DEPARTMENTAL NEWS AND LISTINGSMacVicar Faculty Fellows Program call for nominationsNominations are now open for the MacVicar Faculty Fellows Program, which celebrates MIT faculty who demonstrate exceptional commitment to undergraduate teaching, mentoring, and curricular innovation. Faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to submit nominations by Friday, November 20. Application instructions are available on the Registrar's Office website. UPCOMING COLLOQUIA & SEMINARSChez Pierre SeminarsMonday, October 26, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Duboc Room (4-331) Nuclear and Particle Theory SeminarMonday, October 26, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442) Nuclear and Particle Physics ColloquiumMonday, October 26, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) LNS Lunchtime SeminarTuesday, October 27, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) Joint MIT/Tufts Cosmology SeminarTuesday, October 27, 2026 at 2:30pm ET - MIT Astrophysics EventsMonday, October 26, 2026 at 3:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) "Theoretical predictions for dark matter dynamical friction on binary stars in ultra-faint dwarf galaxies" Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) Friday, October 30, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) MIT-Harvard CUA SeminarTuesday, October 27, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - MIT 4-270 MIT Living and Non-Equilibrium Systems (LANES) Seminar SeriesWednesday November 4, 2026 at 10:45am ET - PLS (4-332) String/Gravity Theory SeminarWednesday, October 28, 2026 at 3:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442) MIT-CQE iQuISE SeminarThursday, October 29, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - CUA Room (26-214) Physics ColloquiumThursday, October 22, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - 10-250 Refreshments at 3:30pm in 4-349 (Pappalardo Community Room)* Special IAIFI-LNS Joint ColloquiumMonday, October 26, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) PSFC SeminarFriday, October 23, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - Hybrid - NW17-218 COURSE ANNOUNCEMENTSIAP 2027: Physics Directed Reading Program (PhysDRP)The application for the Physics Directed Reading Program (PhysDRP) during IAP 2027 is now open! Applications are due Monday, November 6th. PhysDRP pairs undergraduate students (individually or in small groups) with graduate students and postdoc mentors to work on an independent project in physics. The students and mentor agree on a project, which is usually based on reading through a book or research paper. DRP is a great way to learn a little more about some area of physics that interests you, while also experiencing learning and talking about physics the way you would do in graduate school. PhysDRP will be structured as a 3-unit course throughout IAP. Students are required to meet with their mentor on campus at least 3 times per week to discuss the material and project. Approximately four hours of independent work by the student is expected between meetings. There will be socials for both mentors and mentees throughout IAP, and on January 28, 2027, all DRP participants will meet, and each DRP student will give a 15 minute talk about their IAP work. The application is available here: https://forms.gle/idrusiP1SmJ2cpxG9, and more information can be found on the website here: https://sites.mit.edu/phys-drp. Decisions will be made before Thanksgiving. UPCOMING EVENTSDartmouth Physics and Astronomy: Virtual Information Session Who: Undergraduate Students NOTE: Students who attend this event will be provided an application fee waiver. The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Dartmouth College is hosting a virtual visit for prospective PhD applicants for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. This session is a chance for prospective applicants to learn about our PhD program and ask questions directly of our faculty and current graduate students. Deadline for applications: December 1, 2026 Register: https://dartgo.org/physics_recruit (free application waiver for attendees) Questions: Elisabeth.R.Newton@dartmouth.edu Students may also attend one of the Guarini School's graduate program-wide virtual events on Wednesday, October 14 and Wednesday, November 4. Details are listed under "Guarini virtual events" here: https://graduate.dartmouth.edu/admissions/applying-dartmouth/recruitment CAPD: Faculty Job Search Series: (FJSS) Fall 2026 From TA to Solo Instructor Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs As a graduate student or postdoc, you will continue to advance in your teaching practice, particularly if you intend to pursue a career in academia. This compound workshop and panel event will help you place these transitions in a developmental perspective focused on your learning as an emerging educator. Open to MIT grad students and postdocs. Register on Handshake. 2026 Institute-wide UROP Mixer Who: All Students, Faculty, and Research Mentors The Provost's and Chancellor's offices invite undergraduates, faculty, and other research mentors to participate in the 2026 Institute-wide UROP Mixer on Wednesday, October 28th from 3:30-5:00 PM on the second and third floors of the Stratton Student Center (W20). This expo-style event aims to connect undergraduates with mentors offering exciting UROP opportunities (across all MIT disciplines) for IAP, Spring, and Summer 2027. Prepare for a welcoming and engaging environment that encourages thoughtful conversations and sparks new research collaborations. Halloween-themed treats and swag will be on hand to keep the energy high and the conversations flowing! MIT faculty, graduate students, and other research mentors actively recruiting for UROP students are strongly encouraged to participate.
