Join SFI as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Complexity Science: Content Writer Roles and Responsibilities

Prestigious Fellowship Opens Doors for Next-Generation Complexity Scientists

Santa Fe, New mexico – Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cohort of Santa Fe Institute (SFI) Complexity Postdoctoral Fellows. This highly selective program provides emerging scholars with a remarkable opportunity to pursue groundbreaking research in complex systems science, offering up to three years of support adn mentorship.

A Unique Research Surroundings

The Omidyar Fellowship, established through a generous donation from philanthropists Pam and Pierre Omidyar, distinguishes itself by providing fellows with unparalleled intellectual freedom. Unlike traditional postdoctoral roles, the SFI fellowship does not require teaching duties, allowing recipients to fully immerse themselves in their research. Marina Dubova, a 2024 fellowship recipient, described the program as akin to a junior faculty position focused entirely on research and growth.

A Legacy of innovation

Since its inception in 2009, the SFI has annually chosen up to four new fellows dedicated to theoretical exploration. The program’s alumni have consistently transitioned into impactful careers, with many securing positions as university professors, entrepreneurs, journalists, and data analysts within the technology sector. Samuel Scarpino, a fellow from 2013 to 2016, currently directs AI + life sciences at Northeastern University and serves as an SFI External Professor, gaining prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a trusted expert. Nathan Eagle, one of the inaugural fellows, founded Jana, a company focused on providing affordable internet access in developing nations.

Collaboration at the Heart of Revelation

According to Hilary Skolnik, Postdoctoral Fellow Program Manager, prosperous applicants demonstrate a strong affinity for complex-systems science and a willingness to collaborate across disciplines. Research endeavors at SFI often center on the emergent properties of systems influencing areas such as social networks, economies, and ecosystems.A unique aspect of the program, as noted by 2024 fellow Kaleda krebs-Denton, is the ease with which collaborations form-whether during structured workshops, informal gatherings over lunch, or impromptu discussions.

Interdisciplinary Approaches and Natural Inspiration

The SFI fosters a collaborative environment where boundaries between disciplines blur. Pedro Márquez-Zacarías, a fellow since 2022, found the institute a welcome departure from the rigid structures of his prior biological research, providing a natural setting for studying organismal institution. The campus environment, nestled in the mountains above the desert, also contributes to the creative atmosphere. Márquez-Zacarías describes the surroundings as evoking a sense of “freedom” with the scents of pine and forest.

Fellowship Details and Submission Process

The application deadline for the 2026 complexity Postdoctoral Fellowship is October 1,2025. The program is open to recent Ph.D. recipients who align with SFI’s research focus. The Institute values candidates eager to engage with diverse perspectives in pursuit of answers to challenging scientific questions.

Fellowship Attribute	Details
Program Name	SFI Complexity Postdoctoral Fellowship (Omidyar Fellowship)
Duration	Up to 3 years
application Deadline	October 1, 2025
focus	Complex Systems Science
Funding Source	Omidyar Donation & Additional Funding

Did You Know? The Santa Fe Institute was founded in 1984 and is a non-profit research institute dedicated to multidisciplinary collaboration in complex systems science.

Pro Tip: When applying, emphasize your ability to work collaboratively and to approach problems from multiple perspectives.

What aspects of interdisciplinary research appeal to you the most? How important is the research environment when considering a postdoctoral position?

