Current Postdoctoral Positions at the University of Chicago (2026): Apply for Research Fellowships in the USA
The University of Chicago (UChicago) is one of the world's leading private research universities and a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Located in Chicago, Illinois, the university is internationally recognized for excellence in economics, medicine, biological sciences, computer science, artificial intelligence, physics, public policy, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.
Every year, UChicago recruits hundreds of postdoctoral researchers through faculty-led projects, interdisciplinary research centers, and competitive fellowship programs. Many opportunities welcome international applicants and offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and access to world-class laboratories.
Why Choose the University of Chicago?
A postdoctoral appointment at UChicago provides researchers with access to one of the most intellectually vibrant research environments in the United States.
Benefits
Competitive postdoctoral salaries
World-class research facilities
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement benefits
Professional development programs
Mentorship from internationally renowned faculty
Interdisciplinary research collaborations
Conference and research funding opportunities
Strong academic and industry networking
Current University of Chicago Postdoctoral Opportunities
1. Chicago Fellows Program (Biological & Biomedical Sciences)
The Chicago Fellows Program is one of UChicago's flagship postdoctoral fellowship programs, designed to support exceptional early-career scientists in the biological and biomedical sciences. (BSD Postdoctoral Affairs)
Research Areas
Molecular Biology
Genetics
Immunology
Cancer Biology
Neuroscience
Cell Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Benefits
Competitive salary
Faculty mentorship
Career development support
Independent research opportunities
Application Deadline
The fellowship follows an annual recruitment cycle. Check the official page for current dates.
Official Information
2. Biological Sciences Division (BSD) Open Postdoctoral Positions
The Biological Sciences Division regularly lists active postdoctoral vacancies across multiple laboratories and research groups. Recent openings include:
Imaging & Biomarker Laboratory
Sisodia Laboratory
He Laboratory (Cancer Biology)
Weichselbaum Laboratory
Medical Image Computing Research
Many of these positions remain open until filled or follow laboratory-specific recruitment schedules. (BSD Postdoctoral Affairs)
Research Areas
Cancer Biology
Medical Imaging
Molecular Biology
Neuroscience
Biomedical Engineering
Precision Medicine
Deadline
Most positions are Open Until Filled unless otherwise specified.
Apply Here
3. Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME)
The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering recruits postdoctoral scholars throughout the year.
Major Research Areas
Artificial Intelligence
Quantum Engineering
Immunoengineering
Materials Science
Climate & Energy
Quantum Information
Advanced Computing
Available fellowship programs include:
AI+Science Postdoctoral Fellowship
Quantum Postdoctoral Fellowship
Immunoengineering Training Program
Chicago Materials Research Center Fellowship
Yen Fellowship
T32 Training Grants
Deadline
Most fellowship programs follow annual application cycles, while many faculty-funded positions remain open year-round.
Official Information
4. Harris School of Public Policy – Economics Postdoctoral Researcher
The Harris School regularly recruits postdoctoral researchers in economics and public policy.
Research Areas
Economics
Public Policy
Data Analysis
Political Economy
Development Economics
Salary
US$62,232–US$80,000 per year
Current Deadline
For the most recent advertised position:
Application review began: 27 May 2026
Final deadline: 15 June 2026 (UChicago Academic Jobs)
New positions are announced annually.
Apply
5. AI+Science Postdoctoral Fellowship
This prestigious interdisciplinary fellowship supports researchers working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and scientific discovery.
Research Fields
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Scientific Computing
Data Science
Engineering
Computational Biology
Benefits
Faculty mentorship
Competitive salary
Research funding
Access to high-performance computing resources
Deadline
Annual recruitment cycle.
Information
PME AI+Science Fellowship Information
6. Quantum Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Quantum Fellowship supports research in quantum technologies.
Research Areas
Quantum Computing
Quantum Physics
Quantum Information
Photonics
Applied Mathematics
Deadline
Annual application cycle.
Apply
PME Quantum Fellowship Information
7. Medical and Clinical Research Postdoctoral Positions
The University of Chicago Medicine and affiliated laboratories regularly recruit postdoctoral scholars.