Any questions regarding this event may be directed to the UROP Mixer Team at uropmixer@mit.edu. The 2026 Nano Summit Who: All Students Impact of the Nano Summit, MIT.nano's flagship conference, is delivered through the insights of leaders from academia, industry, government, and startups, who provide first looks into the science and technologies that will shape the next decade of innovation. The 2026 Nano Summit will focus on the convergence of nanoscience and engineering, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Given MIT.nano's central role in broadly enabling research, one session is dedicated to the role of shared research facilities in enabling progress that can scale. See the agenda and register: https://mitnano.mit.edu/events/2026-nano-summit Labwork to Leadership: Thriving in the Science Job You Weren't Trained For Who: Graduate Students Join Dr. Jen Heemstra, chemistry professor and chair at Washington University in St. Louis, for a candid conversation about her new book Labwork to Leadership: A Concise Guide to Thriving in the Science Job You Weren't Trained For. Through real stories from her own early missteps, Dr. Heemstra shares practical tools for the three critical challenges facing research leaders: managing yourself, leading your team, and mentoring the next generation. Discover how thoughtful leadership directly impacts lab culture, experiment outcomes, and whether your team actually wants to stay in research. These are essential considerations for graduate students navigating the steep learning curve from emerging researcher to effective mentor. Dr. Heemstra currently serves as the Charles Allen Thomas Professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Through chemistry and leadership, her work bridges biomolecular research and creating inclusive academic culture. Jen leads an interdisciplinary research lab funded by NIH, NSF, and DOD, and as co-founder of FLAMEnet and #MentorFirst, she advances both scientific discovery and mentorship. Her leadership journey, shaped by challenges and a commitment to empowering future researchers, reflects her dedication to fostering kindness and respect in the STEM community. Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Education. Register European MISTI Fair Who: Undergraduate Students (MIT sophomores, juniors, seniors, and MEng students) Are you interested in spending your summer in Europe doing an internship or conducting research in your field of study? Have you heard about MISTI but are still unsure how each program operates or which country might be the best fit? Join the European MISTI Fair, held in collaboration with European student clubs ahead of the Dec. 1 priority application deadline for summer programs. Meet MISTI managers who run programs in Europe and learn about available opportunities, program requirements, and placement processes. European student clubs will also be present to share information about their activities, recruit volunteers for upcoming events, and talk about their home countries. Light refreshments will be provided. Please note that this event is intended for MIT sophomores, juniors, seniors, and MEng students, as the programs presented are designed for students who have completed at least one year at MIT. Opportunities for graduate students are extremely limited. Quantum Concert at MIT ⚛️ Who: All Students Join us for a unique performance featuring an original piece for string quartet inspired by quantum physics, composed by Spencer Bambrick (faculty at Berklee College of Music) in collaboration with MIT Physics Professor David Kaiser. The final movement of the piece offers a musical rendition of the "Cosmic Bell" test of quantum entanglement, conducted in collaboration with Nobel laureate Anton Zeilinger. Following a debut at Harvard last spring, this reprise performance brings the music to MIT's new Linde Music Building. Admission is "Pay What You Wish." You can learn more and purchase tickets online at: https://events.humanitix.com/quantum-concert Pursuit of Discovery: An Afternoon with Marie Curie and Lise Meitner - Digital Theater & Science Talks Who: All Students What if you could hear the origin story of radioactivity and nuclear fission from the scientists who discovered them? On Saturday, November 7th, STEM on Stage presents Pursuit of Discovery: An Afternoon with Marie Curie and Lise Meitner, two digital theater showings, each paired with a modern science talk, about pioneering women in nuclear physics — Marie Skłodowska Curie and Lise Meitner — on their shared birthday. Through filmed living history portrayals, audiences experience the life events, challenges, and breakthroughs behind two of the most defining scientific advances of the 20th century. Special element-themed birthday cupcakes will be served between showings. The event will be hosted by Melanie Wallace, former senior series producer for PBS NOVA and a board member of Central Square Theater. Take part in an entertaining afternoon exploring the human stories behind the history of science, and how these achievements continue to shape our world today. Free with RSVP (required) - https://www.eventcreate.com/e/nov7mit Register for both showings or choose a single program to attend. Daniel S. Fisher - 2026 Morris Loeb Lectures in Physics at Harvard Who: All Students 2026 Morris Loeb Lectures in Physics "Can Evolution Be Understood Quantitatively?"
