The Climate School Postdoctoral Research program at Columbia University supports the scholarship required to address climate change and related global challenges. The Climate School offers solutions through trans disciplinary research, partnerships, education, innovative technology, knowledge building, and idea sharing.

Important details:

• Organized by: Climate School of Columbia University
• Deadline: October 31, 2025 (5 PM Eastern Time)
• Duration: 2 years
• Result Announcement: April 2026
• Location: New York, USA
• Study Level: Postdoctoral

The program offers innovative postdoctoral scholars the opportunity to establish a foundation in one of the Climate School’s core disciplines (sustainability, the environment, social justice, and the geosciences), while also acquiring the breadth of cross-disciplinary expertise required to address critical issues related to sustainable development. Carbon-neutral economy, future climate adaptation, earth fundamentals, resilient ecosystems, climate and social systems, and climate justice and equity are some of the specific areas of research.

Research Areas:

For the postdoctoral program, they welcome research proposals in all areas of sustainable development and climate research. This year, they are particularly interested in the thematic areas listed below, which they see as priorities for addressing some of the global challenges that the Climate School is attempting to address:

• The Food Transition
• Coastal Viability
• Energy Storage
• Carbon Management
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Climate
• Disaster Resilience
• Climate Finance & Risk

Benefits:

• $72,116 – annual salary
• $ 7,000 – research stipend
• If the Postdocs, in cooperation with their mentors, other researchers, or host research units, partake in the development and submission of research proposals, they will be deemed postdoctoral scholars by Columbia University.

These funds can be used for relocation and moving expenses, as well as computers, travel, conferences, journals, books, software, and other research expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Candidates must have received their doctoral degrees (Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.) within the previous three years.
• Before beginning the program, all doctoral requirements must be completed and the degree awarded.
• Gaps in employment or education will be considered on an individual basis.
• The program is open to both US citizens and non-US citizens.
• Columbia University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
• According to Columbia University policy, a postdoctoral position, whether at or outside the university, may be held for a total of 5 years.

Required Documents:

• Online Application
• CV
• Brief Personal History
  • Format: two (2) pages maximum; double-spaced; one-inch margins; standard font of at least 11 points.
  • Based on their relevance to your situation, the following elements should be included in your personal statement:
    • Personal introduction and research statement in brief
    • A summary of any conversations you’ve had with potential mentors
    • Explanation of employment or educational gaps (these will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
• Research Proposal
  • Format: maximum of five (5) pages; double-spaced; one-inch margins; maximum 11-point standard font. Bibliographic references are required but do not count against the 5-page limit. They should be combined into one document.
  • The research proposal should explain how the proposed work will help to achieve global sustainable development. Proposals may include suggestions for joining, contributing to, or expanding on existing multidisciplinary Columbia Climate School projects. Candidates are also encouraged to create new, innovative projects that bring together Climate School expertise.
• 3 Recommendation Letters by November 1

How to apply?

To apply, candidates must fill out an online application and submit a research proposal that contributes to the goal of global sustainable development. Proposals may include suggestions for joining, contributing to, or expanding on existing multidisciplinary Climate School projects. Candidates are also encouraged to create new, innovative projects that bring together Climate School expertise. Candidates are encouraged to identify and contact their desired multidisciplinary mentoring team, i.e., two or more senior faculty members or research scientists/scholars at Columbia University with whom they would like to work during their appointment, in addition to submitting the application and proposal.

Apply Now

Selection Criteria:

Several factors are examined during the initial, rigorous review of the applications, including the following:

• The research proposal’s strength
• Relevance to the mission and research themes of the Climate School
• Potential for interdisciplinary and collaborative work
• Importance of practice/policy/community engagement
• Previous academic achievement
• Academic/professional reference strength

If you have any queries, please contact at postdocs@climate.columbia.edu

For more information about  Climate School Postdoctoral Research Program, please go to the official website of Climate School of Columbia University.

You may also like these opportunities:

• UBC International Scholars Program Awards 2025/26 in Canada

• Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development 2024 (USD1,000,000)

• MIT Emerging Talent Program | Get a Certificate in Computer and Data Science