Postdoctoral Fellowship Application

The Burke Institute has endowed fellowships for distinguished postdoctoral scholars in theoretical physics.

The support offered by these fellowships enables theorists to pursue innovative research. The success of the fellowship program is exemplified by the fact that over 95 percent of the more than 120 former fellows are holding distinguished academic positions.

The Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) solicits applications for its Fellowship program. The Prize Fellowships at the Burke Institute offers an opportunity for outstanding recent and new Ph.D. recipients to perform research at Caltech for three years. They are selected by a faculty committee representing all areas of theoretical physics and astrophysics at Caltech and are provided with:

• flexibility, support, and freedom in choosing research direction within theoretical physics and astrophysics (including but not limited to theoretical astrophysics/cosmology, condensed matter theory, general relativity, particle/string theory, physical mathematics, and quantum information),
• an inclusive environment with faculty mentorship and activities organized by the Burke Institute to promote scientific exchanges and professional growth, and
• an annual stipend/salary and an annual research fund that are comparable to those of other prestigious fellowships.

The Burke Fellowship program significantly expands and strengthens the existing Prize Fellowship program at Caltech. The Prize Fellowship program has been successful with over 95 percent of the more than 120 former fellows holding distinguished academic positions.

We encourage all candidates to apply by November 15, 2024. Applicants should submit curriculum vitae (with email address and citizenship), a statement of research interests, and a list of publications to this application website. Applicants should also ensure that at least three letters of reference are submitted on their behalf to the website.

Email inquiries regarding the application process may be sent to jvarlet@caltech.edu.