Simons Foundation Scientific Software Research Faculty Award 2027
The Simons Foundation funds up to six new faculty posts for scientific software experts in math, astronomy and physics, with a $50,000 yearly allowance. Letters of intent are due January 21, 2027.
The Simons Foundation Scientific Software Research Faculty Award for 2027 and 2028 funds new long term research professor posts for scientific software experts. The posts sit in mathematics, astronomy or physics departments at US universities.
The award pays 100 percent of salary for the first two years and 50 percent for the next three, plus a $50,000 annual research allowance. The host university pays the other half of salary in years three to five through a regular teaching appointment. The allowance can pay for staff, postdocs and students, travel, small equipment, computing, visitors and workshops, but not summer salary for the awardee.
Applicants need a Ph.D. or equivalent in mathematics, astronomy or theoretical physics and a leading role in building or maintaining scientific software in one of those fields. Related fields such as computational atmospheric and ocean science, biophysics, chemical physics and geoscience may be considered. There are no citizenship requirements.
The process has two stages. The competitive letter of intent goes through the SAM portal by January 21, 2027 at noon ET and needs no sign off from an institution. Decisions on letters come by May 31, 2027. The full proposal follows once the hire is made, no later than June 1, 2028, for a start on September 1, 2028. Up to six new awards are planned.
Quick answers
Do I need a host university before I apply?
No. Selected applicants find an eligible host after selection.
Does the post have to be tenure track?
No, but it must not be term limited, teaching or computational support may take at most half of the time, and the awardee must be allowed to act as principal investigator.