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. Research continuity fund seeks proposals - Deadline, November 13thApplications are now open for the second round of the Institute Research Continuity and Transition Fund, which provides temporary financial support to research groups significantly affected by reductions in federal funding. Principal investigators with permanent PI status may apply by Friday, November 13, for support to sustain critical research activities, help graduate students complete thesis work, or transition to more sustainable funding. UPCOMING COLLOQUIA & SEMINARSChez Pierre SeminarsMonday, November 9, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Duboc Room (4-331) Nuclear and Particle Theory SeminarMonday, November 9, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442) Nuclear and Particle Physics ColloquiumMonday, November 9, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) LNS Lunchtime SeminarTuesday, November 10, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) Joint MIT/Tufts Cosmology SeminarTuesday, November 10, 2026 at 2:30pm ET - Tufts, 574 Boston Ave, Room 310 Astrophysics EventsMonday, November 9, 2026 at 3:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) Friday, November 13, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - Marlar Lounge (37-252) MIT-Harvard CUA Seminar (special time)Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 1:30pm ET - MIT 4-270 MIT Living and Non-Equilibrium Systems (LANES) Bi-Weekly Seminar SeriesWednesday November 18, 2026 at 10:45am ET - PLS (4-332) String/Gravity Theory SeminarWednesday, November 11, 2026 at 3:00pm ET - Cosman Room (6C-442) MIT-CQE iQuISE SeminarThursday, November 12, 2026 at 12:00pm ET - CUA Room (26-214) Physics ColloquiumThursday, November 12, 2026 at 4:00pm ET - 10-250 Refreshments at 3:30pm in 4-349 (Pappalardo Community Room)* IAIFI ColloquiumFriday, November 13, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - Kolker Room (26-414) and Zoom PSFC SeminarFriday, November 23, 2026 at 2:00pm ET - Hybrid - NW17-218 UPCOMING EVENTSPursuit 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 HarvardWho: All Students 2026 Morris Loeb Lectures in Physics "Can Evolution Be Understood Quantitatively?"
MIT Henge Who: All Students Catch a semi-rare campus spectacle as the setting sun lines up perfectly with the Infinite Corridor during MIT Henge on Tuesday, November 10, at approximately 4:19 p.m. Head to the third floor at the end of the corridor about 15 minutes early for the best view of this twice-yearly phenomenon (weather permitting). 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 CEE Henry L. Pierce Seminar Series - Joe Alexandersen, University of Southern Denmark Who: All Students "Topology Optimisation of Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer: Walls, Scales and Time" physREFS Meet and Heat Who: Graduate Students You've probably been to physREFS events before (Barn Babies, massage social, crafting, etc.)... Now it's time to put the organizers in the hot seat! Featuring Shannon Larkin as interviewer, come see members of physREFS get grilled about why they joined physREFS, what the REFS role entails, what services it provides, what they do besides run awesome events, and more! And all this while they suffer through increasingly spicy hot sauces from the official Hot Ones Season 31 lineup. Stay tuned for a question submission form in a future newsletter 😊 Recognizing Great Workplaces, Shaping Great Workplaces How technical leaders create thriving cultures in academia and industry Who: All Students Recognizing Great Workplaces, Shaping Great Workplaces A live conversation with: Prof. Paula T. Hammond, Dean, School of Engineering Wednesday, November 18, 5:30-6:30 pm, 34-101 SoE Dean Prof. Paula T. Hammond and SynQor Founder Dr. Martin F. Schlecht share the stage at Recognizing Great Workplaces, Shaping Great Workplaces on Nov. 18, 5:30-6:30 pm, 34-101. They will discuss their leadership journeys in academia and industry and the thriving work cultures they shaped along the way. Through personal stories and anecdotes, they will explore the challenges they faced, their common (and differing) experiences in leadership roles, and the leadership skills they wished they had when they began their careers. Please RSVP: https://qr1.be/M9W762 FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIESYale Astronomy - Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship, Summer 2028 Who: Undergraduate Students The Dorrit Hoffleit Undergraduate Research Scholarship brings fellows to Yale for 8 weeks to work with faculty on research projects. You will find more information on the application process and program at the following link: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/112817-Yale-University-Dept-Of-Astronomy Below is pertinent information regarding the application and benefits of this scholarship. Who may apply:
Housing and stipend:
The deadline for applications is February 15, 2026. 2027 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. MIT Martin Family Society of Fellows for Sustainability Who: Graduate Students Are you a PhD student pursuing sustainability research and need funding? Become a Martin Fellow! The Martin Family Society of Fellows for Sustainability is a community of doctoral students engaging in sustainability research across a range of disciplines. Each year, ten students are selected to receive one academic year of fellowship support and participate in a lively community of students and alumni dedicated to advancing environmental and social sustainability. More than 400 Martin Fellows alumni work in industry, civil society, and government organizations worldwide. *Students must have completed their qualifying exams and be in their dissertation phase. Learn more and apply: https://martin-fellows.mit.edu/ OTHER OPPORTUNITIESNovember's Farm-to-Campus Boxes 🌾- Ordering Deadline is Nov 12 Who: All Students Want to cook with local veggies this November holiday season? You can pick up a box of fresh veggies at MIT Health (E23) on Weds, November 18th - sign up deadline is November 12th. Info below: In partnership with Tufts New Entry, MIT Office of Sustainability, MIT Farm, and MIT Health are hosting a pickup location for local farm box orders this November. These boxes will contain a farmer's choice of harvest produce perfect for holiday cooking or just stocking your fridge this November with fresh New England produce. Pickup will be at MIT Health (E23), Wednesday, November 18, 2026 (2-6pm). You can also order a December box at the same link. Order here. What to expect - Veggies like carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes, and kale. Fruits like apples and cranberries. And a maybe a few fun add-ins!
