Dartmouth Neukom Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2027: $70,000 Fellowship for Interdisciplinary Researchers in Computation

The Neukom Institute at Dartmouth College has announced the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellows Competition 2027, an exceptional opportunity for recent PhD graduates and emerging scholars whose research crosses traditional academic boundaries and incorporates computation as a significant intellectual, methodological, or practical component.

The prestigious fellowship is designed for highly motivated interdisciplinary researchers who are interested in exploring complex questions that cannot easily be confined to a single academic discipline. Successful candidates will receive the opportunity to conduct independent research at Dartmouth College while working across departments, collaborating with faculty mentors, teaching seminars, and becoming part of a vibrant intellectual community focused on computational thinking and interdisciplinary scholarship.

The Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship positions are scheduled to begin on September 1, 2027. Selected Fellows will receive appointments lasting two years, with the possibility of requesting a third year. For the 2027–2028 academic year, Neukom Fellows will receive a stipend of $70,000, alongside additional financial support for equipment, travel, and research materials.

The competition provides an important platform for scholars whose work sits at the intersection of disciplines and computation. Whether computation serves as a methodological tool, a conceptual framework, or an explicit component of a research project, the fellowship encourages innovative approaches that challenge conventional academic boundaries.

About the Dartmouth Neukom Institute Postdoctoral Fellows Program

The Neukom Institute at Dartmouth College supports research and intellectual exploration at the intersection of computation and multiple academic disciplines. Its Postdoctoral Fellows Program brings together scholars whose work demonstrates the potential to bridge fields, develop new approaches to research, and expand how computational ideas can contribute to the understanding of complex problems.

The fellowship is particularly suited to researchers who do not fit neatly into traditional academic categories. Applicants may come from disciplines across the sciences, humanities, social sciences, arts, engineering, and other fields, provided they can demonstrate a meaningful connection between their research interests and the broader theme of computation.

A central feature of the Neukom Fellowship is its interdisciplinary structure. Fellows are expected to engage with faculty members and academic departments across Dartmouth College rather than working exclusively within a single disciplinary environment.

The program seeks individuals who can demonstrate both:

• A history of successful collaboration across disciplinary boundaries; and
• Strong evidence of independence, initiative, and the ability to develop original research ideas.

This balance between collaboration and independent scholarship makes the fellowship particularly attractive to researchers seeking to establish themselves as leaders in emerging interdisciplinary fields.

Why the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship Is Unique

Many postdoctoral opportunities are structured around a specific department, laboratory, or narrowly defined research area. The Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship takes a broader approach by encouraging scholars to connect different academic perspectives through computational research and thinking.

Successful Fellows will have the opportunity to:

• Conduct independent interdisciplinary research.
• Work with faculty members from two Dartmouth College departments.
• Develop relationships across multiple academic disciplines.
• Explore innovative research questions.
• Engage with computational concepts and methodologies.
• Teach one seminar course each year.
• Access financial support for research activities.
• Participate in Dartmouth’s academic and intellectual community.
• Build professional networks with scholars across different disciplines.
• Develop new approaches that move beyond conventional academic paradigms.

The program recognizes that some of the most important contemporary research challenges require perspectives from multiple disciplines. By supporting scholars who can work across these boundaries, the Neukom Institute aims to encourage new forms of intellectual collaboration and discovery.

Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship Funding and Financial Benefits

One of the major advantages of the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship is the financial support provided to selected candidates.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, Neukom Fellows will receive a stipend of:

$70,000

In addition to the annual stipend, Fellows can access additional funding for important research-related needs.

Additional support may be available for:

• Research equipment.
• Academic travel.
• Conference participation.
• Research materials.
• Other resources necessary to support the Fellow’s scholarly work.

This financial structure allows Fellows to focus significantly on their research and professional development while receiving institutional support for activities that contribute to their academic projects.

The fellowship appointment is initially structured as a two-year position, providing researchers with substantial time to develop and advance an interdisciplinary research agenda. Fellows may also have the option to request a third year, depending on program arrangements and individual circumstances.

Fellowship Structure and Academic Experience

The Neukom Fellows Program provides more than financial support. It offers a comprehensive academic environment designed to help emerging scholars expand their research networks and intellectual perspectives.

1. Two-Year Fellowship Appointment

Selected candidates will receive appointments lasting two years. This extended period gives Fellows the opportunity to undertake substantial research projects rather than focusing only on short-term academic activities.

