Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences
The Foster and Coco Stanback Postdoctoral Fellowship
Applications Due:
November 7, 2025
The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in global environmental science beginning in the fall of 2026. The intent of the program is to support innovative and creative early career scientists working in global environmental science, including research in areas such as climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental microbiology, terrestrial and marine biogeochemistry, glaciology, paleo-climatology, atmospheric chemistry and composition, physical oceanography, and climate dynamics. We seek to nurture the careers of exceptional individuals who contribute to a diverse and inclusive scientific workforce.
The fellowship is funded in part by an endowment provided by Foster and Coco Stanback. It carries an annual stipend of $76,000 plus a research expense fund of $10,000 and up to $1,500 for one-way travel costs to Pasadena. The duration of the appointment is normally two years, contingent upon completion of the Ph.D. degree and good progress in the first year. Fellows are eligible to participate in Caltech’s benefit programs, including health and dental programs. The Stanback Fellow will be hosted by one or more division professors (designated by the Chair) who will provide both financial support and mentorship.
To be eligible for the Stanback, candidates should have received their Ph.D. no earlier than January 1, 2025, except in exceptional circumstances.
Materials in support of an application should include curriculum vitae, list of publications, a one-page statement of research interests, and three letters of reference. Complete applications including letters of reference are due by November 7, 2025.
Fellowship candidates will automatically be considered for other available postdoctoral positions at Caltech in their fields of interest.
If there are any questions during the search process, please contact us at [email protected].
Instructions for Applicants
- Create an account.
- Fill out the application form.
- After you submit your application form send the link that is provided to your three references and have them upload their letters of recommendation.
- Upload the following documents (as individual files or in one combined pdf):
- curriculum vitae;
- list of publications;
- and a one-page statement of research interests.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Postdoctoral positions are term appointments with specific renewal requirements.