Filling the G-A-P-S: Graduate Applications & Professional Strategies Who: Course 8 Third and Fourth Years The next session is about writing effective statements for the grad applications. All workshops are open to all Course 8 Third and Fourth Years. Please RSVP by Saturday, October 17th so that we can appropriately order dinner.
Bring questions, paper printouts of your statements and CV, and draft application materials! All workshops will provide a light dinner. Sponsored by SPS, MIT UWiP and MIT GWiP
FELLOWSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES2027 Jane Street Graduate Research Fellowship Who: Graduate Students Applications for the 2027 Jane Street Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF) are now open! The Fellowship supports exceptional doctoral students currently pursuing a PhD in computer science, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or statistics. At Jane Street, we take a rigorous, quantitative approach to trading on global markets, combining techniques from machine learning, distributed systems, programmable hardware, statistics, and applied mathematics. Our culture is steeped in the idea that we will never stop solving; we're looking forward to supporting technically excellent PhD students who share our core values of intellectual curiosity and humility. Those awarded the Fellowship will receive:
Learn more about eligibility here. Student applications must be submitted by November 13, 2026. If you have questions about the Fellowship or you're a faculty member who wishes to nominate a student, please contact graduate-research-fellowship@janestreet.com. CAPD Graduate Student Career Exploration Grant Who: Graduate Students Graduate Student Career Exploration Grant Curious about gaining experience in industry? Consider applying for a grant ($1,000 or $1,500) which supports underfunded domestic industry internships over IAP 2027. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until Nov. 15. Learn more and contact tsookhoo@mit.edu with questions. Check out the student profiles of previous recipients to see example internships. Note: International students must attain off campus work authorization before beginning the IAP experience. Allen Institute postdoc fellowship opportunities Who: Graduate Students We are currently accepting applications for two postdoctoral fellowship programs: the Shanahan Fellowship, which focuses on computational and theoretical neuroscience, and the Studio D3 Fellowship, which focuses on computational and theoretical biology. These programs are designed for recent PhD graduates from quantitative disciplines such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics, and engineering who are interested in applying their expertise to biological and neuroscience research. We are recruiting a total of six fellows (three in each program) to begin in Fall 2027, with applications due December 1, 2026. We would be grateful if you could share the attached fellowship announcements with relevant graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, faculty mentors, and career development offices within your institution. OTHER OPPORTUNITIESNew Goldwater Summer Research Internship Program
Who: Undergraduate Students (First and Second Years) The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation has launched the Barry Goldwater Summer Research Internship Program, a new initiative supporting outstanding freshmen and sophomores pursuing research careers in science, engineering, and mathematics. Beginning in summer 2027, the program will fund 20 research positions in Chemistry, Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Physics and Astronomy at laboratories across the country. Selected interns will participate in a 10-week research experience and receive $10,500 in financial support. Applications are due November 2, 2026, and award notifications will be issued by January 15, 2027. Additional information and application materials are available at: https://goldwaterinternship.gov. Fall 2027 Physics MS and PhD study at Wake Forest
Who: Undergraduate Students Wake Forest Physics is accepting applications for Fall 2027 MS and PhD study, including our MS and certificate options in quantum information sciences. For PhD applicants, we are especially interested in students whose interests align with:
Application deadline: January 8, 2027 Current support information is on the attached flyer. Program and application details: https://physics.wfu.edu/graduate-programs/application/ New prize for early-career AI work in physics and astronomy - SAIR Prize Who: Graduate Students, Postdocs, and Early-Career Faculty The Foundation for Science and AI Research has launched the SAIR Prize, the first major prize dedicated to AI achievements in physics and astronomy. It carries $100,000 each year, shared by up to three recipients. The prize is for early-career scientists (under 40, as a guideline) working in the United States, in academia, industry or government, whose AI-driven work has already verifiably advanced physics or astronomy. It recognizes completed achievement and does not fund proposals. Anyone may nominate a candidate, and candidates may put their own work forward. An independent selection committee chooses the recipients. Its first members are Kyle Cranmer (University of Wisconsin–Madison) and Andrew Connolly (University of Washington). Barry Barish, Nobel laureate in Physics, presents the prize and does not select. Recipients are announced in April 2027, and the award is presented at a ceremony in May. Details: https://sair.foundation/prize Questions: milo@sair.foundation Assistant Professor Faculty Position: Condensed Matter Theory — Columbia Physics & The Center for Computational Quantum Physics Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs The Columbia University Department of Physics and the Center for Computational Quantum Physics (CCQ) are excited to announce a joint faculty search for a Condensed Matter Theorist. We are seeking an outstanding scholar whose research complements and expands the department's strengths in condensed matter theory and computational quantum physics. Important application requirement: Because this is a joint Columbia/CCQ search, applicants must apply through BOTH the Columbia and CCQ application processes to be considered. Submitting an application to only one of the two institutions will not constitute a complete application.
