The MIT-Kalaniyot program is accepting applications from candidates to spend their postdoctoral years at MIT. Selected fellows will be welcomed into a vibrant Jewish and Israeli campus community and will receive a two-year stipend.
About MIT-Kalaniyot
The MIT-Kalaniyot program is a faculty-led initiative focusing on two main goals that are mutually reinforcing: building a stronger Jewish and Israeli MIT campus community and deepening ties with Israeli researchers.
About the MIT-Kalaniyot Postdoctoral Fellows Program
The MIT-Kalaniyot Postdoctoral Fellows Program supports recent PhD graduates from Israeli institutions to conduct their postdoctoral training at MIT. The program is open to researchers in all areas of study at MIT. While at MIT, the scholars will conduct cutting-edge research. Upon completion of their postdoc and their return to Israel, they will be eligible for programs to support them in maintaining connections with their MIT colleagues.
Eligibility
MIT-Kalaniyot welcomes applications from individuals who are within a year of finishing their PhD at an Israeli university or graduated less than one year ago from an Israeli university.
The MIT-Kalaniyot program embraces the diversity of Israel and strongly encourages applications from Jews, Arabs and other minority communities, from all parts of the state and all its academic institutions.
Funding and Support
Fellows that are accepted into the program will be awarded a two-year stipend starting at $70,000 annually, plus benefits coverage, up to $10,000 in relocation reimbursement, and $5,000 in discretionary funds.
Application Materials
- Application form
- Curriculum vitae and publication list
- Research statement describing your PhD work (1 page) and your proposed research program at MIT (2 pages).
- If you did not graduate yet, you must include a short statement from your advisor certifying your expected graduation timeline (month and year).
- A letter from a prospective MIT faculty advisor confirming that, contingent on your acceptance into the program, they:
- have read your research statement and are willing to serve as your MIT advisor
- will be responsible for providing you with adequate office space and
- will be responsible for integrating you with their research group
- will be responsible for submitting your visiting appointment and visa request through the appropriate MIT/departmental channels
- will be responsible for contributing 25% of your annual stipend
- One page community statement:
- How did you contribute to your community in Israel this past year?
- How do you envision contributing to the MIT Jewish and/or Israeli community during your appointment at MIT?
In addition to submitting their materials, applicants are responsible for ensuring that 3 reference letters are sent to kalaniyot_references@mit.edu before the application deadline listed below. Reference letter emails should include the applicant’s name in the email subject line.
Timeline for application, selection, and start at MIT
Applications must be submitted via our online application system, and in English, by 11:59 PM Eastern time, on December 15, 2024. A selection committee composed of MIT and Israeli faculty will review the applications and make the final selection. Finalists may be asked for a Zoom interview with the selection committee. Notifications of the review process outcome will be sent to the applicants by April 1.
Selected Fellows are expected to start their Fellowship during 2025.
Please note: Due to the number of applications received, we regret that we are not able to provide feedback on individual proposals after notifications have been made.
Questions?
Please view our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the program. Additional questions regarding the program, the application process, and support finding potential advisors can be directed to the program directors, Prof. Or Hen and Prof. Ernest Fraenkel and program manager Ms. Kassandra McCarthy, at: Kalaniyot_apply@mit.edu