Ordering tips:
Seeking physics/astronomy faculty and students for the Summer Science Program 2027 Who: All Students SSP International (https://ssp.org) is currently hiring both PhD-holding faculty and current undergraduates in astrophysics and related fields to teach at our summer astrophysics programs in 2027. These are temporary, six-week summer positions located on college campuses across the U.S. and Canada. I encourage you to forward this announcement to your colleagues or to others who may be interested in these opportunities. About the program: Every June & July, SSPI holds the Summer Science Program, a five-week residential science program for advanced high school students hosted at college campuses across North America. At our astrophysics programs, students take telescope observations of near-Earth asteroids in order to model the asteroids' orbits. Faculty work in teams of 8 to mentor cohorts of 36 participants, forming a "living and learning community" to help participants complete the project. We're currently looking for both instructors and teaching assistants with experience teaching calculus-based physics, observational astronomy, and/or Python programming. We do not expect individual applicants to have all relevant skills, as our aim is to build teams with a balance of strengths and expertise. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with preference given to those who apply before December 1. We are hiring for two academic roles:
Those hired will need to relocate to one of our host campuses for six weeks, which includes a "startup week" before the program. Associated costs for travel and lodging are covered as part of the role. For questions or to get in touch, reach out to SSPI's Director of Astrophysics, Dr. Nico Adams, at nadams@ssp.org. Note: In addition to astrophysics, we are also hiring for our programs in biochemistry, bacterial genomics, and cell biology. You can read more about all openings at https://ssp.org/job-opportunities/. Fusion & Fission Undergraduate Scholars App Now Open! Who: Undergraduate Students Are you interested in a summer UROP experience that will let you:
If the answer is yes, please consider applying to Fusion and Fission Undergraduate Scholars. No previous experience is necessary, and first year students are especially encouraged to apply (tho all are welcome). All majors are welcome, too. The basics of the program are as follows:
Note: the project page will continue to be updated this week. Shoot me a quick email if you'd like to be alerted when updates occur. Questions? Need help finding a project to apply for? Set up a meeting with Rachel Shulman. 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/ Recruiting PhD students to work on post-quantum cryptography at University of Warwick Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs I (https://varun-maram.github.io/) am recruiting PhD students to work with me on post-quantum cryptography and related areas at the University of Warwick, with an expected start in October 2027. The research topics include, but are not limited to:
Eligibility: Applicants should have a strong background in computer science, mathematics, or physics, preferably with some experience in cryptography. They should also hold, or expect shortly to obtain, a first-class/upper second-class undergraduate degree or Master's degree (or an international equivalent) in a related subject. Application: Interested candidates should email me (varun.maram@warwick.ac.uk) their CV, academic transcripts, and a short description of their research interests, with the subject line "Prospective PhD student - [Your Name]". Funding: A PhD scholarship for 3.5 years is available for UK home students. International applicants are also strongly encouraged to get in touch as Warwick offers competitive departmental and university-wide scholarships. AI Research Opportunity for PhD Graduates and Postdoctoral Researchers at Physical Superintelligence (PSI)Who: Graduate Students and Postdocs PHYSICAL SUPERINTELLIGENCE / RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY Member of Technical Staff, AI Research Boston, MA | Full-time | Hybrid; remote considered case by case Physical Superintelligence (PSI) is building AI systems that can accelerate discoveries in physics. Its AI researchers develop agents and training systems that learn to reason about scientific problems and use tools to pursue verifiable results. THE RESEARCH • Build and train AI agents for physical reasoning and scientific tool use, including reinforcement learning approaches to complex, long-horizon tasks. • Develop rigorous evaluations and benchmarks that distinguish meaningful scientific reasoning from pattern matching. • Investigate training curricula, reward design, and architectures; publish impactful research where appropriate. • Collaborate with physicists and engineers to move research into working, scalable systems. WHO PSI IS SEEKING • PhD in machine learning, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline, with recent original research and strong publications. • Hands-on experience building and evaluating reinforcement-learning agents or models, ideally for scientific,mathematical, coding, or complex reasoning tasks. • Experience with modern machine-learning frameworks and distributed training. • Physics or mathematics fluency sufficient to collaborate deeply on scientific reasoning problems. ADDITIONAL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE • RL methods such as PPO, SAC, MuZero, multi-agent self-play, or search-augmented learning. • PyTorch or JAX and distributed tools such as Ray, XLA, or Accelerate. • Scientific simulators, agent benchmarks, open-source research, or widely adopted research artifacts. LOCATION & OPPORTUNITY The role is based in Boston; remote arrangements may be considered individually. PSI offers competitive salary, benefits, and early-stage equity. LEARN MORE & APPLY www.psi.inc | View the official role and apply 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.
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 |
||||||
