Description

The Chicago Center for the Origins of Life at the University of Chicago invites applications for the Origins of Life Research Fellowship program. We seek exceptional early-career scientists to join our interdisciplinary research environment focused on understanding how life developed on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe. Successful applicants will be appointed to renewable, one-year terms for up to four years. Fellows will receive a competitive salary and benefits, along with an independent fund to support their research and professional development.

The Chicago Center for the Origins of Life supports multidisciplinary research in this area by bringing together scientists of all career stages across the Physical Sciences Division of the University of Chicago – primarily from the Departments of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chemistry, the Geophysical Sciences, and Physics – to promote, encourage, and support fundamental research in this area, train early-career scientists in cross-disciplinary scientific exploration, and foster a community of innovative thinkers that will push traditional disciplinary boundaries to answer questions regarding the history and future of life in the universe.

This Fellowship is designed to support early-career scientists who wish to carry out cutting-edge research by joining our existing groups and programs. Ongoing activities include research in the broad areas of prebiotic chemistry, the development and evolution of the first protocells on Earth, and the formation and characterization of potentially habitable environments in our Solar System and beyond. While we support work in these general areas, we are particularly interested in scientists who are interested in expanding their expertise by working at the intersection of different research programs. To submit an application, click the "Apply" button above.

Requested materials include:

• Cover letter

• Research statement describing previous work and plans (5 pages maximum, including figures, tables, and references)

• Curriculum vitae

• List of publications

• Contact information for 3 references (who will be contacted to provide letters)

In preparing the Research Statement, the applicant should include a discussion of how the work intersects with ongoing efforts within the Center. In doing so, applicants should identify which faculty in the Center that they would like to have serve as their mentor(s). Applicants are highly encouraged to contact those faculty to ensure that the resources and facilities necessary for the proposed work will be available for use. Those applicants proposing work at the intersection of two or more existing research programs should engage with the collective faculty who would be involved.

Salary Range:  $75,000-$85,000/year.  Additionally, research funds will be available that can be used for conference travel, publications, and research costs. 

This position is benefits-eligible, and information regarding benefits can be found here: https://clients.garnett-powers.com/pd/uchicago/

The position will remain open until filled. Review of complete applications will begin on November 17, 2025. Start dates are negotiable but targeted for Fall 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Fred Ciesla at fciesla@uchicago.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.