Applications are now open for the Columbia University Postdoctoral Research Program, providing early-career researchers with an opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research addressing major climate and sustainable development challenges.
The research fellowship is offered through the Columbia Climate School and brings together postdoctoral researchers and leading scientists from across Columbia University. The programme supports research spanning sustainability, the environment, social justice and the geosciences, while encouraging collaboration across traditional academic disciplines.
SUMMARY:
- Fellowship Sponsor: Columbia University
- Host Institution: Columbia Climate School, USA
- Program Type: Postdoctoral Research Program
- Annual Salary: $72,116
- Research Stipend: $7,000
- Program Duration: 12 Months, with possible 12-month extension
- Study Level: Postdoctoral
- Eligible Applicants: Domestic & International Applicants
Also Check: TWAS-CUI Postdoctoral Fellowship for Scientists from Developing Countries
Program Overview
The Columbia Climate School Postdoctoral Research Program supports innovative scholars committed to advancing understanding of critical scientific and social issues related to climate change and global sustainable development.
Successful candidates join multidisciplinary research teams and are matched with principal investigators and mentors across the Climate School, including its research centres and programmes, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University Medical Center and other affiliated schools and departments.
Applicants may propose research across climate and sustainable development, with areas of interest including:
- Carbon-neutral economy
- Climate adaptation
- Earth fundamentals
- Resilient ecosystems
- Climate and social systems
- Climate justice and equity
- Data science and artificial intelligence
- Climate finance and international development
Candidates are encouraged to develop innovative research projects that connect expertise across different parts of Columbia University.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Columbia Climate School Postdoctoral Research Program, applicants must:
- Have received a PhD, MD or JD within three years before the start of the appointment.
- Complete all doctoral requirements and have the degree officially awarded before beginning the appointment.
- Not currently hold a position above the rank of postdoctoral scientist.
- Meet Columbia University’s rules regarding the maximum cumulative period that may be spent in postdoctoral appointments.
- Demonstrate a strong research background relevant to climate change, sustainability or related global challenges.
Applicants currently holding postdoctoral positions may contact the programme to confirm their eligibility.
The programme is open to both U.S. and international applicants. For successful non-U.S. candidates requiring immigration sponsorship, Columbia currently provides limited-term J-1 visa sponsorship for this programme.
Program Benefits | Columbia University Postdoctoral Research Program 2027
Successful Columbia Climate School Postdoctoral Researchers will receive:
- Annual salary of $72,116.
- $7,000 research stipend for reimbursable expenses related to the appointment.
- Full-time Columbia University employee benefits applicable to Officers of Research.
- Access to Columbia Climate School research facilities and multidisciplinary research networks.
- Opportunities to work with leading Columbia faculty, researchers and research centres.
- Participation in postdoctoral seminars and research symposia.
- Professional and interdisciplinary research development.
The $7,000 research stipend may be used for eligible expenses including relocation and moving costs, computers, research equipment, software, books, journals, conferences and research-related travel.
Appointments are initially for 12 months, with the possibility of an additional 12-month extension depending on funding. Appointments typically begin September 1, although some may begin as early as July 1.
Also Check: Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarships [Fully Funded]
Application Procedures
How to Apply: Interested and eligible applicants for the 2027 Columbia University Postdoctoral Research Program should:
- Complete the Columbia Climate School Postdoctoral Research Program online application.
- Develop a research proposal explaining how the proposed work will contribute to global sustainable development.
- Identify potential Columbia Climate School mentors whose expertise aligns with the proposed research.
- Submit all required application materials before the deadline.
- Ensure that all three referees submit their recommendation letters by the application deadline.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify and contact their preferred multidisciplinary mentoring team before applying. This may consist of two or more senior faculty members or research scientists/scholars at Columbia University.
Applicants may propose participation in or extension of existing Climate School projects or develop a new interdisciplinary project connecting relevant areas of expertise across the University.
Application Documents
As part of your application for the Columbia University Postdoctoral Research Program 2027, applicants must submit:
- Online Application
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief Personal History
- Research Proposal
- Three Recommendation Letters
The Brief Personal History must not exceed two double-spaced pages and should include a brief personal and research statement, address the Columbia Climate School’s mission, and provide information about discussions with potential mentors where applicable.
The Research Proposal must not exceed five double-spaced pages, excluding bibliographic references. It should explain how the proposed research contributes to global sustainable development and must include a research title.
All three recommendation letters must also be received by the application deadline.
Application Deadline
October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Applications for the current cycle opened on September 2, 2026. Successful appointments are expected to be announced by April 2027.
