Pre-Doctoral Researcher, Initiative for Computational Catalysis

Simons Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Job summary

The Flatiron Institute’s ICC within the Simons Foundation invites pre‑doctoral researchers currently pursuing a PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related fields. This 4‑month, full‑time onsite internship in New York City involves mentors, research projects, and hands‑on experience with catalytic modeling, data analysis, and algorithm development.

Applicants should secure thesis advisor approval and submit materials by the stated deadlines; Fall and Spring sessions alternate with

Qualifications

• Currently engaged in dissertation research in a PhD program in a field such as physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field relevant to the proposed research.

Responsibilities

• Apply skills of analytical calculation, algorithm development and implementation, testing and running computer codes, and data analysis to topics of relevance to ICC’s mission.
• Report on research, write documentation, and perform other ICC mission-related duties as required.

Skills

Matlab

Python

Julia

Fortran

C/C++

Git

Linux

Data analysis

Education

PhD candidacy in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related field

Tools

Unix/OS X/Linux environments

Job description

The Flatiron Institute is a research unit established by the Simons Foundation to advance scientific research through computational methods, including data analysis, modeling, and simulation. The Initiative for Computational Catalysis (ICC) is the newest component, launched in July 2024, and is dedicated to the development and application of computational techniques enabling the rational design of more efficient and affordable catalysts. In order to tackle the complex mechanisms and dynamics of catalytic processes, research from electronic structure, molecular dynamics, and machine learning are combined in computational approaches. In addition to ICC, the Flatiron Institute hosts the Centers for Computational Astrophysics, Computational Biology, Computational Mathematics, Computational Quantum Physics, and Computational Neuroscience, and a common scientific computing core.

Description

The ICC seeks temporary full‑time Pre‑doctoral Researchers as part of its Pre‑Doctoral Program. This program provides graduate students pursuing their PhD in a relevant field the opportunity to be employed at the ICC for 4 months to work on a research project with one or more ICC staff mentors. This position will be based onsite at the foundation in New York City.

Applicants should indicate one or more potential mentors at ICC and must have approval of their thesis advisor. Pre‑doctoral sessions will be held in the Fall and Spring. Applications submitted by May 29, 2026 will be considered for the Fall 2026 session. Applications submitted by August 28, 2026 will be considered for the Spring 2027 session.

Research projects may entail developing and implementing the concepts, algorithms, and codes needed to obtain insight into the microscopic processes of catalytic reactions, and ultimately predict materials with targeted catalytic properties. Information about potential mentors and research projects may be obtained from ICC’s website.

Qualifications

Education

• Currently engaged in dissertation research in a PhD program in a field such as physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field relevant to the proposed research.

Essential Functions / Responsibilities

• Reporting to a designated ICC staff scientist, the research intern will apply skills of analytical calculation, algorithm development and implementation, testing and running computer codes, and data analysis to topics of relevance to ICC’s mission.
• Other responsibilities, including reporting on research, writing documentation, and performing other ICC mission‑related tasks or duties as required.

Experience

• At least 1‑2 years of advanced coursework in areas relevant to the proposed research along with 1 or more years of relevant research experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic research skills.
• Experience with programming in one or more of the following: Matlab, Python, Julia, Fortran or C/C++ under Windows, OS‑X or Linux operating systems.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Technical and scientific curiosity.
• Professional and effective communication skills.
• Excellent collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of software engineering practices for working in groups, including software development life cycles, coding standards, code review and version control systems (e.g., Git) and knowledge of Linux is desirable.

Application Instructions

Required Application Materials

• CV and publication list.
• Description of previous research experience (not to exceed two pages).
• Research proposal of not more than 2 pages outlining planned work at Flatiron, including name(s) of potential mentor(s) and the Fall or Spring session dates.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation submitted confidentially by the letter writers through Interfolio. One letter must be from the applicant’s PhD supervisor and must explicitly approve the applicant’s possible participation in the Pre‑Doctoral Program as well as confirm that, should they be selected, there will be tuition support during their time in the Pre‑Doctoral program.

Session Dates

• Fall 2026: September 8, 2026 to December 18, 2026
• Spring 2027: January 11, 2027 to May 14, 2027

Application Deadline

• The application deadline for the Fall program is May 29, 2026.
• The application deadline for the Spring program is August 28, 2026.

Compensation and Benefits

• The full‑time annualized compensation for this position is $60,000, which will be prorated for the term.
• This position is eligible for medical benefits only.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.