Deadline: October 20, 2026
Applications are open for the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability 2027. The Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability offers a unique opportunity for early career scholars to engage at the nexus of highly rigorous academic research and real impact in sustainability.
Fellows work with both a Cornell faculty mentor and a partnering external organization, which encourages Fellows to drive real-world impact through their research. Through the Sustainability Leadership Program, Fellows join a cohort of early-career scholars that receives curated support in science communication, strategic career planning, and collaborative leadership.
Created through the generous support of David and Patricia Atkinson, the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability enables transdisciplinary and translational research that advances a more sustainable, healthy, and resilient future. By supporting research across all of Cornell’s colleges and schools, and partnering with governmental, non-governmental, and private entities, Cornell Atkinson directly supports the radical collaboration necessary to transform knowledge to action.
Benefits
- Fellowships provide a salary of $65,000 per year, full Cornell University employee benefits, and $12,000 per year for research- and travel-related expenses. Allowable research expenses are governed by Cornell University policies applicable to all academic staff.
Eligibility
- The postdoctoral program is no longer open to Cornell Ph.D. graduates or current Cornell postdocs, as its purpose is to bring outstanding scholars from outside Cornell to enrich the university’s academic community.
- Postdocs must maintain primary residency in Ithaca for the duration of the appointment. Hybrid and remote appointments for Cornell Atkinson postdocs are not permitted.
- Applicants must have received their Ph.D. in a field relevant to the proposed research by the start of the fellowship, but no earlier than two years prior to the start date (for this application cycle, no earlier than May 1, 2025).
- All applicants meeting the requirements are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants requiring visa sponsorship will be referred to Cornell International Services for guidance on obtaining the appropriate visa to enter and be employed in the United States.
- Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellows are full-time, non-faculty, benefits-eligible staff at Cornell University. Policies that govern employment at Cornell University apply. Accordingly, while field research, including non-US field research, is a common part of many Fellows’ research plans, the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship is US-based for employment purposes.
Application
Submit your application before 5 p.m. ET on October 20, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
For more information, visit Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship.
