Applications are open for the NSF Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Fundamental Interactions (IAIFI) Fellowship 2027 - 2030 - a selective three-year postdoctoral fellowship at the intersection of physics and AI, hosted primarily at MIT with the Boston-area IAIFI consortium (MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Tufts, and Boston University).
Expected start: 1 September 2027. Deadline for all materials (including reference letters): 7 October 2026. About 1 - 4 Fellows are hired per year, depending on funding and fit.
This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on the official IAIFI Fellows page and AcademicJobsOnline posting. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - IAIFI Fellowship 2027 - 2030
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | IAIFI Postdoctoral Fellowship (NSF AI Institute) |
| Term | Three years (2027 - 2030 cohort), contingent on need and funding |
| Start | 1 September 2027 (alternatives considered case by case) |
| Location | Boston area - workspace at MIT; optional affiliation with Harvard, Northeastern, Tufts, or BU |
| Salary | About US$71,000 - US$90,000 (set IAIFI rate; currently ~15% above MIT minimum postdoc salary) |
| Mentors | Two IAIFI mentors - one Physics, one AI |
| Cohort size | Typically 1 - 4 Fellows per year |
| Deadline | 7 October 2026 (all materials + 3 reference letters) |
| Accept deadline (offers) | 14 February 2027 |
| Official page | iaifi.org/fellows |
| Apply | AcademicJobsOnline #32251 |
About IAIFI
IAIFI (pronounced “eye-fye”) is one of the inaugural NSF AI research institutes. It advances physics discoveries and foundational AI by developing AI approaches that incorporate first principles and domain knowledge from fundamental physics - across theoretical physics, experimental physics, astrophysics, and foundational AI.
Fellows spark interdisciplinary collaborations, help abstract physics challenges into cutting-edge AI tools, and build a shared language across fields. Related postdoctoral openings with IAIFI faculty may also be available; applicants can opt in to share materials for those roles.
Benefits
- Three-year postdoctoral appointment with competitive MIT-based salary
- Substantial freedom in research focus with dual Physics + AI mentorship
- Workspace at MIT and option to affiliate with other IAIFI universities
- Access to a vibrant Boston-area AI+physics research community
- Visa support coordination via MIT International Scholars Office for selected international Fellows
Eligibility
- PhD in Physics, Astrophysics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field - held or expected by 1 September 2027
- Early-career researchers interested in interdisciplinary Physics + AI research (expertise may be stronger in one area, but proposed research should bridge disciplines)
- Willingness to work primarily in the Boston / Massachusetts area (MIT is the official employer)
- English proficiency required for J-1 visa employment if coming from outside the U.S.
Application Requirements
- Cover letter (max 1 page)
- CV (1 - 2 pages recommended)
- Statement of research interests (max 2 pages; figures count toward limit; references optional and excluded)
- Publication list
- Exactly three reference letters (submitted online by referees; late letters accepted up to ~1 week after the deadline)
- Identify preferred IAIFI Physics and AI mentors in the application (no need to contact them beforehand)
Selection Timeline
| Stage | When |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 7 October 2026 |
| Shortlist notification | Mid-November to mid-December 2026 |
| Virtual interview | Shortlisted candidates |
| Offers | Late December 2026 to early January 2027 |
| Accept deadline | 14 February 2027 |
| Start | 1 September 2027 (typical) |
How to Apply
- Read the official IAIFI Fellows call and FAQ.
- Prepare your cover letter, CV, research statement, publication list, and arrange three referees.
- Submit via AcademicJobsOnline (IAIFI Fellow #32251) by 7 October 2026.
- Questions: iaifi-fellows@mit.edu.
Official Links
Apply - AcademicJobsOnline IAIFI Fellow
Programme overview - NSF IAIFI Fellows
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Maple Global Innovation Fellowship 2026
- Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027-2028
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships 2027-2028
- Browse all fellowships
FAQs - IAIFI Fellowship 2027 - 2030
When is the deadline?
7 October 2026 for all materials, including three reference letters.
What is the salary?
Listed range US$71,000 - US$90,000; IAIFI pays a set rate currently about 15% above MIT’s minimum postdoc salary.
Do I need to contact mentors before applying?
No - indicate preferred mentors in the application.
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes. Selected Fellows work with MIT ISchO on the appropriate visa.
Where do I apply?
Through AcademicJobsOnline job #32251.
