We’re shaping the future of engineering by investing in those with the talent and vision to transform it.
The MIT Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Engineering Excellence welcomes researchers who bring fresh ideas, varied experiences, and a drive to create lasting impact.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has supported exceptional postdocs whose insight and expertise are pushing the boundaries of discovery. Their work spans a broad spectrum of fields—from advancing clean energy to reimagining quantum systems and pioneering new manufacturing approaches—enhancing engineering’s role in building a more innovative and resilient future for the nation and the world.
Meet the fellows:
Postdoctoral fellows in this program are shaping the future of engineering in remarkable ways. Their journeys are as varied as their research, but a shared dedication to innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact unites each.
Explore their stories:
- A biomedical engineer pivots from human movement to women’s health
- Computational imaging researcher attended a lecture, found her career
- Moala Keshei Bannavti wants environmental justice for all
Why choose this program?
This postdoctoral fellowship is more than a prestigious academic appointment; it’s a career-defining opportunity.
- Work at the Forefront of Innovation: Fellows conduct cutting-edge research alongside MIT’s world-renowned faculty, tackling some of the most complex challenges in engineering. With access to unparalleled resources, they contribute to breakthroughs that have real-world impact.
- Build a Foundation for Leadership: The program is designed to prepare fellows for leadership across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Through a combination of technical training, mentorship, and professional development, fellows gain the skills and confidence to shape the future of their fields.
- Join a Thriving Community: Fellows don’t just join a program—they become part of a dynamic, supportive community. Through collaborative cohorts, regular workshops, and social gatherings, fellows form meaningful connections and build networks that last well beyond their time at MIT.
- Receive Unmatched Support: Fellows receive a competitive two-year stipend of $75,000 per year, plus an additional $5,000 annually to support research setups, professional development, and conference travel. Additionally, travel grants are available by application to support professional development and research activities. With this support, fellows can devote their energy to growing as leaders and driving impact.
What sets this fellowship apart?
The fellowship delivers a dynamic and integrated approach to professional development, equipping fellows with the tools to thrive across disciplines and sectors.
- Research Excellence. Targeted workshops and seminars help fellows navigate job applications, build collaborative networks, and address systemic challenges in academia and industry, laying the groundwork for long-term success in research careers.
- Leadership Mastery. In partnership with the Daniel J. Riccio Graduate Engineering Leadership Program, fellows participate in experiential workshops focused on building inclusive teams, making ethical decisions, and inspiring others through effective leadership.
- Entrepreneurial Thinking. Through guidance from the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, fellows gain practical insights into commercializing ideas, assembling teams, and identifying market opportunities, enabling them to transform innovative concepts into real-world impact.
Eligibility and Application Details
Potential to bring to one’s academic career the critical perspective that comes from a non-traditional educational background, including, for example, through:
- Attendance at schools in underserved, under-resourced, rural, or urban communities or with low admittance rates to top-tier institutions.
- Participation in higher education pipeline programs known to prepare students for the relevant MIT program.
- Communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize effective collaboration with a diverse cross-section of the academic community.
- Demonstrated significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage, including factors such as generational wealth, Pell Grant eligibility or similar governmental or institutional funding for students with exceptional financial need, qualification for free/reduced lunch, first-generation to college, or parent(s) level of education.
- Demonstrated experience and potential to navigate and contribute to an educational environment representing a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
- Academic service advancing equitable access to higher education.
- Leadership experience advancing belonging, achievement, and composition.
- Research interests focused on underserved populations and understanding issues of inequalities. For example:
- research that addresses topics such as race, gender, diversity, and inclusion.
- research that addresses health disparities, educational access and achievement, political engagement, economic justice, social mobility, civil and human rights, and other questions affecting historically underrepresented groups.
- artistic expression and cultural production that reflects culturally diverse communities or voices not well represented in the arts and humanities.
We strongly encourage individuals from backgrounds less represented in science and engineering to apply, including those who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.
All applicants will be considered equitably, without regard to race or ethnicity.
What academic requirements must be met?
All applicants must have completed their PhD by the start of the program.
Who will the applicants work with?
We encourage you to identify your dream mentor among MIT’s extraordinary faculty, and we’ll help match you with an advisor who shares your vision. With over 350 engineering faculty to choose from, the possibilities are limitless.
Have questions?
For questions about the MIT Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Engineering Excellence, please contact: soe-pfpfee@mit.edu.