The possibility of requesting a third year may provide additional flexibility for scholars whose research requires further development.

2. Mentorship Across Two Departments

One of the defining features of the program is interdisciplinary mentorship.

Neukom Fellows will be mentored by faculty members representing two different departments at Dartmouth College. This structure encourages Fellows to actively engage with different intellectual traditions and methodologies.

Working across departments can help researchers:

• Develop broader perspectives.
• Establish collaborations outside their original discipline.
• Access different methodological approaches.
• Test research ideas with diverse academic audiences.
• Build interdisciplinary professional networks.
• Develop innovative approaches to complex research questions.

3. Departmental Residence

While Fellows will work across two academic departments, they will take up residence in one department at Dartmouth College.

This arrangement provides Fellows with an academic home while simultaneously allowing them to maintain meaningful engagement with another disciplinary environment.

4. Teaching Opportunity

Neukom Fellows will teach one seminar course each year on a subject related to their interests and expertise.

This teaching component provides an opportunity for Fellows to:

• Develop university-level teaching experience.
• Design an original seminar.
• Share their research interests with students.
• Explore interdisciplinary topics in a classroom setting.
• Strengthen their academic portfolio.
• Gain valuable experience for future faculty and research positions.

5. Focus on Research

Apart from the teaching seminar, Fellows do not have additional duties specified by the program.

This allows successful candidates to devote substantial attention to their research projects, collaborations, and scholarly development.

Research Focus: Computation and Interdisciplinary Scholarship

A central requirement of the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship is a meaningful connection between an applicant’s research and the theme of computation.

Importantly, computation does not necessarily have to be interpreted narrowly.

According to the program description, computation may serve as:

• A framing concept for intellectual exploration.
• An explicit methodological component of research.
• A tool for investigating complex questions.
• A foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• A means of connecting different academic fields.

This broad approach makes the fellowship relevant to researchers working in a wide range of disciplines.

For example, applicants may explore intersections between computation and areas such as:

• Computer science.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Data science.
• Digital humanities.
• Computational social science.
• Mathematics.
• Engineering.
• Biology.
• Environmental studies.
• Economics.
• Philosophy.
• Linguistics.
• Media studies.
• Creative arts.
• Public policy.
• History.
• Literature.
• Psychology.
• Physics.
• Education.
• Communication studies.
• Cultural studies.

The specific research area does not need to belong exclusively to a computational discipline. However, applicants must clearly demonstrate how computation meaningfully intersects with their proposed work.

Eligibility Requirements for the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

The Neukom Institute welcomes applications from scholars across different academic backgrounds.

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants should meet the following requirements.

Academic Qualification

Applicants must hold or expect to receive one of the following qualifications by September 2027:

• PhD in any discipline.
• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA).
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA), where applicable to the fellowship requirements.

The program specifically indicates that candidates may be expected to complete their doctoral qualification by September 2027.

This makes the fellowship particularly relevant for:

• Recent PhD graduates.
• Final-stage doctoral candidates.
• Emerging scholars preparing to transition into postdoctoral research.
• Researchers seeking an interdisciplinary academic environment after completing their doctoral studies.

Research Connection to Computation

Applicants must demonstrate research interests that strongly intersect with the broader theme of computation.

Candidates should clearly explain:

• How computation relates to their research.
• How computational ideas, methods, or frameworks contribute to their work.
• Why interdisciplinary collaboration is important for their proposed research.
• How the fellowship environment would strengthen their intellectual development.

Interest in Multidisciplinary Research

The Neukom Institute is specifically looking for scholars who are interested in working beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate:

• Experience collaborating across disciplines.
• Interest in multidisciplinary research.
• Openness to different academic perspectives.
• Ability to communicate with researchers from different fields.
• Willingness to explore new methodologies and intellectual frameworks.

Independent Thinking and Initiative

Although collaboration is important, successful applicants must also demonstrate independence.

The program seeks candidates with evidence of:

• Original thinking.
• Research initiative.
• Intellectual independence.
• Leadership potential.
• The ability to develop and pursue innovative research questions.

Ability to Think Beyond Traditional Paradigms

The fellowship strongly emphasizes innovative and unconventional thinking.

Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to:

• Challenge traditional academic boundaries.
• Connect ideas from different disciplines.
• Develop creative research methodologies.
• Explore emerging questions.
• Think critically about established assumptions.
• Build new intellectual frameworks.

