MIT Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for Engineering Excellence

Eligibility and Application Details

Potential to bring to one’s academic career the critical perspective that comes from a non-traditional educational background, including, for example, through: 

• Attendance at schools in underserved, under-resourced, rural, or urban communities or with low admittance rates to top-tier institutions.
• Participation in higher education pipeline programs known to prepare students for the relevant MIT program.
• Communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize effective collaboration with a diverse cross-section of the academic community.
• Demonstrated significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage, including factors such as generational wealth, Pell Grant eligibility or similar governmental or institutional funding for students with exceptional financial need, qualification for free/reduced lunch, first-generation to college, or parent(s) level of education.
• Demonstrated experience and potential to navigate and contribute to an educational environment representing a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
• Academic service advancing equitable access to higher education.
• Leadership experience advancing belonging, achievement, and composition.  
• Research interests focused on underserved populations and understanding issues of inequalities. For example: research that addresses topics such as race, gender, diversity, and inclusion; research that addresses health disparities, educational access and achievement, political engagement, economic justice, social mobility, civil and human rights, and other questions affecting historically underrepresented groups; artistic expression and cultural production that reflects culturally diverse communities or voices not well represented in the arts and humanities.

Why choose this program?

This postdoctoral fellowship is more than a prestigious academic appointment; it’s a career-defining opportunity.

• Work at the Forefront of Innovation: Fellows conduct cutting-edge research alongside MIT’s world-renowned faculty, tackling some of the most complex challenges in engineering. With access to unparalleled resources, they contribute to breakthroughs that have real-world impact.
• Build a Foundation for Leadership: The program is designed to prepare fellows for leadership across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Through a combination of technical training, mentorship, and professional development, fellows gain the skills and confidence to shape the future of their fields.
• Join a Thriving Community: Fellows don’t just join a program—they become part of a dynamic, supportive community. Through collaborative cohorts, regular workshops, and social gatherings, fellows form meaningful connections and build networks that last well beyond their time at MIT.
• Receive Unmatched Support: Fellows receive a competitive two-year stipend of $75,000 per year, plus an additional $5,000 annually to support research setups, professional development, and conference travel. Additionally, travel grants are available by application to support professional development and research activities. With this support, fellows can devote their energy to growing as leaders and driving impact.