METEOR Postdoc Program

MEnTorEd Opportunities in Research (METEOR) is a postdoctoral fellowship program established by the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in 2020 that now spans MIT through the Schwarzman College of Computing.

The goal of the program is to support exceptional researchers in computer science and artificial intelligence and to broaden participation in the field. Fellows conduct cutting-edge research as part of a vibrant community and are hosted by research groups with synergistic scientific interests.

METEOR aims to enable outstanding individuals to do research and prepare for careers in academia or industry. The program also features in-depth opportunities for mentorship from researchers at MIT.

Program Details & Benefits

  • Each postdoc selected will be awarded a one-year appointment term (possibly renewable for a second year) and receive research training, mentoring, and guidance from faculty and researchers at MIT. 
  • The program provides postdocs opportunities for community-building and professional development. In particular, postdocs will have access to monthly lunches together with postdoctoral scholars across different College programs. The program also offers a series of workshops that help participants explore careers in academia and industry and provides guidance for academic job search.
  • Fellows that are accepted into the program will be awarded a stipend starting at $75,000 annually, plus MIT benefits. The program will also provide recipients with travel grants for academic conferences as well as computer access and various programmatic activities. Visa sponsorship is not available.
  • Participants need to have received their doctoral degree prior to starting the program and must start no later than September 1, 2025, for this program cycle. 

Applying to METEOR

Applicants must have received a PhD from a U.S. institution and meet one or more of the following criteria:

a. Applicants who have the potential to contribute to higher education through understanding the barriers facing women, minorities, students with disabilities, and other members of groups underrepresented in higher education careers, as evidenced by life experiences and educational background. For example,

  • attendance at a minority serving institution or other diverse academic institution;
  • ability to articulate the barriers facing women and minorities in science and engineering fields;
  • participation in higher education pipeline programs known to prepare students for the relevant MIT program.

OR

b. Applicants who have demonstrated significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage, including factors such as generational wealth, Pell Grant-eligibility, qualification for free/reduced lunch, first-generation to college, or parent(s) level of education;
 
All applicants must have completed their PhD by the start of the program.
 
The METEOR Program encourages applicants from backgrounds underrepresented in computing, including applicants who identify as African American/Black; Hispanic/Latinx; Native American or Alaska Native; and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders

All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements will be considered equitably, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Application Requirements

  • Research summary (past research)
  • CV
  • Letters of recommendation (1-2)
  • Representative publications (1-3)
  • Area of interest (applicants may indicate the faculty they are interested in working with, but this is not required)
  • Additional requested information in the application
  • Candidates may be asked to give a 30-minute virtual talk about their past research

To receive full consideration, applications must be completed by January 15, 2025.

Apply now