The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB) is inviting applications for its 2027 Fellows Program, a prestigious fully funded three-year fellowship for exceptional early-career researchers working at the intersection of mathematics, computation, statistics, and biology.
Hosted in Chicago, Illinois, the fellowship supports independent interdisciplinary research while providing access to the research communities of Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. Fellows receive a competitive salary, generous research funding, mentorship, and the freedom to pursue innovative research without teaching responsibilities.
Applications open on 1 September 2026, and candidates seeking full consideration must apply by 15 November 2026.
About the NITMB Fellows Program
The NITMB Fellows Program was established to broaden the scientific workforce in mathematical biology and foster groundbreaking interdisciplinary research. The institute recruits talented early-career scientists trained in mathematics, theoretical disciplines, computer science, statistics, biology, engineering, and related fields who demonstrate exceptional promise as researchers capable of bridging mathematical and biological sciences.
Each fellow is fully supported for up to three years and develops an independent research programme while collaborating with NITMB faculty members or researchers beyond the institute. The programme encourages innovative theoretical, mathematical, and computational approaches to solving complex biological questions.
Fellowship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB) |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Fellowship Duration | 3 years |
| Start Date | 1 September 2027 |
| Application Opens | 1 September 2026 |
| Full Consideration Deadline | 15 November 2026 |
| Fields | Mathematics, Biology, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering & Related Disciplines |
Who Can Apply?
NITMB is seeking outstanding early-career researchers with an interest in transforming biological research through mathematical, theoretical, and computational innovation.
Applicants must:
- Complete a doctoral degree by 1 September 2027.
- Be trained in Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Theoretical Biology, or a closely related field.
- Be less than seven years post-PhD at the time of appointment.
- Demonstrate exceptional research potential and a strong interest in interdisciplinary collaboration.
Previous experience in biology is considered an advantage, but it is not required. Researchers from theoretical and mathematical backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Research Opportunities
Fellows will conduct independent research programmes focused on developing new mathematical, statistical, computational, and theoretical methods that address biological challenges.
Research may span any area of biology, including emerging interdisciplinary fields where biological phenomena inspire new mathematical discoveries. Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with NITMB faculty, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, or external researchers while maintaining the independence to define their own research direction.
Fellowship Benefits
The NITMB Fellows Program offers comprehensive support designed to help researchers focus entirely on pioneering scientific work.
Benefits include:
- Competitive three-year salary
- Generous research and travel funding
- Access to NITMB resources and facilities
- Research opportunities across Northwestern University and the University of Chicago
- Mentorship from leading faculty and institute leadership
- Office space in Chicago’s iconic John Hancock Center
- Guaranteed participation in NITMB workshops
- No teaching obligations
- Opportunities to lead institute activities and outreach programmes
- Membership in a vibrant interdisciplinary research community
Required Application Materials
Applicants must upload the following documents through the NITMB submission portal:
- One-page cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae (2–3 pages)
- Research statement (4–5 pages) outlining research interests to be pursued at NITMB and identifying potential collaborators
- Separate list of publications and preprints
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or senior research scientists active in the applicant’s field
All documents should be prepared in 11-point font, single-spaced, with minimum 0.5-inch margins.
Why This Fellowship Is Valuable
The NITMB Fellows Program provides an exceptional platform for researchers seeking to become leaders in mathematical biology. Unlike traditional postdoctoral appointments, the fellowship emphasizes independent research, allowing fellows to establish their own scientific identity while benefiting from extensive mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The absence of teaching responsibilities enables fellows to devote their time entirely to developing innovative research programmes that connect mathematics, computation, statistics, and biology.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Competitive applicants should clearly articulate an ambitious and original interdisciplinary research vision. A strong proposal should demonstrate how mathematical or computational approaches can address significant biological questions while identifying meaningful opportunities for collaboration within the NITMB community.
Applicants should also highlight publications, preprints, theoretical contributions, computational expertise, and evidence of independent scientific thinking. Strong recommendation letters from established researchers will further strengthen the application.
Application Deadline
- Applications Open: 1 September 2026
- Deadline for Full Consideration: 15 November 2026
- Fellowship Start: 1 September 2027
Applications will continue to be reviewed until all fellowship positions have been filled.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates should submit all required application materials through the official NITMB Fellows Program online application portal before the deadline.
