Kadanoff-Rice Fellowship

Recent recipients of a PhD in physics, chemistry, engineering, or related fields can apply for a Kadanoff-Rice Fellowship. Fellows conduct original research in experimental, theoretical, or computational materials science and engineering in collaboration with one or more MRSEC research groups. These fellowships provide a half-stipend for up to two years (at the advisor’s discretion), plus a $5,000 travel budget.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Applicants for the Kadanoff-Rice Fellowship must have sponsorship by a MRSEC faculty member.

Interested graduate students and postdocs not currently at the University of Chicago should contact potential faculty advisors to arrange for a sponsorship and ask to be nominated for the fellowship. The faculty member(s) will likely need a copy of your application materials (see below) and request that you meet other prerequisites, such as an interview. The faculty member(s) will then forward the application materials and a letter outlining the special expertise you will bring to the MRSEC research agenda and/or potential collaborations to the appropriate MRSEC administrator.

Current research topics of interest to MRSEC faculty include trainable soft materials, activated architectured materials, and the transmission of quantum information in materials.

MRSEC selects up to two Kadanoff-Rice Fellows per application cycle. Selection criteria include (i) excellence in research and (ii) interdisciplinary research interests.

We give priority to attracting new postdocs to our campus and/or those who bring a diverse perspective to the study of materials research. We encourage underrepresented minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

How to apply

Eligible postdoctoral researchers should provide application materials to their advisor and request a nomination. A complete application contains:

• CV
• Three letters of recommendation
• Short (<1 page) statement written by the candidate describing their commitment to collaborative research and, if appropriate, diversity in materials research
• Nomination letter from a MRSEC faculty member that explains why the candidate should receive a Kadanoff-Rice Fellowship

Competition schedule

Support for minority and female postdoctoral candidates

MRSEC has set aside funds to increase our number of underrepresented minority and female postdoctoral researchers. Per the National Science Foundation, underrepresented minorities include African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders. PIs planning to employ underrepresented minority or female postdocs in MRSEC research should contact the MRSEC director about additional support