Eligibility

CCTCh Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to incoming postdoctoral researchers who are either affiliated with or seeking affiliation with a CCTCh faculty member.

Applicants must hold, or expect to hold by the start date, a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, or a closely related field.

Each application must identify a single primary faculty sponsor at the time of submission. The appointment and supervision of the fellow remain under that sponsor for the duration of the fellowship cycle. Fellows are expected to participate actively in Center seminars, workshops, and related events.

Award and Funding

• Annual salary of $70,000 plus benefits, consistent with University of Chicago postdoctoral standards.
• All fellowships are jointly supported by the primary faculty sponsor and the Center; the Center provides partial funding in recognition of exceptional merit.
• Each fellowship package may include a one-time allowance of up to $2,500 for relocation or research-related expenses. The source and use of this allowance are determined jointly by the sponsor and the fellow, subject to available Center and sponsor resources.
• Fellowships are awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and available funding.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF file that includes:

1. Cover page listing the applicant’s name, primary CCTCh faculty sponsor, and expected or confirmed start date. – Please also indicate your status at the time of submission: ☐ External (not yet affiliated) ☐ Incoming (appointment confirmed, start date after deadline)
2. Research statement (one to two pages) describing past accomplishments and proposed research.
3. Curriculum vitae, including publications.

   Applicants should also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent separately to the e-mail given below.

Selection and Review

Applications are reviewed by a committee of CCTCh faculty members. Selection is based on scientific excellence, promise for independent research, and relevance to the Center’s mission.

The committee may recommend one or more fellows for Center support, depending on the strength of the applicant pool and the availability of funds.

All fellows—whether supported in part by Center funds or entirely by sponsor resources—carry the CCTCh Postdoctoral Fellow title and participate fully in the Center’s programs.

Expectations of Fellows

• Conduct research that contributes to the advancement of theoretical and computational chemistry.
• Participate actively in the Center’s seminars, workshops, and discussion groups.
• Acknowledge CCTCh support in publications and presentations arising from the fellowship period.

Important Dates

• Application deadline: November 15, 2025
• Notification of award: December 15, 2025
• Fellowship start date: Flexible, typically within six months of award announcement

Questions and Submissions

To apply, fellows should submit their complete application package—as a single PDF file—to:

Email: cctch@uchicago.edu

Questions regarding eligibility, submission, or sponsorship may also be directed to this address.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.