Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment invites applications for its program, with start dates as early as June 2027. This program supports outstanding scholars whose research focuses on innovative solutions to pressing technological, economic, and/or policy challenges relating to energy and the environment.

Fellows must collaborate with two or more Princeton faculty or senior researchers within an energy or environment-related field and work with them to establish an interdisciplinary research plan that aligns with the Andlinger Center’s mission. Research that aligns with one or more of the Center’s is particularly encouraged. Candidates whose plans forge new collaborations with or between associated faculty and researchers in the Andlinger Center’s are strongly preferred, though proposals that extend existing collaborations in creative new directions will be considered.

Appointments are anticipated for two years, with renewal after the first year contingent on satisfactory performance. Fellows will hold the rank of postdoctoral research associate, with a salary of $75,000 and $3,000 per year for conference travel and career development.

Teaching

Participation in teaching is not required, though fellows may guest lecture in courses, with guidance from Princeton mentor(s). Interested fellows are encouraged to pursue workshops and training in pedagogy offered through Princeton’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.

For full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by December 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible candidates must have received their doctorate in a related field no more than three years prior to the anticipated start date. Preference will be given to candidates not currently affiliated with Princeton University.

Applicants must develop a research proposal in consultation with two or more Princeton faculty or senior researchers with whom they intend to collaborate, at least one of whom must be identified as the primary mentor(s). Mentors will be required to submit a letter assessing the candidate’s academic strength and proposed research plan and to commit a portion of the financial support. Princeton mentors who are currently hosting a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow are ineligible to serve as primary mentors; applicants should consult with their prospective mentors to ensure full eligibility.

The materials listed below should be submitted to Princeton University academic hiring portal Interfolio by the application deadline. This position is subject to the University’s background check policy.

• Cover letter

• Curriculum vitae, including publications

• Research plan, developed in consultation with the prospective Princeton mentor(s), with a maximum length of 2 pages. The plan must explain the research context, the interdisciplinary framework of its objectives, and the anticipated impact. The plan should clearly articulate the technological or policy solutions proposed to address the challenges and demonstrate a strong connection to the Andlinger Center’s mission. The research can be applied or fundamental, theoretical or experimental, or a combination of such. Prospective Princeton mentors will be contacted to ensure the applicant has consulted with them in developing the research plan.

• Personal statement (1-2 pages), demonstrating how the fellowship advances the applicant’s career plans and identifying possible additional mentors that they plan to cultivate during the fellowship.

• Letters from 3 references, who will receive an email with instructions on how to send their recommendation.

• Contact information for the applicant’s prospective Princeton primary mentor(s).

Questions about the fellowships or application process may be directed to the Andlinger Center's assistant director for research, Charles Sharpless ().

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.