Understanding Complex Systems Science

Complex systems science is a field of study that investigates how parts of a system give rise to collective behaviors and emergent properties. It draws upon diverse disciplines, including physics, biology, computer science, economics, and social sciences. As of 2024, research in this field is increasingly vital for addressing global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and financial instability. The field has seen a 15% growth in research publications in the last five years, signaling an increasing recognition of its importance. Nature – Complex Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Complexity Postdoctoral Fellowship? It’s a three-year research opportunity at the Santa Fe Institute focused on complex systems science.
• What are the key qualifications for this fellowship? A recent Ph.D. and a strong interest in interdisciplinary research are crucial.
• Is teaching required during the fellowship? No, the program prioritizes dedicated research time without teaching responsibilities.
• What kind of research is conducted at SFI? Research focuses on emergent properties in systems across fields like economics, ecology, and social networks.
• When is the application deadline for the 2026 cohort? The deadline is October 1, 2025.
• What are the long-term career prospects for SFI fellows? Alumni often pursue careers in academia, entrepreneurship, or data science.
• What makes the SFI environment unique for research? It’s known for its interdisciplinary collaborations and a focus on intellectual freedom.

Share this exciting opportunity with your network! Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the future of complexity science.

What experience do you have translating technical jargon into plain language for diverse audiences?

understanding the SFI Postdoctoral Fellowship & content Needs

The Santa Fe Institute (SFI) is a world-renowned research center dedicated to the study of complexity science. A postdoctoral fellowship at SFI is a highly competitive opportunity for researchers to delve into cutting-edge interdisciplinary work. Increasingly, SFI recognizes the vital role of clear and accessible scientific interaction. This demand fuels the need for skilled content writers – specifically, postdoctoral fellows with a background in complexity science who can translate complex research into engaging materials.This article details the roles and responsibilities of a postdoctoral fellow content writer at SFI.

Core responsibilities: Bridging Research and Communication

As a postdoctoral fellow specializing in content creation, your primary function is to disseminate SFI’s research to a broader audience. This isn’t simply about “dumbing down” science; it’s about making it understandable without sacrificing accuracy. Key responsibilities include:

Blog Post Creation: Regularly writing blog posts (500-1000 words) summarizing recent SFI research,exploring emerging trends in complexity theory,and highlighting the impact of SFI’s work. Keywords: complexity science blog, SFI research, systems thinking.

Website Content Development: Contributing to and updating content on the SFI website, ensuring facts is current, accurate, and optimized for search engines (SEO). focus areas include research areas, faculty profiles, and event descriptions.

Social media engagement: Crafting compelling social media content (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) to promote SFI’s research and events.This includes creating short summaries, infographics, and engaging questions.

Newsletter Contributions: Writing articles and summaries for SFI’s monthly newsletter, reaching a diverse audience of researchers, policymakers, and the general public.

Research Summaries & Reports: Producing concise, accessible summaries of complex research papers for internal and external stakeholders. This often involves translating technical jargon into plain language.

Video Scriptwriting: Collaborating with SFI’s media team to develop scripts for short explainer videos on key concepts in complexity science.

Grant Proposal Support: Assisting researchers with the writing and editing of grant proposals, ensuring clarity and persuasiveness.

Required Skills & Expertise: A Unique Skillset

This role demands a unique combination of scientific expertise and writing proficiency. Essential skills include:

Deep Understanding of Complexity Science: A PhD in a relevant field (e.g., physics, biology, computer science, economics, social sciences) with a strong foundation in complex systems, network science, agent-based modeling, and related areas.

Exceptional Writing Skills: demonstrated ability to write clearly, concisely, and engagingly for a variety of audiences.Experience with science writing or technical writing is highly valued.

SEO Knowledge: Familiarity with search engine optimization (SEO) principles and best practices,including keyword research and content optimization.

Content Management Systems (CMS): Proficiency with CMS platforms like WordPress.

Data Visualization: Ability to interpret and present data effectively using charts, graphs, and other visual aids.

Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with researchers, media professionals, and other stakeholders.

Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new concepts and adapt to changing priorities.

The SFI Content Style guide: Maintaining Brand consistency

SFI maintains a specific content style guide to ensure consistency and clarity across all communications. Key elements include:

Audience Focus: Content should be tailored to the intended audience, avoiding excessive jargon and technical detail when communicating with the general public.

Storytelling approach: Emphasizing the why behind the research – its implications and potential impact – rather than