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NITMB Fellows Program

NITMB supports NITMB Fellows for two aims: to broaden the scientific workforce in mathematical biology, and to facilitate another avenue of interdisciplinary research. Each NITMB Fellow is fully supported for up to three years.  They are free to collaborate with NITMB members or others outside the Institute, which provides another avenue for expanding research beyond the two universities. The Fellows program recruits early-career scientists trained in mathematics (pure and applied), other theoretical disciplines, and/or biology who display exceptional promise as interdisciplinary researchers advancing the frontier of mathematical biology. In their subsequent careers, we expect the Fellows to develop into tomorrow’s leaders in this field, acting as bridges and translators to bring the mathematics and biology communities together in innovative ways.

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NITMB Fellowships Call for Applications

Applications will Open in Fall 2026

NITMB is seeking early-career researchers who have an interest in transforming biological research and inspiring new mathematical discoveries. 

This opportunity is open to researchers who want to develop mathematical, theoretical, and computational approaches to study any area of biology. NITMB Fellows conduct independent research programs, in collaboration with NITMB faculty members or others outside the Institute, focused on developing new mathematics and statistics relevant to challenges in biology. This call is aimed at young scientists trained in mathematical, computational, or theoretical biology and related disciplines with exceptional research promise and with an interest in exploring new opportunities and challenges emerging from biological phenomena. Prior experience with biology is a plus but not required. The Fellows will be part of a large endeavor to build new bridges between mathematics, theory, and biological disciplines.  

Applicants will need to have completed a doctoral degree by September 1, 2027 in one of the following fields: 

  • Mathematical and Physical Sciences 
  • Biological Sciences 
  • Computer Science 
  • Engineering 
  • or related fields 

This three-year fellowship offers a competitive salary and a generous research budget. The goal of the fellowship is to empower an early-career scholar to define their research path with opportunities for collaboration with NITMB members.  

Fellow appointments are expected to start September 1, 2027. This position is open to individuals less than seven years post-attainment of their Ph.D. degree. 

Benefits  

  • Competitive salary 
  • Generous research and travel stipends 
  • Access to NITMB resources and both Northwestern and UChicago campuses 
  • A thriving intellectual community with mentorship from NITMB leadership and faculty members 
  • Offices located at the iconic John Hancock Center (875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL) 
  • Guaranteed acceptance to NITMB workshops 
  • No teaching obligations, allowing full dedication to groundbreaking research 
  • Leadership opportunities for NITMB activities and outreach programs 

 Application Materials  

Upload the following documents to the submission portal starting September 1, 2026. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by November 15, 2026. Application review will continue until all positions are filled. The formatting of all documents should be in 11-point font, single-spaced, with minimum 0.5 inch margins. 

  1. Cover letter (1 page) 
  2. Curriculum vitae (2-3 pages) 
  3. Description of research interests to be pursued at the NITMB, including potential collaborators (4-5 pages) 
  4. List of publications and preprints (separate from CV) 
  5. Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or senior research scientists who are active in the field of study in question 
Apply Here