Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability

Key Dates

• July 15, 2025: Application portal opens
• October 20, 2025: Completed applications due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
• Early January 2026: Applicant notifications
• June 1 - September 1, 2026: Fellowships start

Program Details and Benefits

Eligibility Requirements

• 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, 2024).
• 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.
• The primary aim of the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship is to attract new scholars to Cornell. However, current Cornell graduate students and postdoctoral fellows may apply if all eligibility requirements are met and if the proposed research with a new faculty mentor departs from or expands significantly on current research.

How to Apply

Required Application Materials

Project Abstract (maximum 250 words)

Summarize your proposed project, methods, and anticipated impact clearly and concisely. The abstract should be free of jargon in order to be understood by reviewers who may be in aligned fields but not necessarily experts in your specific discipline.

Applicant Information and Statements

The following items must be uploaded into the application portal as a single pdf file: single space, 12-point font, one-inch margins. Guidance on the maximum length of each section is offered below.

1. Applicant Background (maximum 250 words)

Provide a brief summary of your doctoral research and future career goals, explaining how the Postdoctoral Fellowship will enhance your career in sustainability research and impact.
2. Description of Proposed Project (maximum 1000 words; not including any references placed at the end of the description)

The proposal must offer a concise statement of context, objectives, methods, and significance of the proposed research. The proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the resources necessary and available to complete the research successfully. The proposal should clearly describe the role of the external partner(s) and their contribution to the project.
3. Impact Statement (maximum 300 words; one page of figures may be added)

A summary of the potential impact of the proposed research that explains how the proposed project will change or influence behavior, practice, procedures, or policy at the relevant scale. A co-creation model of engagement with the external partner is encouraged. Consider using a diagram to clarify the intended flow of information and advice among all project participants and other stakeholders.
4. Applicant's Curriculum Vitae (length as appropriate)

All accepted and published publications must be included (with DOI, if applicable). Publications submitted, in review, or in revision may be included but must be noted as such; do not include papers in preparation. List peer-refereed publications separately from non-refereed publications and conference proceedings.

Letters of Recommendation (submitted online separately by the recommender)

As part of your application, you will be asked to provide the name, affiliation, and contact information for four references. Their letters of recommendation will be uploaded separately by each of your references - applicants do not need to upload them. Because letters of recommendation are due on the same day as the application deadline, we strongly encourage applicants to communicate early with their references.

Note:

• In the application portal, applicants will provide each reference's professional email address (e.g., .edu, .gov, .org). Letters received from personal email addresses are discouraged.
• References will receive a system-generated email with instructions for uploading their letter of recommendation.
• We strongly suggest that applicants notify their references to check their spam/clutter filters if necessary.
• Only professional references will be accepted. References may not be provided by relatives, either direct or through marriage/domestic partnership, of the applicant.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all letters of recommendation are submitted by the deadline (Monday, October 20, 2025, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time).

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.