The Earth and Planets Laboratory (EPL), a division of the Carnegie Institution for Science, invites applications for postdoctoral fellowships at its campus in Washington, DC. Multiple independent research fellowships are available in our interdisciplinary basic research laboratory covering a wide range of fields.  EPL scientists engage in observational, experimental and theoretical research in fields including astronomy, cosmochemistry, data science, experimental petrology, geobiology, geochemistry, geodynamics, geophysics, mineral physics, planetary science, physics and chemistry of materials (including materials at extreme conditions, superconductors and ferroelectrics at the atomic scale), seismology, and volcanology.  Applicants’ primary field of research should overlap with one or more of these areas. Interdisciplinary research and collaboration with multiple research areas on campus is encouraged.

New fellows will join a supportive community of about 25 postdoctoral scientists and 30 staff and research scientists engaged in understanding the origin and evolution of Earth and planets and materials under extreme conditions. More information about our research and facilities can be viewed at the EPL website and on our page about our postdoctoral fellowships and experience.

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in a relevant field at the time of the start of the fellowship. Carnegie Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded once a year, with allowed start dates between July 1st  and December 31, 2025. The principal selection criteria will be research accomplishment, promise of future achievement, originality and achievability of the research proposal, independence, and relevance to the ongoing scientific pursuits at EPL. Advice for crafting a compelling application and sample applications are available on our postdoctoral website.

Only complete applications submitted online here will be considered and must include: 1) a cover letter (1 page max), 2) curriculum vitae, 3) list of publications; 4) research plan / proposal (4 pages max, inclusive of figures and references), 5) a brief description of previous research (3 pages max, all inclusive); and 6) contact information for three references familiar with the applicant’s work who will separately submit letters of support.  Applicants may use the cover letter to describe why EPL is a great fit for their research including how they will contribute to a positive research atmosphere, and should not use it to repeat what is in the other documents. The deadline for all application materials is November 1st, 2024. Address any questions to eplfellowship@carnegiescience.edu. Please pay attention to the page limits.

Note that after you enter Interfolio by pressing “Apply Now,” you may add your requests for letters of reference prior to submission of your other applications materials; your references then receive submission instructions from Interfolio in advance of the deadline.