Required Application Materials

Applicants for the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellows Program must prepare several important documents.

Candidates are encouraged to begin preparing their applications early, particularly because identifying and contacting potential Dartmouth faculty mentors may require significant research and communication.

The required application materials include the following.

1. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit a comprehensive academic curriculum vitae.

The CV should clearly highlight relevant experience, including:

• Academic qualifications.
• Research experience.
• Publications.
• Academic appointments.
• Teaching experience.
• Research collaborations.
• Conferences and presentations.
• Awards and honors.
• Technical or methodological skills.
• Interdisciplinary projects.

Candidates should ensure that their CV clearly demonstrates their academic development and capacity to contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment.

2. Publications List

Applicants are required to provide a list of publications.

This may include:

• Journal articles.
• Book chapters.
• Books.
• Conference papers.
• Working papers.
• Research reports.
• Other relevant scholarly publications.

Where appropriate, candidates should clearly identify publications that demonstrate interdisciplinary or computational aspects of their work.

3. Statement of Research Interests

Applicants must submit a statement of research interests with a maximum length of two pages.

The statement should include a short description of the research the applicant would like to pursue as a Neukom Fellow.

A strong research statement should clearly address:

• The central research question.
• The importance of the proposed research.
• The relationship between the project and computation.
• The interdisciplinary nature of the work.
• The proposed methodology.
• Expected research outcomes.
• Potential academic or societal contributions.
• Why Dartmouth College provides an appropriate environment for the research.

Because the fellowship is highly interdisciplinary, applicants should ensure that their research statement is understandable to readers from multiple academic backgrounds.

4. Proposed Departments and Faculty Mentors

Applicants must describe:

• Which Dartmouth College departments they are interested in working with.
• Which Dartmouth faculty members they would like to collaborate with.
• Why these academic connections are relevant to their proposed research.
• How working across multiple departments would enhance their scholarship.

The Neukom Institute strongly encourages applicants to research Dartmouth’s departments and faculty listings when preparing this section.

Candidates are also strongly encouraged to identify potential faculty mentors and contact them while developing their applications.

This is an important part of the application strategy because demonstrating a clear understanding of Dartmouth’s academic environment can strengthen the connection between the applicant’s proposed research and the fellowship.

Applicants should therefore consider:

1. Identifying departments relevant to their research.
2. Reviewing faculty profiles.
3. Reading about faculty research interests.
4. Identifying potential interdisciplinary connections.
5. Contacting prospective mentors where appropriate.
6. Explaining clearly how those academic relationships could support the proposed research.

5. Three Referees and Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide details for three referees.

The letters of recommendation should speak directly to the aims and objectives of the fellowship.

Applicants will provide the referees’ email addresses through the application system. Referees will then receive an email with access to upload their letters directly.

Applicants will not have access to the submitted recommendation letters.

Candidates should carefully select referees who can discuss areas such as:

• Research ability.
• Academic independence.
• Interdisciplinary experience.
• Collaborative skills.
• Intellectual creativity.
• Leadership potential.
• Ability to develop innovative research.
• Suitability for a postdoctoral academic environment.

Although applicants are encouraged to have their applications completed by the main deadline, referees have an additional period to submit their letters.

6. Optional Writing Sample or Creative Work

Applicants may optionally submit one paper written in English.

The work may be:

• Published; or
• Unpublished.

Applicants whose work involves creative practice may submit comparable creative work instead.

A strong optional submission could provide additional evidence of:

• Research quality.
• Writing ability.
• Originality.
• Methodological expertise.
• Interdisciplinary thinking.

7. Optional Teaching Statement

Applicants may also submit a teaching statement.

This can be particularly useful for candidates who want to demonstrate their readiness to teach the required annual seminar.

A teaching statement may discuss:

• Teaching philosophy.
• Previous teaching experience.
• Approaches to interdisciplinary education.
• Student engagement strategies.
• Proposed seminar ideas.

8. Optional Cover Letter

Candidates may submit an optional cover letter.

A well-written cover letter could briefly summarize:

• Academic background.
• Research interests.
• Interdisciplinary experience.
• Connection to computation.
• Motivation for applying.
• Why the Neukom Fellowship is an appropriate next step.

Importance of Contacting Potential Dartmouth Mentors

One of the strongest recommendations provided by the program is that applicants should actively identify and contact prospective mentors at Dartmouth College.

