EPL Postdoctoral Fellowships

Postdocs in the Library
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Launch Your Scientific Career

Each autumn, the Earth & Planets Laboratory (EPL) conducts international searches for exceptional early-career researchers to join its vibrant cohort of postdocs. These fellows bring fresh expertise, bold ideas, and abundant energy to our campus in Washington, D.C., fueling a culture of discovery and collaboration. In return, EPL offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, world-class mentoring, and a supportive environment that prepares postdocs for the next stage of their careers.

Applications are Open! open_in_new

Inside the EPL Experience

Artist's conception of a a large gas giant planet orbiting a small red dwarf star called TOI-5205. Image by Katherine Cain, courtesy of the Carnegie Institution for Science.
Atomic Physics Observatory pressure tank from the southeast, 1937

Atomic Physics Observatory from the southeast, 1937
Fall Picnic
BBR Campus 455x309
Jill Yang Helping Postdoc

Freedom to Explore

Postdoctoral fellows and associates at EPL are regarded as scientific colleagues and part of the strong scientific community here. Every fellow has access to the full staff on the EPL campus and the other departments of the Carnegie Institution, as well as to a group of non-resident collaborators and visiting investigators from all parts of the world.

Professional Development

Great science starts with great support. That’s why we put postdocs at the heart of everything we do, offering hands-on workshops in a range of topics, from building budgets and writing grants to mentoring, management, and career planning.

Our alumni have gone on to careers at research labs and universities around the world, creating a network of connections that new postdocs can tap into from day one. Our goal? To give you the tools, skills, and community you need to become not just an excellent scientist, but a leader in the field—while making your time at EPL a rigorous, rewarding, and truly positive experience.

Past workshops have included topics like:

  • Everything You Wanted to Know About Academic Teaching
  • Negotiating Your Startup
  • Talking to the Press
  • Research Ethics
Postdocs pose on a bridge in Rock Creek PArk

Postdoctoral Association

The Carnegie Institution Postdoctoral Association (CIPA) is an organization comprising all postdoctoral researchers at Carnegie Science.

At EPL, CIPA serves to build community amongst campus postdocs, share useful resources, and collectively advocate for EPL postdoc-specific issues. EPL CIPA meets monthly, and its elected representatives meet monthly with the department Director. 

CIPA Resources (Internal) open_in_new

Resources for Applicants

We want you to feel prepared and supported as you put together your application. Explore these resources to help you craft a strong proposal and navigate the process.

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Kathleen McKee Postdoc Volcano
Lab Notebook