Cornell Atkinson Opens Applications for 2027 Sustainability Postdoctoral Fellowship with Three-Year Funding Opportunity @Year Funding Opportunity

The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability has officially opened applications for its 2027 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Sustainability, inviting outstanding early-career researchers from around the world to develop innovative research that addresses some of the world’s most urgent sustainability challenges. Applications will remain open until October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

The prestigious fellowship provides scholars with a unique opportunity to combine world-class academic research at Cornell University with practical collaboration through an external partner organization, ensuring that research findings generate measurable real-world impact.

The fellowship program is designed to cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders by supporting interdisciplinary research, professional development, and partnerships that bridge academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organizations.

Fellowship Designed to Transform Sustainability Research into Action

Established through the generosity of David and Patricia Atkinson, the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability promotes research that contributes to building a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable future.

Unlike many traditional postdoctoral programs, the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship integrates academic excellence with applied problem-solving. Fellows work simultaneously with:

• A Cornell University faculty mentor.
• An external partner organization from the government, private sector, or non-governmental sector.

This collaborative model allows researchers to produce solutions that influence policy, improve practice, and address pressing sustainability issues beyond academia.

In addition, fellows become part of the Sustainability Leadership Program, which provides specialized training in:

• Science communication
• Collaborative leadership
• Strategic career planning
• Public engagement
• Research impact development

Research Areas Open to Applicants

Cornell Atkinson welcomes proposals from scholars working across its primary sustainability research areas. Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative projects capable of producing tangible environmental, social, or policy outcomes while demonstrating strong collaboration between academic and external partners.

The fellowship particularly values research that transforms scientific knowledge into practical solutions capable of addressing global sustainability challenges.

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

Each year, up to four fellows are selected for the highly competitive program.

Successful applicants will receive:

• Annual salary of US$65,000
• Full Cornell University employee benefits
• US$12,000 annually for research and travel expenses
• Three-year appointment (subject to satisfactory annual progress)
• Professional development through Cornell’s Sustainability Leadership Program
• Additional support from Cornell’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Fellowships may begin anytime between June 1 and September 1, 2027, providing flexibility for successful candidates.

Because fieldwork and collaboration are central components of many projects, fellows must reside primarily in Ithaca, New York, throughout the appointment. Hybrid or remote appointments are not permitted.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is intended for exceptional researchers from outside Cornell University.

Applicants must:

• Hold a Ph.D. relevant to the proposed research.
• Receive their doctoral degree no earlier than May 1, 2025.
• Complete their Ph.D. before the fellowship start date.
• Establish residency in Ithaca for the duration of the fellowship.
• Secure both:
  • One PI-eligible Cornell faculty mentor.
  • One eligible external partner organization.

Current Cornell postdoctoral researchers and Cornell Ph.D. graduates are not eligible, as the program aims to attract new scholars to enrich the university’s academic community.

International applicants requiring visa sponsorship are welcome to apply and will receive guidance through Cornell International Services if selected.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the online application and submit all required materials before October 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Required application materials include:

• 250-word project abstract
• Applicant background statement (maximum 250 words)
• Research proposal (maximum 1,000 words)
• Impact statement (maximum 300 words)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Four letters of recommendation submitted separately

The required recommendation letters include:

• Cornell faculty mentor
• External organization advisor
• Doctoral advisor
• One additional professional referee

Applicants are encouraged to communicate with referees early to ensure all recommendation letters are submitted before the deadline.

Selection Process

Applications will undergo a comprehensive multi-stage review process.

The evaluation includes:

• Eligibility and completeness review
• Assessment by Cornell Atkinson faculty leadership
• Peer review by Cornell Atkinson Faculty Fellows
• Interviews for shortlisted candidates
• Final selection of up to four fellows

Selection will be based on:

• Academic excellence
• Research quality
• Innovation
• Potential sustainability impact
• Strength of proposed partnerships
• Alignment with Cornell Atkinson’s research priorities

Important Dates

Prospective applicants should note the following timeline:

• July 8, 2026: Application portal opens
• August 5, 2026: First virtual information session
• September 10, 2026: Second virtual information session
• October 20, 2026: Application deadline
• January 2027: Notification of applicants
• June–September 2027: Fellowship commencement window

Building Global Sustainability Leaders

The Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship continues to position itself as one of the leading sustainability research opportunities for emerging scholars seeking to combine rigorous academic research with measurable societal impact.

By connecting researchers with academic mentors, external organizations, and professional leadership development, the fellowship equips participants to influence environmental policy, sustainable development, conservation, climate resilience, and other global sustainability priorities.

Cornell University also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from talented researchers of all backgrounds and emphasizing merit-based selection within an inclusive academic environment.

Researchers interested in advancing sustainability science while developing impactful partnerships are encouraged to prepare their applications well ahead of the October 20, 2026 deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.