Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Climate School, Columbia University

Columbia Climate School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Columbia Climate School at Columbia University in New York seeks applications from innovative doctoral candidates or recent Ph.D., M.D., J.D., or Sc.D. recipients within 3 years of degree to pursue a postdoctoral research program addressing sustainable development challenges.

The Postdoctoral Research program offers cross‑disciplinary training to address food security, energy, poverty, health, and environmental challenges.

Qualifications

• Recent PhD or equivalent within 3 years.
• Experience developing cross-disciplinary sustainable development research.
• Ability to identify mentors and prepare research proposals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply cross-disciplinary research on sustainable development.
• Prepare and submit research proposals for the program.
• Collaborate with Columbia Climate School and external mentors.

Skills

Cross-disciplinary research

Education

PhD or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., J.D., Sc.D.) within 3 years of degree receipt

Job description

The Columbia Climate School at Columbia University in New York, NY, seeks applications from innovative doctoral candidates or recent Ph.D., M.D., J.D., or Sc.D. recipients (within 3 years of degree receipt) interested in a broad range of issues in sustainable development.

The Columbia Climate School Postdoctoral Research program provides scholars with the opportunity to acquire and apply the cross-disciplinary expertise needed to address critical issues of sustainable development such as food security, energy systems, poverty reduction, disease, and environmental degradation. Candidates who have developed cross-disciplinary approaches during their graduate studies or who are interested in developing cross-disciplinary approaches during their post-doctoral training will find unique opportunities to engage in programs at the leading edge of sustainable development research.

Candidates must complete the online application and submit a proposal for research that would contribute to global, sustainable development. Candidates may suggest contributing to or expanding on existing Climate School programs or developing new projects that integrate the breadth of expertise of the Climate School and other research units. Candidates are strongly encouraged to identify and contact a mentor prior to applying. You can find possible mentors and projects on our website.

The deadline to submit an application is October 30, 2026, for 12-month appointments starting in the fall of 2027, with a possible extension of twelve more months, contingent on funding. The salary is $72,116.

For more information about the program, visit our site (https://www.climate.columbia.edu/postdoctoral-research-program) or email [e-mail].

The program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. All doctoral requirements must be fulfilled, and the degree awarded within 3 years before the start of the appointment. Gaps in employment or studies will be considered on a case-by-case basis.