Research Areas
Precision Medicine
Cancer Research
Immunology
Infectious Diseases
Genomics
Bioinformatics
Translational Medicine
Deadline
Most positions operate on a rolling recruitment basis.
Apply
University of Chicago Academic Jobs
8. Faculty-Funded Postdoctoral Positions
Many faculty members advertise postdoctoral opportunities directly through funded research grants.
Popular fields include:
Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Robotics
Data Science
Mathematics
Statistics
Physics
Chemistry
Psychology
Sociology
Economics
Political Science
Most appointments begin as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. (UChicago PME)
Major Research Areas at UChicago
The University of Chicago regularly recruits postdoctoral researchers in:
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Data Science
Computer Science
Quantum Computing
Molecular Biology
Cancer Biology
Neuroscience
Genetics
Precision Medicine
Biomedical Engineering
Physics
Mathematics
Chemistry
Economics
Public Policy
Political Science
Sociology
Psychology
Environmental Science
Salary and Benefits
Most University of Chicago postdoctoral appointments include:
Competitive annual salary
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Retirement plans
Paid vacation
Paid holidays
Professional development support
Conference travel funding
Access to advanced research facilities
Typical salaries depend on department, experience, and funding source. Many positions align with NIH postdoctoral salary guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements
Most postdoctoral positions require:
A completed PhD or equivalent doctoral degree
Strong publication record
Demonstrated research experience
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Relevant technical expertise
International applicants are eligible for many positions, subject to visa requirements.
Required Documents
Applicants are commonly asked to submit:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter
Research Statement
Publication List
Contact details for 2–3 referees
Writing samples (where applicable)
Academic transcripts (if requested)
Application Deadlines Summary
| Position | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Chicago Fellows Program | Annual competition |
| BSD Laboratory Positions | Open Until Filled |
| PME Faculty Positions | Rolling recruitment |
| AI+Science Fellowship | Annual cycle |
| Quantum Fellowship | Annual cycle |
| Harris School Economics Postdoc | Annual recruitment (recent deadline: 15 June 2026) |
| Medical Research Positions | Open Until Filled |
| Faculty-Funded Positions | Rolling recruitment |
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the University of Chicago's official academic jobs website.
Step 2
Search using keywords such as:
Postdoctoral Scholar
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Associate
Postdoctoral Fellow
Step 3
Review the job description and eligibility requirements.
Step 4
Prepare all required application materials.
Step 5
Submit your application through the official online portal before the deadline or as early as possible for rolling positions.
Official Application Links
University of Chicago Academic Jobs
BSD Prospective Postdocs
Biological Sciences Division Postdocs
Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering
University of Chicago Careers
Tips for a Successful Application
Apply early for rolling positions.
Tailor your cover letter to the research group.
Highlight publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Contact potential faculty mentors where appropriate.
Secure strong recommendation letters.
Demonstrate how your research aligns with the advertised project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Many University of Chicago postdoctoral positions welcome international researchers, subject to visa and employment requirements.
Are these positions fully funded?
Most postdoctoral appointments are funded through research grants, institutional fellowships, or training programs and include salary and employee benefits.
How long do postdoctoral appointments last?
Appointments are generally one to three years, with renewal depending on funding, performance, and departmental policy. (UChicago PME)
Where can I find the newest postdoctoral positions?
The official Academic Jobs Portal, the Biological Sciences Division, and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering websites are the best places to monitor new opportunities. (BSD Postdoctoral Affairs)
Final Thoughts
The University of Chicago offers outstanding postdoctoral opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, including artificial intelligence, quantum science, medicine, engineering, economics, biological sciences, and public policy. With world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and generous professional development support, UChicago provides an excellent environment for early-career researchers to build successful academic and industry careers.
Because many postdoctoral positions are filled on a rolling basis, applicants should regularly monitor the official university job portals, prepare their application materials in advance, and submit applications as soon as suitable opportunities become available.
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