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Funding

Salary

Program dates

Sep 1, 2027

IAIFI Fellowship

FellowshipUSA · Cambridge

NSF Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions (IAIFI), MIT

Application Deadline

Closed · October 7, 2026

Reopens ~Oct 2027

Official Page

The IAIFI Fellowship is the postdoctoral program of the NSF Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions, a joint venture of MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Tufts and Boston University, anchored at MIT.

Fellows choose their own research where physics (theory, experiment, astrophysics) meets AI, guided by two IAIFI mentors, one from each side. MIT is the employer and provides work space; fellows may also affiliate with the partner universities.

Benefits & funding

  • Salary: a set rate in the US$71,000–90,000 range, currently about 15% above MIT’s postdoc minimum (US$73,308 from 1 July 2026); it may change each year.
  • A three-year term, 2027–2030.
  • MIT’s International Scholars Office determines the right visa for international fellows.

Eligibility

  • A PhD in physics, astrophysics, statistics, computer science or a related field, held or expected by 1 September 2027.
  • Proposed research should bridge physics and AI, even if your expertise is in only one.
  • Any nationality.
  • Applicants coming from outside the US need English proficiency for the J-1 visa.
  • Fellows must live in Massachusetts and work mainly in the Boston area.
  • Employment depends on a satisfactory background check.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

  • Education required

    PhD Enrolled · PhD

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Application process

  1. 1
    Submit a one-page cover letter, CV, research statement (max 2 pages) and publication list on AcademicJobsOnline by 7 October 2026.
  2. 2
    Name two preferred mentors (one in physics, one in AI) from IAIFI’s list; no need to contact them first.
  3. 3
    Arrange exactly three reference letters, uploaded by the referees; late letters are accepted up to one week after the deadline.
  4. 4
    Shortlisted candidates have one virtual interview.

Program timeline

  1. Application deadline

    7 Oct 2026

  2. Shortlist and virtual interviews

    Mid-Nov to mid-Dec 2026

  3. Offers

    Late Dec 2026 to early Jan 2027

  4. Deadline to accept

    14 Feb 2027

  5. 1 Sep 2027

    Fellowship starts (runs to 2030)

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