Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences
The Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Postdoctoral Fellowship and The O.K. Earl Postdoctoral Fellowship
Applications Due:
November 6, 2026
The California Institute of Technology is offering two fellowships beginning in the fall of 2027: The Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Postdoctoral Fellowship and the O.K. Earl Postdoctoral Fellowship in Geological and Planetary Sciences.
The Barr postdoctoral fellowship is funded by Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr to support the research of scientists, typically within two years after receiving their Ph.D. Its purpose is to identify and support innovative and creative work in the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary work within the Caltech Center for Comparative Planetary Evolution, whose goal is to merge the fields of astronomy, geology, and biology to explore the origin and evolution of planetary systems and their biospheres. The duration of this fellowship is three years, contingent upon completion of a Ph.D. degree and good progress in the first year.
The O.K. Earl Fellowship is funded by an endowment from Orrin K. Earl, Jr. to support the research of scientists typically within two years after receiving their Ph.D. Its goal is to identify and support innovative and creative work of exceptional scientists in the earth and planetary sciences, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary work. The duration of this fellowship is two years, contingent upon completion of a Ph.D. degree and good progress in the first year.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are committed to a selection process that values excellence and equal opportunity. Applicants with training in physics, chemistry, biology, or computational and mathematical sciences are encouraged to apply. The Division is currently active in geobiology, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, petrology, seismology, atmospheric, oceanic, and planetary sciences.
These fellowships carry an annual stipend of $80,000 plus a research expense fund of $10,000/year and up to $1,500 for one-way travel costs to Pasadena. Fellows are eligible to participate in Caltech’s benefit programs, including health and dental programs. The fellowship recipient will be hosted by one or more division professors who will provide mentorship, and applicants are encouraged to identify potential hosts in their statement.
Materials in support of an application should include curriculum vitae, list of publications, a one-page statement of research interests (references excluded from the 1-page limit), and three letters of reference. Complete applications including letters of reference are due by November 6, 2026.
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 Jen Shechet 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 (references excluded from the 1-page limit).
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.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” Poster | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Postdoctoral positions are term appointments with specific renewal requirements.