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Cornell University, Research Division

Fellowship ID:
Cornell-Research&Innovation-ATKPD [#32295]
Fellowship Title: 
Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability
Fellowship Type:
Postdoctoral
Location:
Ithaca, New York 14850, United States of America
Subject Areas: 
Wildlife Health
Biochemistry
Engineering
Geochemistry
Microbiology (more...)
Appl Deadline:
2026/10/20 23:59:59 (posted 2026/07/08, listed until 2027/01/08)
Description:
   

Description

Overview 

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.
 
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.

We invite research proposals from early-career scholars in any of Cornell Atkinson’s four primary research areas.

Timeline

  • July 8, 2026: Application form opens
  • August 5, 2026, 3 p.m. ET: Information Session #1 (registration required)
  • September 10, 2026, 12:00 p.m. ET: Information Session #2 (registration required)
  • October 20, 2026: Applications and letters of recommendation due by 5:00 p.m. ET
  • January 2027: Applicant notifications
  • June 1-September 1, 2027: Fellowships start

Program Details and Benefits

  • Up to four Postdoctoral Fellows are selected each year.
  • Postdoctoral Fellows must secure one PI-eligible Cornell faculty mentor and one external partner at the time of application. Cornell faculty mentors may support only one fellowship applicant per cycle.
  • Fellowships are three-year, 12-month appointments at Cornell University. Second- and third-year support is contingent upon satisfactory progress in the first and second years, respectively, along with the availability of funding.
  • 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.
  • Start date for the fellowship is flexible between June 1 and September 1, 2027.
  • Field work and site visits are typical components of research. In addition, Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellows are a critically important part of the community of scholars that comprises the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability. Accordingly, Fellows must have primary residency in Ithaca, New York, and spend the majority of their time on campus in order to participate in Cornell Atkinson activities.
  • Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellows are afforded professional development support via the Sustainability Leadership Program (SLP). As part of SLP, Fellows are required to complete a minimum of two long (approx. two-day, in-person) and four short (one- to two-hour, online) workshops during each year of their appointment. SLP workshops are tailored to advance participants' professional position at the intersections of academic research, public engagement, and impact.
  • Fellows are additionally supported by Cornell's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Please visit https://www.atkinson.cornell.edu/cornell-atkinson-postdocs-rfp/ to access the complete 2027 Call for Applications, including required application materials. We encourage prospective applicants to read through these guidelines carefully before beginning an application.



Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. 

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

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.

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
  • Unique applicable skills.


We are not accepting applications for this job through AcademicJobsOnline.Org right now. Please apply at https://www.atkinson.cornell.edu/cornell-atkinson-postdocs-rfp/ external link.
Email: email address
Web Page: https://www.atkinson.cornell.edu/cornell-atkinson-postdocs-rfp/