Candidates are encouraged to begin making these academic connections while drafting their applications.

This approach can be valuable because it allows applicants to:

• Better understand Dartmouth’s research environment.
• Identify faculty whose expertise aligns with their work.
• Develop stronger interdisciplinary research proposals.
• Explain why specific departments are relevant.
• Demonstrate genuine interest in collaboration.
• Clarify how their proposed research could fit within Dartmouth’s academic community.

Applicants should approach potential mentors professionally and thoughtfully.

Before contacting a faculty member, candidates should:

1. Carefully review the faculty member’s research profile.
2. Understand their major research interests.
3. Identify a genuine connection with their own work.
4. Prepare a concise introduction.
5. Briefly explain the proposed research idea.
6. Explain why the faculty member’s expertise is relevant.
7. Avoid sending generic messages to multiple academics.

Early preparation is particularly important because identifying appropriate mentors and developing meaningful academic connections may take time.

Residence Requirement

Neukom Fellows are generally expected to be in residence at Dartmouth College.

The primary exception relates to travel associated with:

• Research activities.
• Academic conferences.
• Other approved scholarly engagements.

Candidates should therefore be prepared to participate actively in Dartmouth’s academic community during the fellowship period.

Being in residence provides Fellows with opportunities to:

• Meet regularly with faculty mentors.
• Participate in academic discussions.
• Collaborate with researchers.
• Engage with students.
• Attend seminars and events.
• Build interdisciplinary networks.

Important Dates and Application Timeline

Applicants should pay close attention to the official competition schedule.

Application Site Opens

August 1, 2026

The online application system becomes available through Interfolio.

Application Deadline

December 1, 2026

Applicants should submit their complete applications by this date.

The program indicates that application review will begin on December 1, 2026.

Letters of Recommendation Deadline

December 8, 2026

Letters of recommendation must be submitted no later than this date.

Applicants should contact their referees well in advance to ensure they have sufficient time to prepare strong recommendation letters.

Fellowship Start Date

September 1, 2027

Successful Neukom Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to begin their appointments.

How to Apply for the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

The application process is completed online through the Interfolio application platform.

Interested candidates should follow these general steps.

Step 1: Review the Fellowship Requirements

Carefully read all eligibility criteria and application requirements before beginning the application.

Ensure that your academic qualifications and research interests align with the program.

Step 2: Develop Your Research Proposal

Prepare a strong research statement explaining:

• Your proposed research.
• Its interdisciplinary nature.
• Its connection to computation.
• Why the research is important.
• How Dartmouth College would support the project.

Step 3: Identify Relevant Dartmouth Departments

Explore Dartmouth College’s academic departments and identify those connected to your research interests.

Consider how different departments could contribute complementary perspectives to your project.

Step 4: Identify Potential Faculty Mentors

Review Dartmouth faculty profiles and identify scholars whose research aligns with your proposed work.

The program strongly encourages applicants to explore potential academic connections while preparing their applications.

Step 5: Contact Potential Mentors

Where appropriate, reach out professionally to prospective mentors.

Explain your research interests and your interest in the interdisciplinary environment provided by the Neukom Fellowship.

Step 6: Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Compile the required materials, including:

• Curriculum vitae.
• Publications list.
• Two-page research statement.
• Description of relevant departments and faculty mentors.
• Referee information.

Consider including optional materials where they strengthen your application.

Step 7: Notify Your Referees Early

Contact your three referees well before the deadline.

Provide them with:

• Information about the fellowship.
• Your research proposal.
• Your CV.
• Relevant application deadlines.

This will help them prepare letters that are specifically tailored to the aims of the Neukom Fellowship.

Step 8: Submit Your Application Online

Applications can be submitted through Interfolio once the application system opens.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day, as early submission provides time to address any technical issues.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

The Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed for ambitious scholars working at the intersection of disciplines. Applicants should therefore ensure that their applications clearly communicate both academic depth and interdisciplinary vision.

Clearly Explain the Computational Connection

Do not assume that reviewers will automatically understand how your research relates to computation.

Clearly explain whether computation functions as:

• A research methodology.
• A theoretical framework.
• A conceptual lens.
• A practical tool.
• A core component of your proposed project.

Demonstrate Genuine Interdisciplinarity

Simply mentioning multiple disciplines may not be sufficient.

Applicants should demonstrate how different fields will actively contribute to the proposed research.