New program for MIT STEM Ph.D. students — CATAPULT: Translating Theory into Practice Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs New program for MIT STEM Ph.D. students — Certificate in Advancing Translation And Promoting University Led Technologies — CATAPULT: Translating Theory into Practice
CATAPULT Core Course | Fall 2026
CATAPULT helps you translate breakthrough research into real-world impact—through academia, industry, startups, policy, and beyond. Interested? Submit a short application at: catapult.mit.edu SPAMS – the Simple Person’s Applied Math Seminar is seeking speakers for fall!
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs Welcome back to another year of SPAMS – the Simple Person’s Applied Math Seminar. This seminar is held every Thursday 6-6:45pm starting September 10th (building 2, location TBD). We feature talks by graduate students on a variety of applied math topics, from combinatorics to scientific computing to theoretical physics. After the talk, stick around for a free catered dinner in the common room! This is a great opportunity to practice speaking in a casual and friendly setting. We encourage speakers from all years and fields to sign up. You are welcome to share a recent project or publication, explore open problems, or simply present a random topic that you are excited about. Just aim to keep your talk accessible to folks outside your specific field so all can enjoy! We’re now looking for speakers for this Fall! If you’d like to give a talk, sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1KQ2sOtaD8fbgl_puzZUOsyQJtX9gUEEDeCxf3ZmV6Bg/ We’d especially love volunteers to kick off the early weeks of the term, as those spots are always the hardest to fill! SPAMS is not restricted to math graduate students: share this form with your friends outside of math who’d be interested in giving a talk! We’ve previously had many speakers from EECS, Engineering, Physics, and so on. Anyone who wishes to receive talk announcements but is not a math grad student can sign up for the mailing list (or just shoot us an email). Research Analyst – Naval Warfare - Entry Level PhD at IDA Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs Naval Warfare Analyst Entry Level PhD – Operational Test and Evaluation The Operational Evaluation Division (OED) has an immediate career opening for an Analyst supporting the Department of War's assessments of the operational effectiveness and suitability of naval warfare systems. The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a non-profit corporation that operates three federally funded research and development centers to provide objective analyses of national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise. IDA research staff members conduct multi-disciplinary analyses in an environment that encourages rigorous, independent research on challenging and complex issues. IDA provides an inclusive work environment and a comprehensive, competitive salary and benefits package. Apply Path of Professorship - Call for Applications
Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs Are you a Ph.D. student looking to energize your dissertation with world-class scientific power at a DOE laboratory or facility? The DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for 2026 Solicitation 2, due November 4, 2026, 5:00 PM ET (https://apps.orau.gov/SCGSR/Account/Login). Attend the upcoming Application Assistance Workshops to learn more about the DOE SCGSR program, receive application guidance, and field questions to program area scientists! Application Assistance Workshops
Additional Questions? Attend our weekly virtual office hours: Fridays 1:00-2:00 PM ET from September 4th to October 30th, 2026. Physics Directed Reading Program Mentor Sign-Up Who: Graduate Students The Physics Directed Reading Program is a program pairing undergraduate and graduate students to learn about a physics topic of mutual interest over IAP (Previous Examples: https://sites.mit.edu/phys-drp/past-projects/) This year the program will run as a 3-unit pass/fail undergrad course so that we can compensate grad students for their time through hourly (≤ 5 hours/week) TA support. This means getting paid, obtaining teaching experience, and getting to dive into a fun physics topic! The expectations for grad TAs can be found in the course syllabus and broadly include:
Because this runs over IAP, international students are also permitted to hourly TA and remote participation is possible for those traveling for all/part of the program. Signup deadline is NOV 6, 2026. Priority will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Postdoc Positions at Perimeter Institute Who: Graduate Students The deadline is approaching to apply for a Perimeter Institute Postdoctoral Research position. Perimeter's research efforts include quantum matter, cosmology, mathematical physics, quantum fields and strings, quantum foundations, quantum gravity, quantum information, strong gravity, and particle physics. Perimeter also encourages applications at the intersection of artificial intelligence and its nine (9) core research areas. For more information, please visit the job posting. We welcome all candidates