Postdoctoral Program
The Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at MIT is committed to providing excellent opportunities for postdoctoral study with faculty who are widely recognized for their contributions to their fields. We offer broad exposure to all areas of the geophysical and planetary sciences, leading to work that is both rigorous and rewarding.
Postdocs are appointed after recommendation by a faculty sponsor, and the department hosts 35-65 postdocs with active appointments in any given year.
Our program includes peer-to-peer mentoring, monthly lunch meetings on a variety of topics of particular interest to postdoctoral researchers, and an annual dinner.
The postdoctoral resources page contains additional information about postdoctoral research and support for postdoc life at MIT.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a postdoctoral position at EAPS?
Applications for postdoctoral positions are made by contacting the appropriate faculty member directly.
Where will I find available postdoctoral positions?
There is no single comprehensive list of available postdoctoral opportunities - postdoctoral positions depend on faculty sponsorship. Candidates interested in postdoctoral study at EAPS are encouraged to contact the appropriate faculty member directly.
Occasionally postdoctoral opportunities will be listed under the Employment section of our website. There is also our Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships program which offers yearly opportunities.
How are postdoctoral positions funded?
Virtually all postdocs at EAPS are supported either by individual fellowships or by grant funding sourced through a faculty grant. Institute funding for postdocs is very limited. Generally speaking, the availability of grant funding will determine the availability of postdoctoral positions.
What is the difference between a Fellow and an Associate?
Postdoctoral researchers are appointed with the title of Postdoctoral Fellow or Postdoctoral Associate, depending on the funding source.
The MIT title of Postdoctoral Fellow applies to researchers who receive funding in the form of a fellowship or stipend from an outside agency, either directly or distributed through MIT on behalf of the sponsor.
The MIT title of Postdoctoral Associate applies to those who are paid their salary by MIT.
Benefits eligibility varies by type of appointment. Please check with MIT's Human Resources Benefits Office or your Human Resources Administrator if you have questions regarding eligibility.
Where can I learn more about being a postdoc at MIT?
The MIT Postdoctoral Scholars website and the MIT Postdoctoral Association are excellent sources of information.