Careers

The McGovern Institute community consists of more than 200 MIT scientists, engineers, and administrative support staff.

We know that revolutionary advances in neuroscience will not come through any single approach or methodology so we actively seek researchers with diverse perspectives and areas of expertise to study the brain at many levels. Our labs are led by multidisciplinary MIT faculty who hold appointments in one or more academic departments including Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Biological Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Media Arts and Sciences, Nuclear Science and Engineering, and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science.

Our researchers are developing and employing cutting-edge tools and techniques in molecular genetics, functional neuroimaging, bionics, animal modeling, and computation to reshape the field of neuroscience. Our management, administrative, technical, and support positions are central to the fulfillment of the institute’s research goals and are valued members of our dynamic brain research community.

McGovern faculty, staff and postdoctoral associates are eligible to receive MIT’s full suite of benefits and resources including best-in-class health plans and pension plan, fully subsidized T passes, tuition assistance, career development workshops and counseling, a wide range of parenting benefits, along with access to world-class athletic facilities, the MIT Museum—and much more.

• Medical/Dental/Vision: MIT offers a variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to cover a wide range of care
• Time Off: Several options—paid and unpaid—for taking time away from work to manage personal, medical, and family issues including 13 paid holidays, a winter break, and 4 weeks of vacation (3 in first year)
• Transportation: Free, unrestricted access to the MBTA subway and local bus systems, subsidies for MBTA parking and commuter rail, and reduced rates for Blue Bikes and Zip Cars
• Career and Professional Development: Comprehensive career development services including workshops and virtual individual consulting and tuition assistance up to $5,250 per calendar year
• Work-Life and Wellness: Webinars, support groups and consultations designed to enhance quality of life, stress management classes, retirement planning, childcare resources, mental health services, access to world-class athletic facilities, and discounted tickets to a wide spectrum of local cultural and sporting events.

The K. Lisa Yang Post-Baccalaureate Program at MIT offers an immersive, two-year, fully funded neuroscience research experience designed to help exceptional recent college graduates build the skills, confidence, and mentorship networks they need to thrive in top-tier PhD programs. Learn more about this postbac program.

The McGovern Institute offers a rigorous, highly collaborative environment where postdoctoral scholars work alongside world-leading faculty, learn cutting-edge tools and methods to understand the brain and other major biomedical challenges, and contribute to a dynamic, interdisciplinary research community. Below is a list of programs relevant to postdoctoral scholars at the McGovern Institute.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to connect with McGovern faculty in their area of interest prior to applying.

McGovern Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships and Awards

Our distinguished fellowship program provides opportunities for exceptional neuroscientists and engineers to pursue rigorous training and learn cutting-edge methods and skills that will position them for future success in academia and industry. Fellowship opportunities will be posted here as they become available.

In honor of Patrick J. McGovern’s passion for computer technology and travel, we offer 20 Patrick J. McGovern Travel & Technology awards of $2,500 each. Postdocs and graduate students in any McGovern lab are eligible to apply. Funds can be used to attend a scientific meeting or purchase research-related computer technology, such as a laptop. These are specifically designated funds that cannot be used for other lab-related or personal expenses. The next application cycle will launch in winter 2026.

Poitras Center for Psychiatric Disorders Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Poitras Center Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides early-career researchers with two years of funding to advance the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders through interdisciplinary neuroscience research at the McGovern Institute. The next application cycle will launch in spring 2027.

School of Science Postdoctoral Fellowships

The MIT School of Science Dean’s Office administers a three-year postdoctoral fellowship program that brings together a diverse group of outstanding scientists working across disciplinary boundaries. Applications for the next cohort will open in fall 2026 for a start date of September 1, 2027. Prospective applicants are encouraged to reach out to potential McGovern faculty as early as possible.

Learn more at Academic Jobs Online.

Yang Tan Collective Fellowships

The Yang Tan Collective at MIT accelerates collaboration across science and engineering to advance technologies that support human health and well-being at a global scale. The Collective’s fellowship program provides early-career scientists and engineers with opportunities to pursue high-impact research while gaining access to a collaborative, cross-institutional network. Learn more at the Yang Tan Collective website.

Biswas Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Biswas Fellows Program within MIT’s Health Science Collaborative (HEALS) supports top-tier postdoctoral scholars focused on high-impact, interdisciplinary research in areas such as AI/computation and health, low-cost diagnostics, nano-scale therapeutics, neuroscience, and others.