Thompson Postdoctoral Fellowship in Geophysics at Stanford

[Jeremy Samos]

The Stanford Department of Geophysics has established the Thompson Postdoctoral Fellowship to be awarded to a candidate preferably within two years of receipt of the Ph.D. A candidate applying before completing their Ph.D. must have been awarded their degree before taking up the Fellowship. Our fellowship is open to applicants (whatever the discipline of their Ph.D.) in any area of geophysics, including basic and applied and sustainability science, and including new areas that cross classical disciplinary boundaries. Stanford Geophysics includes scholars across the spectrum from development of new methodology (“how we study”) to discovery science (“what we study”). 

The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and promise, and they will contribute to the growth and diversity of the Department. We seek candidates who have their own independent research agenda but have common interests with one or more existing faculty member(s) who will serve as a formal mentor(s). We encourage prospective applicants, before applying, to communicate with prospective faculty mentors. Fellowship candidates will automatically be considered for other available postdoctoral positions at Stanford in their fields of interest.

This postdoctoral fellowship will be awarded for a one-year period that can start any time between June 15th 2027 and June 30th 2028 with an anticipated extension for a second year. The compensation package includes a salary no less than $80,000/year (depending on experience), benefits, and a $15,000 research allowance. 

Applications received by October 1st, 2026 will receive fullest consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. A short list of candidates will be interviewed in January 2027.

Application Materials Required:

Be prepared to answer the fields listed on our application webform, with the required single file in .pdf format that combines in sequence:

• Curriculum Vitae: including list of publications, presentations and other research products, teaching experience, and service (related to research, education or outreach) inside and outside your home institution.
• Summary of Doctoral Dissertation: Summary (abstract) (one-page maximum) of your doctoral dissertation.
• Statement of Research: A concise statement (three-page maximum including all figures and references), describing research and other interests you would like to pursue at Stanford, and how a fellowship at Stanford would complement your existing experience.
• Names and email addresses of exactly three individuals from whom the search committee may request letters of reference.
• Three published papers or preprints or other research products

More information about our Department and the Thompson Fellowship can be found at https://geophysics.stanford.edu/  and at thompson-postdoctoral-fellowship. 

Questions may be directed to cla...@stanford.edu 

The Department of Geophysics, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds, and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research statement a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and consistent with its obligations under the law prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law.