academic issues and concerns.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide courteous, attentive customer service to faculty, students, staff, and visitors
• Maintain undergraduate student records and data and update faculty advisor files.
• Coordinate a variety of special events ranging from monthly student lunches to large-scale annual events, including undergraduate and graduate awards ceremonies.
• Coordinate special seminars and development events; serve as back-up for Sr. Assistant to the Department Head for additional Chemistry events management.
• Maintain financial records, including submitting reimbursements
• Coordinate the Visiting Student Appointment Process, including all associated paperwork and the visa process as necessary.
• Manage hourly student appointments, including hiring, payroll, and termination.
• Disseminate information related to students and faculty; assist in overseeing degree audits and with the departmental award processes and respond to inquiries.
• Act as liaison to Chemistry undergraduate clubs, including ClubChem, and assist with their participation in campus-wide and national events.
• Coordinate chemistry minor applications and completion documentation, transfer credit requests, collect and file problem sets and supervise exam distribution, and work with Assistant Director to monitor subject prerequisites.
• Coordinate–with other Chemistry Education staff–hospitality for MIT ACCESS program, orientation/teaching training, and admitted students’ visit
• Coordinate–with other Chemistry Education staff—department wellness and community service programs.
• Coordinate the department’s participation at different campus-wide events, including Academic Expo, Campus Preview Weekend, and UROP Expo.
• Order office and teaching supplies, create and update brochures and other informational materials, update relevant sections of departmental website, schedule rooms, coordinate facilities and audiovisual requests, maintain the office, and assist with special projects/events.
• With the Assistant Director and faculty, coordinate career development and outreach activities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.
• Other duties as needed or required.

Supervision Received

The individual will work for the Assistant Director of Academic Programs Administration.

Location

This position follows a hybrid work schedule of three (3) days onsite and two (2) days remote per week. Additional onsite presence may be required during the initial orientation and training period, as well as at certain times to support operational and business needs.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

A minimum of three years’ professional work experience, preferably in an academic setting; excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills; experience with Excel, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office; discretion and tact; ability to multitask; strong interest in training and working with students; and the ability to interact effectively with faculty, students, staff, and potential students. Deals with confidential information and/or issues using discretion and judgment

Preferred Education and Experience

MIT experience desired, particularly that related to undergraduate student processes. Experience with event planning a plus. College degree preferred.

Human Resources Representative III

Department: Chemistry

Supervisor: Human Resources Administrator

Position: 100% effort, Support Staff, 40 hours per week

Pay Grade: 6

Position Overview

The Human Resources Representative III provides comprehensive HR support for the Department of Chemistry, managing specialized appointments, immigration processes, onboarding and offboarding activities, compliance requirements, and employee lifecycle administration for approximately 150 staff and researchers. Reporting to the Human Resources Administrator, this position serves as a primary resource for faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, visitors, and temporary employees, providing guidance on HR policies and procedures while ensuring accurate and compliant HR operations. The role operates under limited supervision and requires independent judgment, strong organizational skills, and a high level of discretion.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary contact for HR inquiries and provide guidance on policies, procedures, and employment processes.
• Manage specialized and early-career appointments, including Postdoctoral Associates, Research Specialist Limited appointments, Visiting Scientists and Scholars, MIT Temps, and non-MIT student appointments.
• Coordinate visa and immigration processes, including J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, and STEM OPT administration, in partnership with the International Scholars Office.
• Process HR transactions including appointments, reappointments, changes, and terminations.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities and maintain related documentation.
• Initiate and track background checks and compliance requirements.
• Manage sponsored accounts and departmental access requests.
• Maintain and moderate certain departmental listservs and distribution lists.
• Prepare employment verification letters and other personnel-related documentation.
• Generate reports, maintain employee records, and monitor appointment and visa deadlines.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Provide coverage for the Human Resources Administrator and support special projects as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and excellent customer service standards at all times.
• Other duties as needed or required

Supervision Received

Reports to the Human Resources Administrator, under limited supervision.

Supervision Exercised

Does not provide supervision.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5 years of relevant human resources or administrative experience.
• Advanced knowledge of HR processes, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Ability to interpret policies, manage complex issues, and exercise independent judgment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under limited supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience with immigration processes, higher education administration, and MIT systems preferred.

Additional Information

• Typical office or administrative working conditions. Staff is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work is mostly sedentary and the majority of time is typically spent in a stationary position.
• This position is onsite 4 days a week in Cambridge, MA with the possibility of working remotely 1 day per week