The Climate School Postdoctoral Research program is the premier program in the world for those dedicated to a better understanding of critical scientific and social issues in global sustainable development. Columbia Climate School Postdoctoral Researchers will join multidisciplinary teams of outstanding, committed scientists from across the Climate School and Columbia University.

Candidates must have received their doctoral degrees (Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.) within three years prior to the start of the appointment. All doctoral requirements must be fulfilled and the degree awarded before the start of the program. Gaps in employment or studies will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Columbia University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Columbia University policy only allows a cumulative maximum of five years in a postdoctoral position, whether held at or outside of the university.

If you have questions about the timing of your doctoral degree or prior postdoc experience, please contact postdocs@climate.columbia.edu to discuss your application.

Required materials:

• Online Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter (Brief Personal History)
  • Format: Two (2) page maximum; double-spaced; one-inch margins; minimum 11-point standard font. The personal statement should include the following elements based on their relevance to your situation:
    • Brief personal introduction and research statement
    • 1 paragraph addressing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Summary of any discussions you have had with potential mentors
    • Explanation of gaps in employment or studies (these will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
• Research Proposal
  • Format: Five (5) page maximum; double-spaced; one-inch margins; minimum 11-point standard font. Bibliographic references are required but not counted toward the 5-page maximum. They should be included in the same document.
    • The research proposal should address how the proposed work will contribute to the goal of global sustainable development. Proposals may suggest participating in, contributing to, or extending existing multidisciplinary Columbia Climate School projects. Candidates are also encouraged to develop new, innovative, projects that connect Climate School expertise.
• Three (3) Recommendation Letters
  • Three (3) recommendation letters are required by November 1, 2024.

In addition to submitting the above-required materials, applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to identify and contact their desired multidisciplinary mentoring team, i.e., two or more senior faculty members or research scientists/scholars at Columbia University (who hold the rank of Assistant Professor / Research Scientist or higher) with whom they would like to work during their appointment. You can find a list of our faculty who have expressed interest in mentoring a postdoctoral researcher on the application guidelines section of our website.

Please note: The list of faculty who have expressed an interest in mentoring a postdoctoral researcher is not an exhaustive one and we encourage scholars who have a specific research project in mind to contact the appropriate faculty member. An endorsement from a faculty member or researcher does not guarantee acceptance into the program.