Current Postdoctoral Positions at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) 2026: Apply for Research Fellowships in the USA
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the world's leading research universities and consistently ranks among the top institutions for science and engineering. Located in Pasadena, California, Caltech offers exceptional postdoctoral opportunities in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, biology, chemistry, climate science, astronomy, economics, and the humanities.
Each year, Caltech recruits outstanding early-career researchers through departmental hiring, institute-wide fellowship programs, and externally funded research projects. Many positions are open to international applicants and provide competitive salaries, outstanding research facilities, professional mentoring, and opportunities to collaborate with world-renowned scientists.
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Why Choose Caltech?
Caltech is home to Nobel Prize winners, pioneering research laboratories, NASA collaborations, and one of the world's strongest STEM research communities.
Benefits of a Caltech Postdoctoral Position
World-class research facilities
Competitive salary
Comprehensive employee benefits
Career development and mentoring
Collaboration with internationally recognized faculty
Access to cutting-edge laboratories
Strong interdisciplinary research culture
Opportunities to secure independent research funding
Excellent networking opportunities
Current Caltech Postdoctoral Positions (2026)
1. Caltech Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP) is Caltech's flagship fellowship for outstanding early-career researchers.
Research Areas
Engineering
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Computer Science
Mathematics
Humanities
Social Sciences
Earth Sciences
Fellowship Benefits
Up to US$96,000 in funding over two years
Faculty mentorship
Professional development
Research support
Community-building opportunities
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Hold a PhD before beginning the fellowship
Demonstrate outstanding research achievements
Meet the program's eligibility requirements
Application Deadlines (2026)
16 January 2026
17 July 2026 (Geological and Planetary Sciences)
Apply Here
Caltech Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
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2. Engineering & Applied Science Postdoctoral Scholar Positions
The Division of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) recruits postdoctoral scholars throughout the year.
Research Areas
Aeronautics
Aerospace
Applied & Computational Mathematics
Applied Physics
Civil Engineering
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Science
Information Science
Materials Science
Mechanical Engineering
Medical Engineering
Duration
Most appointments are one year, with possible renewal depending on funding.
Deadline
Most positions are open year-round and filled as suitable candidates are identified. (Caltech Engineering)
Apply
Caltech Engineering & Applied Science Positions
3. Computing, Data, and Society Fellows (CDSF)
Caltech's Computing and Mathematical Sciences Division offers the prestigious Computing, Data, and Society Fellows program.
Research Areas
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Data Science
Computing
Social Computing
Algorithms
Benefits
Competitive salary
Faculty mentorship
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Recruitment Timeline
Applications are generally reviewed during the annual cycle, with most offers made by mid-April. Off-cycle hiring may also occur. (Computing + Mathematical Sciences)
Apply
Caltech Applications Portal – CDSF and Other Postdocs
4. Center for the Mathematics of Information (CMI) Postdoctoral Fellowship
The CMI Fellowship supports outstanding researchers working at the intersection of mathematics and information science.
Research Areas
Applied Mathematics
Information Theory
Data Science
Optimization
Statistics
Deadline
Applications follow the annual recruitment cycle for positions beginning in Fall 2026. (Caltech Applications)
Apply
5. DOLCIT Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
The Decision, Optimization, and Learning at Caltech (DOLCIT) program recruits researchers in modern AI and optimization.
Research Areas
Machine Learning
Optimization
Statistics
Robotics
Control Systems
Human-Computer Interaction
Required Documents
CV
Research Statement
Three recommendation letters
Optional teaching statement
Review Schedule
Applications are reviewed starting 1 January 2026 for Fall 2026 appointments. (Computing + Mathematical Sciences)
Apply
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6. Computational Mathematics + X (CMX)
This interdisciplinary fellowship combines mathematics with scientific applications.
Research Areas
Scientific Computing
Computational Mathematics
Artificial Intelligence
Physics
Engineering
Biology
Deadline
Applications are reviewed annually for Fall appointments. (Caltech Applications)
7. Climate Science and Modeling Postdoctoral Scholars
The Climate Modeling Alliance (CliMA) recruits postdoctoral scholars studying climate prediction and Earth system modeling.
Research Areas
Climate Modeling
Earth Sciences
Atmospheric Science
Environmental Data Science
Artificial Intelligence for Climate
Deadline
Recruitment follows the annual Caltech applications cycle. (Caltech Applications)
Apply
Caltech Applications – Climate Science Postdocs
8. History or Philosophy of 20th Century Physics
The Einstein Papers Project at Caltech is seeking postdoctoral scholars.