to apply by November 6, 2026 but applications will be considered until all positions are filled. Computational Physics, Inc. (CPI) is looking for an Experimental Atomic Physicist to support our customers at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs We're hiring an Experimental Atomic Physicist to support next-generation atomic clock development at the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) in Washington, D.C. The role focuses on optical lattice clocks and cold-atom beam optical clocks based on alkaline-earth atoms, working alongside CPI scientists and USNO researchers. Key details: – PhD in experimental atomic physics or a related field, with at least 6 years of experimental experience (graduate research counts) – Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, atomic spectroscopy, and Python-based data analysis – On-site at USNO in Washington, D.C., with relocation assistance available – U.S. citizenship required, with the ability to obtain a SECRET clearance (an active clearance isn't needed to apply) The full posting is here: https://www.apsphysicsjobs.com/job/33853/experimental-atomic-physicist/ Regeneron's Postdoctoral Program is Now Accepting Applications for 2027 Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs Regeneron is now accepting applications for our 2027 Postdoctoral Training Program! Our application deadline is Monday, November 23rd. The postdoctoral fellow position is for early career scientist trainees who have finished graduate school and received their PhDs (or MDs, DVMs, etc.) to receive rigorous scientific postdoctoral training at Regeneron under the auspices of a scientist mentor. The program spans up to four years. We are looking for Fellows who are dedicated to seeing their research project and manuscript to completion. Fellows will be expected to conduct creative mechanistic exploratory research that results in publication. The program is academic in nature - the goal is to ask fundamental questions - not to work on Regeneron therapeutic agents. Read more and apply Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Experimental Quantum Condensed Matter Physics at Brown University Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs The Department of Physics at Brown University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Experimental Quantum Condensed Matter Physics (broadly defined), starting in the summer of 2027. We seek candidates who can create a vigorous and sustainable research program, teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and foster an equitable environment that promotes diversity and inclusion. The search is open to all subfields of experimental quantum condensed matter physics. Current research in condensed matter physics at Brown is very active across many topics, including quantum materials, spintronics, nanoscale physics, ultrafast and quantum optics, semiconductor physics and devices, and soft condensed matter. The ideal candidate will bring new expertise to Brown's Physics Department and welcome opportunities to collaborate synergistically with faculty in the Department of Physics, School of Engineering, and/or across the university. To apply, applicants should submit: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, separate statements of research goals, teaching goals, and three confidential letters of recommendation. Candidates must address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community in their materials (cover letter or statements). All documents should be submitted online through the Interfolio system https://apply.interfolio.com/190050. Inquiries about this position should be directed to Phys-search@brown.edu or to Prof. Kemp Plumb, Chair of Experimental Condensed Matter Physics Search Committee, Department of Physics, Box 1843, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912. Applications received by December 1, 2026 will receive full consideration. Postdoctoral Position in Space Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs Washington University in St. Louis invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position in the Space Sciences through the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences (MCSS). We welcome applicants conducting research in astromaterials, cosmochemistry and meteoritics; astrophysics; planetary science; particle and nuclear physics; cosmology and gravitation; and Earth as a planet. The position is expected to begin in July 2027, with an initial one-year appointment and the possibility of renewal for a second year. The annual salary is supplemented by additional funding for research expenses and travel support. Applicants must have a PhD or be a degree candidate expecting to graduate by May 2027. Application materials include a CV, a brief statement describing contributions to up to three selected publications, a two-page research proposal, and contact information for three professional references. Application deadline: December 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Full details and application instructions are available here: https://apply.interfolio.com/195539 |
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