Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability 2027

Applications are open for the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship. Cornell University hosts this sustainability-focused research opportunity. Fellows connect academic research with real-world sustainability impact. Each fellow works with a Cornell mentor and external partner. This structure bridges university research and outside organizations. The fellowship supports early-career scholars across four priority research areas.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institution: Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability
• Location: Ithaca, New York, USA
• Fellows Selected: Up to four annually
• Duration: Up to three years, contingent on yearly progress
• Start Date: Flexible, between June 1 and September 1, 2027
• Application Deadline: October 20, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Financial Benefits

• Annual salary of $65,000 throughout the appointment
• Full Cornell University employee benefits included
• $12,000 yearly for research and travel expenses
• Second and third years depend on satisfactory progress

Program Structure

• Requires primary residency in Ithaca throughout the fellowship
• No fully remote or hybrid arrangements permitted
• Includes participation in the Sustainability Leadership Program
• Covers science communication and strategic career planning
• Builds collaborative leadership skills across sectors

Who Can Apply

• Early-career scholars pursuing or holding a PhD
• Must provide known or anticipated graduation date
• Research must align with Cornell Atkinson’s priority areas
• Must identify a Cornell faculty mentor beforehand
• Must secure an external advisor and partner organization

Required Materials

• Applicant details and proposed project title
• A 250-word project abstract
• Selected Cornell Atkinson priority research areas
• Cornell advisor and external advisor contact information
• External partner organization details
• One combined PDF with background, project, impact statement, and CV

Recommendation Letters

Four letters are required from specific recommenders. These include your Cornell advisor, external advisor, and PhD advisor. A fourth recommender of your choosing completes the set. All letters must arrive by October 20, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://forms.monday.com/forms/31b738dc2ef46a9a560be468acca4b30?r=use1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

#008000;">READ MORE