About Columbia Climate school postdoctoral program
Through the Climate School Postdoctoral Research program, Columbia University’s Climate School supports the scholarship needed to tackle climate change and its related global challenges. The Climate School works to offer solutions through transdisciplinary research, partnerships, education, innovative technology, building knowledge, and the sharing of ideas.
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 Climate as well as in global sustainable development. Climate School Postdoctoral Researchers will join multidisciplinary teams of outstanding, committed scientists to advance our scientific understanding of these challenges and develop practical responses to address them.
Successful postdoctoral candidates are matched with Principal Investigators and mentors from across the Climate School, including the Climate School’s research centers and programs, the Lamont-Doherty’s Earth Observatory, Columbia University Medical Center, and other affiliated schools and departments.
The Columbia Climate school postdoctoral program provides innovative postdoctoral scholars with the opportunity to build a foundation in one of the core disciplines represented within the Climate School (sustainability, the environment, social justice, and the geosciences), 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 carbon neutral economy, adapting to future climate, earth fundamentals, resilient ecosystems, climate, and social systems, and climate justice and equity. The program offers a unique intellectual surrounding that fosters cross-disciplinary interaction, research, and education.
Columbia Climate school postdoctoral program Benefits
Climate School Postdocs will receive an annual salary of $72,116. They are also awarded a research stipend of $7,000 for reimbursable expenses related to the appointment. These funds can be used for relocation and moving expenses, as well as for computers, travel, conference, journal, book, software, equipment, and other research costs.
External Funding: CCS Postdocs 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.
Visas: Columbia University only grants limited-term J1 visas for non-US citizens. Read more information on Columbia’s visa eligibility policies online.
Columbia Climate school postdoctoral program Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, 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 appointment. People holding current positions with rank above post-doctoral scientist are not eligible for appointment under university rules. Those holding current post-doc positions should contact our office to determine eligibility.
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 Climate school postdoctoral program Application Process
Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025 by 5pm Eastern Time
To apply to the program candidates must submit the following documents:
- Online Application
- Curriculum Vitae
- Brief Personal History
- Research Proposal
- 3 Recommendation Letters
In addition to submitting the application and proposal, applicants are encouraged to 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.
Please note that an endorsement from a faculty member or researcher does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Deadline and duration
Start Date and Duration: Climate School Postdocs are appointed for twelve months with a possible extension of twelve more months, contingent on funding. Appointments typically begin on September 1; however, depending on individual circumstances, as well as the needs of a postdoc’s host research unit, appointments may begin as early as July 1.
Application Opens: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025, by 5pm Eastern Time
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