Kavli Institute at Cornell – Experimental Postdoctoral Fellowship USA

Applied Physics, Materials Science, Nanomaterials, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, PHD, Physics, Quantum Materials, Research, Scientists / Researchers, Semiconductor Physics
New York
22 September 2026
Fellowship Fixed Term Full Time Postdoc Postdoctoral Research

Job Description

Organization: Cornell University – Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science (KIC)

Faculty/Department/Division: Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science

Location: Ithaca, New York, United States

Position: KIC Experimental Postdoctoral Fellowships

Project Overview

  • The KIC Experimental Postdoctoral Fellowship is a 2–3 year postdoctoral fellowship designed to attract outstanding experimental researchers working in nanoscale science and technology.
  • Fellows receive significant independence and research resources while working in partnership with Cornell faculty sponsors on projects aligned with the KIC mission.
  • Research focuses on the development, characterization, and control of nanoscale materials and systems using next-generation experimental tools.
  • Fellows have access to Cornell University’s research facilities, faculty expertise, and interdisciplinary resources in nanoscale science and technology.
  • The fellowship is intended to support early-career researchers shortly after completion of their PhD.
  • Previous KIC Fellows have progressed to academic careers, including professorships at universities around the world.
  • Fellows also receive lifetime membership in the Society of Cornell Fellows.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct independent experimental research in nanoscale science and technology.
  • Develop or utilize next-generation tools for the creation, characterization, or control of nanoscale materials and systems.
  • Develop a research project in collaboration with at least two Cornell faculty sponsors.
  • Work with a KIC Executive Committee member who will help oversee the Fellow’s progress and integration into KIC activities.
  • Conduct research consistent with the mission of the Kavli Institute at Cornell.
  • Publish and present research findings during the fellowship.
  • Include the KIC byline on publications and presentations produced during the appointment.
  • Participate in the broader research activities of the KIC community.

Required Qualifications

  • PhD degree or completion of a PhD shortly before the fellowship begins.
  • Strong experimental research background in nanoscale science or a closely related discipline.
  • Candidates should be within 18 months of their PhD graduation date.
  • Candidates must not already have been a postdoctoral researcher at Cornell for more than 9 months at the application deadline.
  • At least two Cornell faculty sponsors are required.
  • Pre-approval from a KIC Executive Committee member is required.
  • Applicants should demonstrate research qualifications and propose original research suitable for the KIC mission.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in experimental nanoscale science and technology.
  • Research experience involving nanoscale materials, systems, characterization, fabrication, or control.
  • Strong publication and research record.
  • Ability to develop an independent research programme.
  • Strong scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.

Employment Details

  • Postdoctoral fellowship appointment.
  • Fellowship duration: 2–3 years.
  • Appointments are made in 12-month periods with an anticipated total duration of 2–3 years.
  • Three to four fellowships are expected to be awarded each year.
  • Fellows work in partnership with Cornell faculty sponsors.
  • The fellowship provides significant research independence and access to Cornell’s nanoscale science and technology resources.

Salary & Benefits

  • KIC provides 50% funding for the Fellow’s salary and associated fringe benefits.
  • The Cornell faculty sponsor is responsible for the remaining 50% of salary and associated fringe benefits.
  • Fellows receive an annual research expense account.
  • Fellows receive lifetime membership in the Society of Cornell Fellows.
  • Fellows have access to Cornell faculty, research infrastructure, and nanoscale science and technology resources.

Application Documents

  • Candidate CV, including a list of publications.
  • One-page description of the proposed research.
  • Descriptive title for the proposed research.
  • Description of a major component involving the development or use of next-generation tools for creation, characterization, or control of nanoscale materials and systems.
  • List of Cornell faculty sponsors, including the KIC Executive Committee member.
  • Letter or letters of support from Cornell sponsors.
  • Two additional letters of recommendation, such as from a thesis advisor or collaborators.
  • All support and recommendation letters must be received by the application deadline for the application to be considered complete.

English Language Requirement

  • No specific English language test or score is stated in the supplied fellowship advertisement.

Research Areas

  • Experimental nanoscience
  • Materials science
  • Nanomaterials
  • Nanoscience
  • Nanotechnology
  • Nanoscale materials and systems
  • Nanoscale characterization
  • Nanoscale fabrication
  • Quantum materials
  • Semiconductor materials
  • Experimental physics

Supervisor(s): At least two Cornell faculty sponsors are required; sponsors are selected by the applicant in consultation with Cornell faculty.

Application: Academic Jobs Online, Position #32586

Application Deadline: 15 October 2026

Starting Date: Shortly after the fellowship is awarded and the PhD is completed

Reference: Academic Jobs Online Position #32586

External Link: https://www.kicnano.cornell.edu/programs/kic-experimental-postdoctoral-fellowships

Location

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