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.
