The Foster and Coco Stanback Postdoctoral Fellowship

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 2027. 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 $80,000 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 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.

To be eligible for the Stanback, candidates should have received their Ph.D. no earlier than January 1, 2026, except in exceptional circumstances.

Materials in support of an application should include the following:

1. Curriculum vitae and a list of publications
2. In fewer than 750 words, please describe your previous research and thesis. Please explain what motivated this body of work, the tools you developed to accomplish this research (e.g. data, computational, analytical), who you collaborated with, and the major findings. Finally, explain what remains to be done to complete this body of work to final publication. References do not count toward the word limit.
3. In fewer than 750 words, please describe the research you wish to pursue at Caltech as a Stanback Fellow. This should include sufficient background information to understand what questions you wish to address and why, what tools are needed to accomplish this research, which faculty and facilities at Caltech (and elsewhere) you would collaborate with. If you have discussed your research plan with Caltech faculty, please include a list of who you have interacted with. Finally, please briefly explain your career goals and how the Stanback Fellowship might further them. References do not count toward the word limit.
4. 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 us at [email protected].

Instructions for Applicants

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.