Research Areas
History of Physics
Philosophy of Science
General Relativity
Cosmology
Digital Humanities
Appointment
Initial two-year appointment
Application Deadline
1 May 2026. (Caltech Applications)
Apply
History or Philosophy of Physics Postdoctoral Position
9. Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS)
The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences offers multiple postdoctoral opportunities.
Current Research Areas
Fiber-Optic Sensing for the Moon
Prebiotic Geochemistry
Atmospheric Chemistry
Aerosol Data Science
Health Effects
Planetary Science
Deadline
Most positions remain open until filled or follow project-specific schedules. (Geological and Planetary Sciences)
Apply
Caltech GPS Postdoctoral Positions
10. Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy (PMA)
The PMA Division recruits postdoctoral scholars in several areas.
Current Opportunities
NExScI Postdoctoral Scholar
NASA Ariel Science Center
LIGO Laboratory
Astronomy Fellowships
Current Deadlines
NExScI: 1 July 2026
NASA Ariel Science Center: 15 July 2026 (Caltech PMA)
Apply
Caltech PMA Employment Opportunities
Major Research Fields at Caltech
Caltech regularly hires postdoctoral researchers in:
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Computer Science
Data Science
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Biomedical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Climate Science
Earth Science
Astronomy
Planetary Science
Robotics
Economics
Humanities
Salary and Benefits
Caltech offers competitive postdoctoral compensation.
Benefits may include:
Competitive annual salary
Health insurance
Dental and vision coverage
Retirement plans
Paid vacation
Professional development funding
Conference travel support
Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
Compensation varies by department, fellowship, and funding source.
Eligibility Criteria
Most Caltech postdoctoral positions require:
PhD or equivalent doctoral degree
Strong publication record
Excellent research potential
Strong communication skills
Relevant technical expertise
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
International researchers are encouraged to apply for many positions.
Required Documents
Most applications require:
Updated CV
Cover Letter
Research Statement
Publication List
Three Letters of Recommendation
Diversity Statement (where requested)
Academic Transcripts (if requested)
Application Deadlines Summary
| Position | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship | 16 Jan 2026 & 17 Jul 2026 |
| History/Philosophy of Physics | 1 May 2026 |
| NExScI Postdoctoral Scholar | 1 Jul 2026 |
| NASA Ariel Science Center | 15 Jul 2026 |
| Engineering & Applied Science | Open Year-Round |
| DOLCIT Fellowship | Reviews begin 1 Jan 2026 |
| Computing, Data & Society Fellows | Annual cycle (offers by mid-April) |
| Climate Science & Modeling | Annual cycle |
| Geological & Planetary Sciences | Open Until Filled |
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the official Caltech academic application portal:
Caltech Academic Applications Portal
Step 2
Choose the postdoctoral position that matches your expertise.
Step 3
Prepare all required documents.
Step 4
Upload your application through the online system.
Step 5
Arrange for referees to submit recommendation letters before the deadline.
Official Resources
Tips for a Successful Application
Apply well before the deadline.
Tailor your research statement to the advertised position.
Highlight publications in high-impact journals.
Contact prospective faculty mentors if encouraged by the posting.
Ensure recommendation letters are submitted on time.
Demonstrate how your research aligns with Caltech's strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Many Caltech postdoctoral positions welcome qualified international applicants, subject to visa and employment requirements.
Are Caltech postdoctoral positions fully funded?
Most advertised positions are funded through research grants or institutional fellowship programs and include salary and employee benefits.
How long are Caltech postdoctoral appointments?
Most appointments are for one to two years, with the possibility of renewal depending on funding and performance.
Where can I find newly advertised Caltech postdoctoral positions?
The official Caltech Applications Portal and departmental employment pages are the best places to monitor new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers some of the most prestigious postdoctoral opportunities in the world. Whether your interests lie in artificial intelligence, climate science, aerospace engineering, mathematics, biology, physics, or the humanities, Caltech provides access to exceptional faculty, advanced research infrastructure, and a collaborative academic environment.
Because several fellowships have fixed annual deadlines while many departmental positions are filled on a rolling basis, applicants should prepare their materials early, monitor the official Caltech application portal regularly, and apply as soon as suitable opportunities become available.
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