Explain:

• What each discipline contributes.
• Why one discipline alone is insufficient.
• How interdisciplinary collaboration will create new insights.

Balance Collaboration and Independence

The fellowship seeks candidates who can collaborate effectively while also pursuing independent scholarship.

Use examples from your academic experience to demonstrate both qualities.

Research Dartmouth Thoroughly

A strong application should demonstrate why Dartmouth College is particularly suitable for the proposed project.

Avoid generic statements.

Instead, identify:

• Relevant departments.
• Potential faculty collaborators.
• Academic resources.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities.

Select Referees Strategically

Choose referees who understand your research trajectory and can provide detailed examples of your abilities.

Ideally, recommendation letters should reinforce the themes emphasized throughout the application.

Begin Preparation Early

Because the application involves:

• Developing a research proposal.
• Identifying multiple departments.
• Researching Dartmouth faculty.
• Contacting potential mentors.
• Coordinating recommendation letters.

Applicants should begin preparing well before the December deadline.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Dartmouth College states that it is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to diversity.

The institution encourages applications from a broad spectrum of individuals, including:

• Women.
• Persons of color.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Veterans.
• Other legally protected groups.

This commitment reflects the Neukom Institute’s interest in building a diverse intellectual community that brings together different perspectives, experiences, academic backgrounds, and approaches to research.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship may be particularly suitable for scholars who answer yes to several of the following questions:

• Are you completing a PhD or recently completed doctoral research?
• Does your work intersect meaningfully with computation?
• Does your research cross traditional academic boundaries?
• Are you interested in working with scholars from multiple disciplines?
• Do you have an innovative research idea that requires diverse academic perspectives?
• Are you comfortable developing independent research projects?
• Do you want postdoctoral teaching experience?
• Are you interested in becoming part of an interdisciplinary academic community?
• Can you identify Dartmouth faculty members whose expertise could strengthen your research?

If these characteristics align with your academic goals, the Neukom Fellowship could provide an important opportunity to develop an innovative research agenda.

Key Benefits of the Dartmouth Neukom Postdoctoral Fellowship

Successful Fellows can benefit from a combination of financial support, research opportunities, mentorship, teaching experience, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Key benefits include:

• A $70,000 stipend for 2027–2028.
• A two-year fellowship appointment.
• The possibility of requesting a third year.
• Additional support for equipment.
• Funding support for research travel.
• Support for research materials.
• Mentorship from faculty in two Dartmouth departments.
• An opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research.
• Residence within Dartmouth College’s academic community.
• The opportunity to teach one seminar course per year.
• No additional duties beyond the specified fellowship responsibilities.
• Opportunities to collaborate across traditional academic boundaries.
• Access to an intellectually diverse research environment.
• Professional development through research and teaching.
• Opportunities to expand academic networks.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Neukom Postdoctoral Fellows Competition 2027 is: December 1, 2026

Applicants should note that letters of recommendation are due no later than: December 8, 2026

The application portal opens on August 1, 2026, and selected Fellows are expected to begin their appointments on September 1, 2027.

APPLY HERE

How to Access the Official Application

Interested applicants should submit their applications online through the Interfolio application platform after the application portal opens.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Dartmouth Neukom Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2027.

Conclusion

The Dartmouth Neukom Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2027 represents an outstanding opportunity for emerging scholars whose work challenges traditional disciplinary boundaries and engages meaningfully with the broad field of computation. With a $70,000 stipend, additional research support, mentorship across two academic departments, teaching opportunities, and a two-year appointment with the potential for extension, the fellowship provides an exceptional environment for developing ambitious interdisciplinary research.

The program is particularly attractive because it welcomes researchers from diverse academic disciplines rather than restricting participation to a single field. Candidates who can demonstrate a strong connection between their research and computation, an interest in multidisciplinary collaboration, and the ability to think independently and creatively are encouraged to consider applying.

Prospective applicants should begin preparing early by refining their research ideas, identifying relevant Dartmouth departments, connecting with potential faculty mentors, and securing strong recommendation letters. Given the fellowship’s emphasis on innovative scholarship and interdisciplinary collaboration, a carefully developed application that clearly communicates both intellectual originality and the value of cross-disciplinary research could significantly strengthen a candidate’s prospects.

With applications closing on December 1, 2026, eligible researchers have an opportunity to position themselves for a transformative postdoctoral experience at one of the leading institutions supporting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computation and the wider academic world.

For more global fellowship opportunities visit OFY HERE