Pre-Doctoral Researcher, Initiative for Computational Catalysis

The Initiative for Computational Catalysis (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 for the purpose of working on a research project with one or more ICC staff mentors.

About the Role

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 include reporting on research, writing documentation, and performing other ICC mission-related tasks or duties as required.

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.
• At least 1-2 years of advanced course work 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.

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 include reporting on research, writing documentation, and performing other ICC mission-related tasks or duties as required.

Experience

• At least 1-2 years of advanced course work 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 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

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All: 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.