Deadline: 15 November 2013 by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Open to: candidates who have received their doctoral degrees (Ph.D., M.D. or J.D.) within five years prior to the start of the appointment
Fellowship: annual salary of approximately $48,000, research stipend of $12,000 over the two-year term for reimbursable expenses related to the fellowship, plus health and medical benefits
Description
The Earth Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship 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. Earth Institute Postdoctoral Fellows, often referred to as the EI Fellows, will join multidisciplinary teams of outstanding, committed scientists from across the Earth Institute and Columbia University.
The EI Fellows program provides innovative postdoctoral scholars with the opportunity to build a foundation in one of the core disciplines represented within the Earth Institute (i.e. social, earth, biological, engineering, and health sciences), while at the same time acquiring the breadth of cross-disciplinary expertise needed to address critical issues related to sustainable development. Specific areas of research include food security, energy systems, climate change impacts, poverty reduction, disease, and environmental degradation. The program offers a unique intellectual surrounding that fosters cross-disciplinary interaction, research and education.
Fellowship
EI Fellows will receive an annual salary of approximately $48,000. They are also awarded a research stipend of $12,000 over the two-year term for reimbursable expenses related to the fellowship. These funds can be used for relocation and moving expenses, as well as for computer, travel, conference, journal, book, software, equipment, and other research costs.
EI Fellows are appointed for twenty-four months and appointments typically begin September 1. However, depending on individual circumstances, as well as the needs of a fellow’s host research unit, appointments may begin as early as July 1. EI Fellows are encouraged to participate in the development and submission of research proposals in cooperation with their mentors, host research units, or other researchers. When doing so, they must follow all Columbia University rules applicable to postdoctoral scholars.
Columbia University only grants limited-term J1 visas for non-US citizens. Read more information on Columbia’s visa eligibility policies HERE.
EI Fellows are considered Officers of Research by Columbia University and are therefore eligible for health and medical benefits as well as other benefits provided by the university for full-time employees. For more information on benefits, please visit Columbia’s Office of Human Resources HERE.
The Earth Institute does not provide housing allocation for postdoctoral fellows. Fellows may contact Columbia’s Housing Office for informal guidance on acquiring housing in the areas near the university.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, candidates must have received their doctoral degrees (Ph.D., M.D. or J.D.) within five years prior to the start of the appointment. All doctoral requirements must be fulfilled and the degree awarded before the start of the fellowship. The program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
Application
To apply to the EI Fellows program candidates must submit the following documents by the deadline of 15 November 2013:
- Online Application AVAILABLE HERE
- Curriculum Vitae
- Brief Personal History: Two (2) page maximum, double-spaced; one-inch margins, minimum 11 point standard font).
- Research Proposal: Five (5) page maximum; double-spaced, not including references; one-inch margins; minimum 11 point standard font. References are not included in the 5-page maximum, and may be submitted separately. 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 Earth Institute projects. Candidates are also encouraged to develop new, innovative projects that connect Earth Institute expertise.
Proposals may suggest participating in, contributing to, or extending existing multidisciplinary Earth Institute projects. Candidates are also encouraged to develop new, innovative projects that connect Earth Institute expertise. In addition to submitting the application and proposal, 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.
Three recommendation letters are required. References must upload their letters HERE by 15 November 2013.
For additional information, please email fellows@ei.columbia.edu. You can also see the application guidelines HERE and the official website HERE.
