Complexity Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Santa Fe Institute Complexity Postdoctoral Fellowships
, comprising the Omidyar Fellowships, are unique among postdoctoral appointments. The Fellowships offer early-career scholars the opportunity to undertake their own independent research within a collaborative research community that nurtures creative, transdisciplinary thought in pursuit of key insights about the complex systems that matter most for science and society. The Institute rejects compartmentalized thought common in academia. Instead, SFI scientists transcend boundaries between fields, freely synthesizing ideas spanning many disciplines – from math, physics, computer science and biology to the social sciences and the humanities – in pursuit of creative insights that advance our scientific frontiers.

Postdoctoral Fellows spend up to three years in residence at SFI, where they contribute to SFI’s research in the sciences of complexity and are trained to become leaders in interdisciplinary science. As thought leaders who shape the future of science, Postdoctoral Fellows also participate in a unique training program structured to develop leadership skills throughout their three-year residencies and beyond. The Institute provides an opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers worldwide, discretionary and collaborative funds, and a competitive salary with a generous benefit package including paid family leave.

The Institute has no formal programs or departments. Research is collaborative and spans the physical, natural, and social sciences. Most research is theoretical (SFI does not have lab facilities) and/or computational in nature, although it may include an empirical component. SFI has 17 postdoctoral researchers, 13 resident faculty, 100 external faculty, and averages 1000 visitors per year. Descriptions of the research themes and interests of the faculty and current Fellows can be found at SFI Research.

• A Ph.D. in any scientific discipline granted within 6 years of the Final date to receive applications or completed prior to September 2023.
• Strong quantitative and computational skills, an exemplary academic record.
• A proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• A demonstrated interest in transdisciplinary research.
• Evidence of the ability to think beyond traditional paradigms.

SFI is an equal‑opportunity employer. Women, veterans, and members of underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. SFI is responsive to the needs of dual‑career couples and is committed to building a culturally diverse research environment.