Omidyar Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunities

The Santa Fe Institute (SFI) will be selectively seeking applications for Omidyar Fellows for 2011, beginning in the Fall of 2010.

Fellows are appointed for up to three years during which they pursue research questions of their own design and are encouraged to transcend disciplinary lines.  SFI’s unique structure and resources enable Fellows to collaborate with members of the SFI faculty, other Fellows, and researchers from around the world.

As the leader in multidisciplinary research, SFI has no formal programs or departments and we accept applications from any field.  Research topics span the full range of natural and social sciences and often make connections with the humanities.  Most research at SFI is theoretical and/or computational in nature, although some research includes an empirical component in collaboration with other institutions.

Descriptions of the research themes and interests of the faculty and current Fellows can be found at http://www.santafe.edu/research.

Benefits
The compensation package includes a competitive salary and excellent health and retirement benefits.  As full participants in the SFI community, Fellows are encouraged to invite speakers, organize workshops and working groups, and engage in research outside their fields.  Funds are available to support this full range of research activities. 

Requirements
SFI is known for its catalytic research environment and applicants must demonstrate the potential to contribute to this community.  Candidates must have recently received a Ph.D. (or expect to receive one by September 2010), an exemplary academic record, and a proven ability to work independently.  We expect a demonstrated interest in multidisciplinary research and evidence of the ability to think outside traditional paradigms. 

Applications are welcome from candidates in any country.  Successful foreign applicants must acquire an acceptable visa (usually a J-1) as a condition of employment.Women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. 

Application Materials
Interested candidates must submit the following: 

  1. Curriculum vitae (including publications list).

  2. Statement of research interests (max. 2 pages) to include a short description of the research you would like to pursue and why.

  3. Description of interest in SFI (max. 1 page) that describes your potential contribution to the SFI community and also explains the potential impact of SFI on your research.  Consider addressing one or more of the following: What sort of input from other fields would most improve your future research?  What type of multidisciplinary workshop might you want to organize during your Fellowship?  What aspects of your present or future research are difficult to pursue in a traditional academic environment?

  4. Three letters of recommendation from scholars who know your work. (The letters should be sent independent of the application.  When you complete the online application, please be prepared to provide e-mail addresses of the three individuals who will recommend you. SFI will contact them directly with instructions for submitting letters.)

  5. (Optional) A copy of one paper you have written in English, either published or unpublished.

Applications are welcome from candidates in any country. Woman and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.

Click here to apply. Deadline November 2, 2009.

For further information, send e-mail to .

SFI is an equal opportunity employer.