Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in USA | Fully Funded

The Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in USA offers a unique opportunity for early-career scholars to conduct sustainability research at Cornell University. This fully funded fellowship pairs fellows with a Cornell faculty mentor and an external partner organization, supporting real-world impact through rigorous academic research.

Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability enables transdisciplinary research that advances a sustainable, healthy, and resilient future. Through partnerships across Cornell’s colleges and with external organizations, the center transforms knowledge into action. Fellows join a cohort receiving professional development in science communication, career strategy, and collaborative leadership.

Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits

• Up to four Postdoctoral Fellows are selected each year.
• Fellowships are three-year, 12-month appointments at Cornell University.
• Salary of $65,000 per year.
• Full Cornell University employee benefits.
• $12,000 per year for research- and travel-related expenses.
• Professional development support via the Sustainability Leadership Program (SLP).
• Support from Cornell’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

• Not open to Cornell Ph.D. graduates or current Cornell postdocs.
• Must maintain primary residency in Ithaca, NY for the duration of the appointment.
• Must have received 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 cycle, no earlier than May 1, 2025).
• All applicants meeting requirements are encouraged to apply; visa sponsorship available for successful applicants.
• Fellows are full-time, non-faculty, benefits-eligible staff at Cornell University.

Required Documents 

• Project Abstract (maximum 250 words).  
• Applicant Background Statement (maximum 250 words).  
• Description of the Proposed Project (maximum 1,000 words, excluding references).  
• Impact Statement (maximum 300 words; one page of figures may be included).  
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including all accepted and published publications.  
• Four Letters of Recommendation submitted separately by the recommenders:  

• One letter from a PI-eligible Cornell faculty mentor.  
• One letter from the primary advisor at the external partner organization.  
• One letter from the applicant’s doctoral advisor (exceptions may apply).  
• One additional professional reference. 

How to Apply for Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Use the online application form to submit your application before 5 p.m. ET on October 20, 2026.
• Prepare a Project Abstract (250 words) summarizing your proposed project, methods, and anticipated impact.
• Upload a single PDF containing: Applicant Background (250 words), Description of Proposed Project (1,000 words), Impact Statement (300 words plus optional figure page), and Curriculum Vitae.
• Arrange for four letters of recommendation to be emailed directly to [email protected] by the deadline.
• Ensure your Cornell faculty mentor supports only one applicant per cycle and is a Cornell Atkinson Faculty Fellow.
• Identify an external partner from a governmental, non-governmental, or private sector entity (not another university).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Cornell Atkinson Postdoctoral Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.