Summary
The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability invites applications for the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability. This prestigious fellowship supports creative, exceptionally talented early-career scholars committed to discovery that directly addresses pressing global sustainability challenges. Distinctive among postdoctoral opportunities, each fellow collaborates simultaneously with a Cornell faculty mentor and an external partner organization (governmental, NGO, or private sector) to translate cutting-edge academic research into tangible, real-world impact. Fellows participate in the Sustainability Leadership Program (SLP), receiving curated training in science communication, strategic career planning, and collaborative leadership.
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Host Institution | Cornell University (Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability) |
| Designation | Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Number of Positions | Up to four (4) fellows per cohort |
| Appointment Duration | 3-year, 12-month full-time appointment (Years 2 & 3 subject to review & funding) |
| Salary | $65,000 per year + full Cornell University employee benefits |
| Research & Travel Allowance | $12,000 per year |
| Primary Location | Ithaca, New York (On-campus residency required) |
| Target Start Date | Flexible between June 1, 2027 and September 1, 2027 |
| Application Deadline | October 20, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET |
Designation
- Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellow in Sustainability (Full-time, non-faculty, benefits-eligible academic staff appointment at Cornell University).
Research Areas
Research proposals must align with one or more of Cornell Atkinson’s four core focus areas:
- Climate Risk
- Energy Transitions
- Food Security
- One Health
Location
- Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Residency requirement: Postdocs must maintain primary residency in Ithaca, NY, and spend the majority of their time on campus to participate fully in Cornell Atkinson cohort activities.
- Note: Remote and hybrid appointments are not permitted (although domestic and international field research/site visits are typical components of the project).
Eligibility / Qualifications
- Doctoral Degree: Applicants must have earned a Ph.D. in a field relevant to the proposed research by the fellowship start date, and no earlier than two years prior to the start date (no earlier than May 1, 2025 for this cycle).
- Institutional Separation: The program is no longer open to Cornell Ph.D. graduates or current Cornell postdocs; candidates must come from outside Cornell to bring new perspectives to the university community.
- Mentorship & External Partnership Requirements:
- Must secure one PI-eligible Cornell faculty mentor who is currently a Cornell Atkinson Faculty Fellow (each mentor can support only one applicant per cycle).
- Must secure one primary advisor at an external partner organization (governmental agency, NGO, or private company; other universities/higher education institutions and Cornell-affiliated units like Cornell Cooperative Extension or Weill Cornell are not eligible).
- Visa Sponsorship: Open to international scholars. Eligible candidates requiring visa sponsorship will be guided through Cornell International Services.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Interdisciplinary Research: Lead and execute an independent, rigorous sustainability research project bridging academic discovery with practical implementation.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Work closely with the designated Cornell faculty mentor and external partner organization to co-create solutions and translate findings into policies, practices, or operational procedures.
- Sustainability Leadership Program (SLP): Participate actively in mandatory leadership training, comprising at least two multi-day in-person workshops and four short (1–2 hour) online sessions each year focused on science communication, public engagement, and career strategy.
- Community Engagement: Serve as an active member of the Cornell Atkinson community, participating in seminars, symposiums, and university-wide sustainability events.
- Reporting & Publications: Produce peer-reviewed publications, project impact reports, and public-facing dissemination materials.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Cornell Atkinson Online Application Portal.
1. Online Form Submission
- Project Abstract: Maximum 250 words summarizing the project, methods, and anticipated impact.
2. Single PDF Upload (Single-spaced, 11-point font, 1-inch margins)
- Applicant Background (max 250 words): Summary of doctoral research and explanation of how this fellowship advances career goals.
- Description of Proposed Project (max 1,000 words, excluding references): Research context, objectives, methodology, significance, resource needs, and explicit role/contribution of the external partner.
- Impact Statement (max 300 words + optional 1 page of figures/diagrams): Narrative describing how findings will influence policy, practices, or behavior, including stakeholder flowcharts where appropriate.
- Curriculum Vitae: Full CV listing accepted/published works with DOIs, along with papers submitted or under revision (omit papers in preparation).
3. Letters of Recommendation (4 Total)
Recommenders must submit letters directly via email to atkinson-postdoc@cornell.edu from official institutional/organizational email addresses:
- Cornell Faculty Mentor (affirming mentorship, project quality, and feasibility).
- Primary External Partner Advisor (confirming institutional collaboration and real-world application).
- Ph.D. Dissertation Advisor (evaluating doctoral achievements and scholarly potential).
- Additional Professional Reference (academic or non-academic reference familiar with the applicant’s work).
Last Date for Apply
- Application & Recommendation Deadline: October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
- Applicant Notifications: January 2027
- Appointment Start Window: June 1, 2027 – September 1, 2027
