Postdoctoral Fellowship - Chicago Center for the Origins of Life

The University of Chicago’s origins-of-life fellowship supports early-career scientists studying prebiotic chemistry, the development and evolution of protocells, and potentially habitable environments on Earth and elsewhere. Fellows collaborate with existing research groups, with particular interest in projects spanning disciplinary boundaries. Appointments run for renewable one-year terms, up to four years, with an annual salary of US$80,000, benefits and a separate research fund.

Starts are negotiable, with fall 2027 targeted. Application review begins 20 November 2026; reference letters are requested by 27 November. The application portal lists 19 December 2026 as its deadline.

Early-career scientists should submit a cover letter, CV, publication list, three reference letters and a research statement of at most five pages including figures and references. The statement must connect the proposed work to the Center’s programmes and identify prospective faculty mentors and required resources.